“Who is behind this?” A valid inquiry, as the early footage leaves much to be desired. DreamWorks Animation has released a brief 20-second teaser for Shrek 5, marking a new chapter in the beloved Shrek franchise. This sequel is set to hit theaters a staggering 16 years after Shrek Forever After, which premiered in 2010. Since then, the franchise has seen no direct continuations, aside from the recent Puss in Boots films and various brand collaborations. Shrek 5 will be the fifth installment in this iconic animation series that began in 2001. The original voice cast is back, featuring Cameron Diaz as Fiona, Mike Myers as Shrek, and Eddie Murphy as Donkey, alongside Zendaya voicing Felicia, the now-adult daughter of Shrek and Fiona. Scheduled for release on Christmas Day in December 2026, this film has been delayed from its initial July 2026 launch. The teaser suggests a redesign of the characters, which has drawn widespread criticism for its unappealing aesthetic. The consensus among viewers is clear: this does not look promising. Many believe it would have been better to leave Shrek’s story in the past.

Check out the first look at DreamWorks Animation’s sequel Shrek 5, available on Universal’s YouTube channel:

Shrek 5 – Coming to Theaters Christmas 2026. The beloved characters from Far Far Away are returning. No additional plot details have been disclosed at this time. Shrek 5 is helmed by accomplished animation directors Walt Dohrn (known for Trolls, Trolls World Tour, Trolls Band Together) and Conrad Vernon (director of Shrek 2, Monsters vs Aliens, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted, Sausage Party, The Addams Family 1 & 2, Sausage Party: Foodtopia), with co-direction from Brad Ableson. The screenplay is penned by Michael McCullers and produced by Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri and Gina Shay, under the banner of DreamWorks Animation. Development on this sequel resumed in 2014, with Universal Pictures officially confirming the production of a fifth Shrek film following its acquisition of DreamWorks Animation in 2016. Updates have been provided from March 2017 through July 2024. Universal is set to release DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek 5 in theaters worldwide starting on December 25th, 2026, coinciding with the 16-year gap since Forever After and the 25th anniversary of the original Shrek in 2001. What are your thoughts on this initial reveal?

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