Universal Pictures has announced a reshuffling of its major animated franchises, affecting the release dates for Minions 3 and Shrek 5.
Originally set for release on July 1, 2026, Shrek 5 has been delayed by five months and will now premiere on December 23, 2026.
This shift opens up space for the untitled Minions 3, which will now hit theaters on July 1, 2026, nearly a year earlier than its original release date of June 30, 2027.
What to Expect from the Upcoming Films
Shrek 5, directed by Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon, will bring back fan-favorite voice actors Mike Myers (Shrek), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), and Cameron Diaz (Fiona).
This new installment will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Shrek franchise, which has grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide. The film will be the first in the main Shrek series since Shrek Forever After in 2010.
Meanwhile, Minions 3 will see Pierre Coffin return as director and voice of the mischievous yellow henchmen. The Minions franchise, which includes the Despicable Me films and their spin-offs, has grossed nearly $5 billion globally. Minions 3 is set to continue the story of the lovable characters following the success of Minions: The Rise of Gru in 2022.
Shifting Release Dates and Future Plans
In addition to these changes, Universal confirmed that an untitled Illumination film will take over Minions 3‘s original release slot of June 30, 2027, pushing its previous March 2027 debut.
For Shrek 5, while the delay is a disappointment for fans hoping for a summer release, it now lands in the prime Christmas season, a traditionally competitive time for blockbuster films. It will face stiff competition from other major releases such as Jumanji 3, Ice Age 6, and a potential film from Denis Villeneuve.
Spin-Offs and the Future of the Franchise
Despite the delay, Shrek fans have more to look forward to. Eddie Murphy, who voices Donkey, confirmed that a Donkey-centric spin-off is in development.
Murphy revealed in a Collider interview that work on Shrek 5 is already underway, and Donkey’s solo movie is also in the works.
Though Shrek 5‘s delay may be a setback for fans, the future of the franchise looks promising with potential spin-offs and more exciting stories on the way.
