LAS VEGAS, NV – As DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) is marking the milestone at Licensing Expo 2026 by unveiling plans for the release of DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek 5, the thrilling next adventure in one of the most beloved global animated franchises of all time.

 Arriving in cinemas on June 30, 2027, Shrek 5 marks the long-awaited return of one of animation’s most enduring franchises. The film reunites comedy legends Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz in their signature roles as Shrek, Donkey and Fiona, joined by global star Zendaya.

The release will be supported by a comprehensive, cross‑company campaign spanning film, television, streaming and consumer products as well as theme park and digital experiences. From global marketing moments and immersive fan experiences to coordinated retail activations, the campaign is designed to position Shrek 5 as one of the defining cultural events of the summer.

“As Shrek celebrates 25 years of cultural impact and looks toward its next cinematic chapter, the franchise is stepping into an exciting new era,” said Rafa Macias, Executive Vice President, Global Consumer Products & Games, Universal Products & Experiences. “This new chapter celebrates a beloved legacy—bringing new partners and experiences to life— while honoring the fans who’ve grown up with Shrek and introducing the joy and irreverent humor of Far, Far Away to new audiences.”

This year will also mark the debut of an expanded presence in theme parks including the all-new Universal Kids Resort – a regional theme park specifically designed for families with young children coming to Frisco, Texas later this summer.  Shrek and friends will be present in DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp. The attraction Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After will take kids and their families on a special ride through the story of how Shrek met Fiona. Built by Shrek for their triplets, families will ride along to relive the quest to rescue Princess Fiona, with help from Donkey of course. For ogre-sized appetites, Shrek’s triplets’ favorite eats will be served at Swamp Snacks including the Shrekzel. For swamp apparel, accessories and plush for the whole family, Triplets Treasures will allow parents to shop for themselves along with matching and complementary outfits for their growing ogres. Kids and their grown-ups will also have a chance to meet Shrek and Fiona. Two interactive play areas, Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp and Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash, will allow kids to stomp and/or splash away.

For the past two decades, audiences have been enchanted by the irreverent adventures of a misunderstood ogre and his ragtag group of roguish fairy-tale folk. The four Shrek franchise films have earned more than $2.9 billion worldwide, spawning a global live-touring show, an award-winning Broadway musical that earned eight Tony® nominations and 12 Drama Desk nominations, plus an immersive, top-tourist destination in London and popular events and attractions across Universal Destinations & Experiences’ theme parks including Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Beijing Resort and Universal Studios Singapore.

These qualities have enabled the brand to resonate across generations, from millennials who grew up with the original films, to Gen Z audiences driving renewed relevance through digital and meme culture, to younger viewers discovering the franchise for the first time through streaming.

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About DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek 5
Arriving in theaters in time to celebrate its 25th anniversary, DreamWorks Animation will invite audiences back to a land Far, Far Away for a thrilling new adventure in one of the most beloved global animated franchises of all time: Shrek 5.

Comedy legends Mike Myers (Austin Powers films, Bohemian Rhapsody), Oscar® nominee Eddie Murphy (Beverly Hills Cop franchise, Dreamgirls) and Cameron Diaz (Charlie’s Angels franchise, There’s Something About Mary and the upcoming Back In Action) return to their signature roles as Shrek, Donkey and Fiona.

Shrek 5 will be directed by acclaimed filmmakers and Shrek franchise veterans Conrad Vernon and Walt Dohrn. Vernon’s directing credits include Shrek 2, Madagascar 2 and is the voice of Gingerbread Man (aka Gingy). Dorhn (Trolls franchise) worked on the second and third Shrek films as a writer and artist and as Head of Story on the fourth film. Dohrn also voiced the character of Rumpelstilskin in Shrek Forever After.

The film will be produced by returning producer Gina Shay (Trolls franchise), who produced Shrek Forever After and by Illumination CEO and Academy Award® nominee Chris Meledandri (Despicable Me and Minions franchise, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Sing and Secret Life of Pets films). The film will be co-directed by Brad Ableson (Minions: The Rise of Gru, The Simpsons).

For the past two decades, audiences have been enchanted by the delightful, irreverent adventures of a misunderstood ogre and his ragtag group of roguish fairytale folk, based on the book by acclaimed author William Steig. Beginning in 2001 with Shrek, the winner of the first ever Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature, Shrek, Donkey and Fiona (along with their friends, family and tormentors), have grown into an indelible part of pop culture, reminding audiences around the globe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The four Shrek franchise films have earned more than $2.9 billion worldwide, spawning a global live-touring show, an award-winning Broadway musical that earned eight Tony® nominations and 12 Drama Desk nominations, plus an immersive, top-tourist destination in London and popular events and attractions across Universal Destinations & Experiences’ theme parks.

From an astonishing consumer-products campaign to imaginative digital extensions and a global animation exhibition tour, the iconic age of Shrek will soon enter a new, exciting era as DreamWorks Animation reimagines this wonderous tale for a new generation. 

About Universal Products & Experiences
Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) globally drives the expansion and elevation of NBCUniversal’s iconic collection of brands, intellectual properties, characters and stories, based on the company’s extensive portfolio created by Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation, and NBCUniversal Television and Streaming.The division brings these properties to life through innovative physical and digital products, as well as engaging retail and product experiences across global theme park destinations (for both owned and third-party IP), location-based venues, e-commerce platforms and retailers worldwide. Alongside global brand strategy and creative, UP&E’s lines of business include Consumer Products and Games, as well as Theme Parks Products & Retail. UP&E is part of Universal Destinations & Experiences, a division of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. More information is available at universalproductsexperiences.com.