Shrek and Donkey Are Coming Back to the Swamp! Everything We Know About Shrek 5 So Far From the cast to the release date, here’s everything to know about 'Shrek 5' and a possible Donkey spinoff By Maddie Garfinkle Maddie Garfinkle Maddie Garfinkle has been contributing to PEOPLE since 2024. She has over six years of experience writing and reporting on a variety of topics including entertainment, lifestyle and technology. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 28, 2025 09:56AM EST Shrek and Donkey in 'Shrek 2'. Credit : Moviestore/Shutterstock Fans of the beloved Shrek franchise have reason to celebrate: production on Shrek 5 is well underway. Eddie Murphy, who has voiced the lovable, comedic character of Donkey since 2001, teased the project in June 2024 — despite DreamWorks Animation not officially announcing the film. Adding to the excitement, Murphy hinted at a standalone Donkey movie, which he believes is likely to happen. “We started doing Shrek 4 or [Shrek] 5 months ago. I did this, I recorded the first act, and we’ll be doing it this year, we’ll finish it up,” Murphy told Collider while on a press tour for Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley. "Shrek is coming out, and Donkey’s gonna have his own movie." It’s been over two decades since the first Shrek film premiered, and the franchise has since released three sequels and two Puss in Boots spin-offs. The six films have grossed over $1.6 billion combined. Here's everything to know about Shrek 5, including a premiere date and what Eddie Murphy has said about reprising his iconic role. When will Shrek 5 be released? Shrek, Fiona and Donkey in 'Shrek 2'. Moviestore/Shutterstock Shrek 5 was originally set to premiere on July 1, 2026, but DreamWorks and Universal Pictures announced that it had been pushed back in January 2025, as reported by Deadline. The movie will now hit theaters on Dec. 23, 2026, timed to DreamWorks' 25th anniversary. Who is in the cast? Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz in 2010. Lester Cohen/WireImage Murphy, Mike Myers, the voice of Shrek, and Cameron Diaz, the voice of Fiona, will all return for Shrek 5. DreamWorks officially confirmed the cast's return in July 2024. Where Is the Shrek Cast Now? See What the Original Voice Actors Have Been Up to Since They Left the Swamp (Plus Who’s Returning for Shrek 5!) Which new cast members are joining Shrek 5? Zendaya. Arnold Jerocki/Getty Zendaya will join the legendary cast as Shrek and Fiona's daughter, Felicia. Universal Pictures shared the big news in a February 2025 cast announcement video. What is Shrek 5 about? Shrek and Donkey in 'Shrek Forever After'. Dream Works Animation/Kobal/Shutterstock Details about the plot of Shrek 5 remain under wraps. However, given the franchise's history, fans can likely expect a continuation of Shrek's adventures in the magical land of Far Far Away, filled with humor, memorable characters and touching moments. Is there a trailer for Shrek 5? As of now, there is no trailer available for Shrek 5. Given that the movie is still in the early stages of production, fans may need to wait a bit longer for a first look. Who is directing Shrek 5? Walt Dohrn is directing Shrek 5. He was a writer and artist for Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third. He then served as head of story and voiced Rumpelstiltskin on Shrek Forever After. The previous films in the series were directed by Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson, Kelly Asbury and Mike Mitchell. What has Eddie Murphy said about returning to Shrek? Eddie Murphy attends Critics' Choice Association's Celebration of Black Cinema in 2019. Michael Kovac/Getty Throughout the years, Murphy has expressed his fondness for the character Donkey and his enthusiasm for upcoming projects, including the potential standalone Donkey movie. "You know, they did Puss in Boots movies," Murphy told Etalk in 2023. "I was like, 'They should have done a Donkey movie. Donkey is funnier than Puss in Boots.' I mean, I love Puss in Boots, but he ain't funny as the Donkey." Close Read more: Entertainment Movies Children & Family Movies