Shrek’ and ‘Minions’ fans, brace for major schedule shifts

Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation have rescheduled several major release dates, including the highly anticipated Shrek 5.

Originally slated for July 1, 2026, the film will now debut on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, aligning with DreamWorks Animation’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

In a corresponding move, Illumination Entertainment’s Minions 3 has been bumped up from June 30, 2027, to the previously reserved Shrek 5 slot of Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Universal has a strong track record with the Minions and Despicable Me franchises in the Independence Day weekend window, with Despicable Me 4 recently earning a $230 million global opening.

Additionally, an untitled Illumination event movie has been rescheduled from March 19, 2027, to June 30, 2027.

Shrek 5 will feature returning stars Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz, reprising their beloved roles as Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona. Directed by franchise veterans Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon, the movie boasts a production team led by Gina Shay and Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri.

Minions 3 will be helmed by Pierre Coffin, who has directed several entries in the Despicable Me and Minions franchises, while Brian Lynch is penning the script.

Both franchises remain juggernauts in the animation world, with the Shrek films grossing over $2.9 billion and the Minions/Despicable Me series surpassing $5 billion worldwide.