Shrek 5 is Real (and Coming Soon): The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Release Date, Cast, and Plot

Has it been that long? It feels like only yesterday we were all quoting Donkey, singing along with the soundtrack, and learning that ogres, like onions, have layers. The Shrek franchise wasn’t just a series of movies; it was a cultural reset. It flipped fairy tales on their head and proved that the “happily ever after” you expect isn’t always the one you get—and that’s a good thing.

For over a decade, the swamp has been quiet. After Shrek Forever After in 2010, we thought we’d seen the last of our favorite green ogre and his chaotic found family. We got the fantastic Puss in Boots spin-offs, but the core story felt finished. Whispers of a fifth movie came and went, fading into Hollywood rumor.

But get ready to be a believer again. The roar is coming back. Shrek 5 is not a myth. It’s officially in the works, and after years of waiting, we finally have some concrete, exciting, and very recent updates that point to a return to Far Far Away sooner than you think. This isn’t just another sequel; it’s the revival of a legend. Let’s peel back the layers on everything we know about the highly anticipated Shrek 5. 🚀

1. Is Shrek 5 Officially Confirmed? The Answer is YES!

Let’s get the biggest question out of the way first. For years, Shrek 5 was stuck in development limbo. But the silence was officially broken in April 2023. In an interview with Variety, Illumination CEO and DreamWorks creative partner Chris Meledandri confirmed that the studio was actively reviving the franchise.

Meledandri, the genius behind the Despicable Me and The Super Mario Bros. Movie hits, made it clear this wasn’t just a casual idea. He stated that talks were in progress with the original voice cast, emphasizing that their return was a top priority.

“We anticipate the cast coming back,” Meledandri said. “Talks are starting now, and every indication that we’ve gotten is there’s tremendous enthusiasm on behalf of the actors to return.”

This was the first real, high-level confirmation we’d received in years. It wasn’t just a rumor; it was a statement of intent from the very top. And as we now know, those talks were very, very successful.

2. Shrek 5 Release Date: When Can We Return to the Swamp?

So, it’s confirmed, but when can we buy our tickets? While DreamWorks and Universal Pictures haven’t released an official movie poster with a date just yet, the timeline is becoming surprisingly clear.

Initially, a report surfaced in late 2023, allegedly from an NBCUniversal employee, that suggested a 2025 release year. This remained a strong but unverified rumor for months.

However, the floodgates just opened. In a bombshell interview with Collider on June 24, 2025, none other than Eddie Murphy himself spilled the beans. When asked about the movie, he confirmed:

“We started doing Shrek 5 months ago… I’ve already recorded the first act… We’re doing it. It’s coming out in 2025.”

There you have it., straight from the donkey’s mouth. While we don’t have a specific day (studios often aim for summer or holiday releases), we can confidently mark our 2025 calendars for the return of Shrek.

3. The Original Cast is Back: Who Has Signed On?

A Shrek movie without the original cast would be like a waffle without syrup—it just wouldn’t be right. Meledandri knew this, and securing the iconic voices was his primary goal. Based on all reports and Murphy’s recent confirmation, it looks like the whole gang is getting back together.

Mike Myers as Shrek

It’s hard to imagine anyone else behind that grumpy, lovable ogre. Mike Myers made the character a global icon. While he has been less active in Hollywood in recent years, his love for the character has never been in doubt. He even hinted at his willingness to return in a 2022 interview, stating he’d be “thrilled” to do a Shrek movie every year if he could. His involvement is considered a lock.

Eddie Murphy as Donkey

Eddie Murphy is Donkey. His fast-talking, pop-culture-referencing, waffle-loving performance is arguably one of the greatest voice-acting feats of all time. Murphy has been the most vocal and enthusiastic supporter of a return. He has repeatedly expressed his desire to come back and, as mentioned, confirmed he’s already in the recording booth. His energy is the lifeblood of the franchise, and knowing he’s back is a massive relief for fans.

Cameron Diaz’s Big Return as Fiona

This was perhaps the biggest question mark. Cameron Diaz famously retired from acting in 2014 to focus on her family and personal life. Getting her back seemed like a long shot. However, Meledandri specifically mentioned her in his Variety interview, expressing hope for her return. Following her recent on-screen comeback in the aptly titled film Back in Action, all signs point to her reprising her role as the fierce and independent Princess Fiona. Her journey from a cursed princess to a proud ogre wife and mother is central to the series’ heart.

4. Plot Predictions & Rumors: What’s the Story in Shrek 5?

With the cast and release window settled, the million-dollar question is: what will Shrek 5 be about? The script is a tightly guarded secret, but we have some major clues.

Picking Up After Shrek Forever After

The fourth film gave us a pretty definitive ending. Shrek, after experiencing a world where he was never born, rediscovers his love for his family and friends. The final scene shows a happy, loving family in the swamp, with their three ogre babies—Fergus, Farkle, and Felicia.

A 15-year time jump seems plausible. This would put the ogre triplets in their teenage years, opening up a world of narrative possibilities. Imagine Shrek and Fiona trying to parent three angsty ogre teenagers. The fairy-tale-meets-suburban-parenting-drama writes itself. It’s a natural evolution of the story and a theme ripe for comedic and emotional exploration.

The Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Connection

The biggest clue comes from the post-credits scene of the critically acclaimed 2022 film Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. After cheating death, Puss, alongside Kitty Softpaws and their new friend Perrito, hijack a ship. When Perrito asks where they’re going, Puss looks to the horizon and says he’s going to see “some old friends.” The camera then pans to a shot of the Kingdom of Far Far Away.

This wasn’t just a cute nod; it was a clear and direct setup. It strongly suggests that Shrek 5 will involve a reunion and that the adventure may take our heroes out of the swamp and back to the politics and glamour of Far Far Away.

A New Villain for a New Era?

From the diminutive Lord Farquaad to the scheming Fairy Godmother and the bitter Rumpelstiltskin, Shrek has faced some iconic villains. A new film needs a new antagonist worthy of the franchise. Could it be someone from a nursery rhyme we haven’t seen yet? Or perhaps a more complex, modern villain that subverts fairy tale tropes in a new way? Whatever the case, the bar is set high.

5. Beyond Shrek 5: A Donkey Spin-Off Movie is Also Coming!

As if Shrek 5 wasn’t enough good news, Eddie Murphy dropped another bombshell in his June 2025 Collider interview. For years, he’s argued that Donkey is a more compelling character than Puss in Boots and deserved his movie. Well, he got his wish.

“Shrek is coming out, and Donkey’s gonna have his own movie. We’re doing a Donkey movie next,” Murphy confirmed.

This is huge. A solo Donkey film has been a fan’s dream for ages. While details are nonexistent right now, the confirmation that it’s the next project after Shrek 5 means the Shrek Cinematic Universe (SCU?) is officially expanding.

6. The Enduring Legacy: Why Are We Still So Hyped for Shrek?

In an age of endless sequels and reboots, why does the return of Shrek feel so different, so… important? I think it’s because the original films did something revolutionary.

• It Had Heart: Beneath the fart jokes and pop culture references was a powerful message about self-acceptance. “It’s the world that seems to have a problem with me,” Shrek tells Donkey. Learning to love yourself, layers and all, is timeless.
• The Humor Was Groundbreaking: It catered to kids and adults simultaneously in a way few animated films did at the time. The writing was sharp, witty, and unapologetically satirical.
• The Soundtrack Was Iconic: From “All Star” to “Holding Out for a Hero,” the music is forever embedded in our collective consciousness. You hear the first few notes of a song from Shrek, and you’re instantly transported. 😊

We aren’t just nostalgic for a movie; we’re nostalgic for the way it made us feel. It was funny, rebellious, and surprisingly sweet. It taught us to look past appearances and find the beauty in being different.

Conclusion: The Fairy Tale Isn’t Over

The return to the swamp is real. With a 2025 release confirmed by Eddie Murphy, the original cast poised to return, and a story that will seemingly reunite all our favorite characters, Shrek 5 is one of the most exciting film prospects on the horizon.

This isn’t a cash-grab reboot. It feels like a genuine, passion-fueled return to a world that millions of us grew up with and adore. The creators understand the legacy they’re handling, and the excitement from the cast is palpable. Get ready to update your playlists and practice your roar, because the world’s favorite ogre is about to make his grand return.

What do you think will happen in Shrek 5? Share your theories in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Shrek 5 confirmed? Yes, absolutely. Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri confirmed it in 2023, and star Eddie Murphy re-confirmed in a June 2025 interview that he has already begun recording his lines for the film.

2. When is the Shrek 5 release date? While an exact date has not been announced by the studio, Eddie Murphy has confirmed that Shrek 5 will be released in 2025.

3. Will the original cast (Myers, Murphy, Diaz) return for Shrek 5? All signs point to yes. Universal’s goal was to bring back the original cast. Eddie Murphy has confirmed he is back as Donkey, and reports strongly indicate Mike Myers (Shrek) and Cameron Diaz (Fiona) are also returning.

4. What will Shrek 5 be about? The plot is secret, but the ending of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish heavily implies a reunion in the kingdom of Far Far Away. A popular and logical theory is that the story will feature Shrek and Fiona’s children as teenagers, exploring themes of family and parenting.

5. Will there be a Puss in Boots 3? There is no official word on a third Puss in Boots movie, but given the massive critical and commercial success of The Last Wish, it seems highly likely. For now, the focus is on Shrek 5 and the newly announced Donkey spin-off film.