Universal Pictures is undertaking a strategic adjustment to its movie release schedule for two iconic animation franchises that have entertained audiences for years. On Friday, the studio unveiled that DreamWorks Animation's highly anticipated "Shrek 5" will now debut on the festive Wednesday, December 23, 2026, shifting from its earlier July 1, 2026, release date. The fifth installment in the beloved ogre's saga will be helmed by directors Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon, with Brad Ableson joining as co-director. The film, produced by Gina Shay and Chris Meledandri, promises a reunion of vocal talents including Mike Myers (Shrek), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), and Cameron Diaz (Fiona), who will once again lend their voices to the beloved characters.
In a parallel development, Illumination's "Minions 3" has been rescheduled to storm theaters on July 1, 2026, advancing from its previously set June 30, 2027, release. Pierre Coffin, the visionary director behind the first three "Despicable Me" films and the inaugural "Minions" spin-off, will take the reins of "Minions 3," scripting duties being handled by Brian Lynch. Coffin will once again lend his voice to the mischievous yellow creatures, who first captured hearts as the sidekicks to former supervillain Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) in the 2010 hit "Despicable Me."
Additionally, Universal revealed that an untitled event film from Illumination will now claim the June 30, 2027, date that was initially occupied by "Minions 3." This untitled film was initially slated for a March 19, 2027, release.
The Minions last charmed audiences on the silver screen in 2024's "Despicable Me 4," which followed the 2022 release of their second spin-off, "Minions: The Rise of Gru." Collectively, the "Despicable Me" and "Minions" films have amassed nearly $5 billion at the global box office, showcasing the enduring appeal of these lovable yellow miscreants.
"Shrek 5" is timed to arrive in theaters to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the franchise's inaugural film, released in 2001. The series, centered on the lovable yet misunderstood ogre and his fairy tale friends, has surpassed $2.9 billion at the worldwide box office with its four theatrical releases. The most recent chapter, "Shrek Forever After," hit theaters in 2010. Additionally, two spin-offs featuring Antonio Banderas' Puss in Boots have been met with immense success, with "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" arriving in 2022.
