Introduction

DreamWorks Animation is bringing Shrek back to the big screen after more than a decade. Fans have been waiting for the next chapter since Shrek Forever After in 2010, and the ogre’s return is finally on the horizon. Shrek 5 will reunite the beloved swamp dwellers and introduce new faces, promising a fresh take on the fairytale franchise. From the release schedule to the voice cast and plot rumors, here is everything we know about the upcoming film.

Release date and production timeline

According to official announcements and reporting, Shrek 5 will hit theaters on December 23, 2026. The film was originally scheduled for July 1, 2026 but was delayed to its current date. This marks the first time a Shrek film will not debut in May, and it arrives sixteen years after the last installment. Voice acting reportedly wrapped in 2024, giving the animation team time to perfect the visuals. The script was written by Michael McCullers, who has described the story as a “pretty big reinvention” for the series. The film is directed by Walt Dohrn, Conrad Vernon and Brad Ableson and produced by Chris Meledandri and Gina Shay.

Returning and new cast

The core voice cast is set to return. Mike Myers will once again provide the Scottish brogue for Shrek, with Eddie Murphy voicing Donkey and Cameron Diaz reprising Princess Fiona. The couple’s teenage daughter Felicia, one of the ogre triplets introduced at the end of Shrek the Third, will play a major role and will be voiced by Zendaya. Other returning voices include Cody Cameron as Pinocchio and Chris Miller as the Magic Mirror. There is speculation that Antonio Banderas’s Puss in Boots may not appear in the fifth film because the actor has said he will not return. The casting announcement has sparked excitement over new characters who might join the franchise.

Story and plot speculation

Plot details are still under wraps, but the filmmakers have hinted that Shrek 5 will center on the next generation. The story is expected to follow Felicia as she embarks on her own adventure, stepping out of her parents’ shadow and discovering what it means to be an ogre princess. Her journey may introduce her to new parts of the kingdom and new fairy tale creatures, while also bringing back familiar faces. Co-writer Michael McCullers described the script as a reinvention, suggesting a different tone and structure that acknowledges the passage of time. The film may explore themes of legacy, family and finding one’s place in a changing world.

Production team and creative vision

Shrek 5 brings together experienced hands from the franchise and new collaborators. Walt Dohrn, who worked on the previous films and directed Trolls World Tour, is joined by Conrad Vernon and Brad Ableson in the director’s chair. Chris Meledandri, the CEO of Illumination and producer of Despicable Me, is producing alongside long-time Shrek producer Gina Shay. Their goal is to preserve the humor and heart that made Shrek a phenomenon while pushing the story in new directions. The extended production timeline reflects their commitment to quality animation and a story that resonates with audiences old and new.

What to expect

The recently released teaser poster shows a giant green number 5 with ogre ears and the tagline “The All-Star Returns.” The poster emphasizes that the film arrives in theaters on December 23, 2026. With a returning voice cast, the debut of Felicia as a central heroine and hints of a reinvention, Shrek 5 aims to breathe new life into the franchise. Fans can expect familiar fairy tale parody humor, catchy musical sequences and heartfelt lessons about identity and acceptance. As more details emerge, Shrek 5 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated animated films of the decade.

Final thoughts

After years of rumors and delays, Shrek 5 is finally becoming a reality. The sequel will celebrate the franchise’s legacy while introducing a new chapter for the ogre family. With its holiday release date, star-studded cast and promise of a “big reinvention,” the film is poised to draw longtime fans and new viewers alike. Keep checking back for updates as DreamWorks reveals more about the swamp and its inhabitants.

Joe Lam’s highly anticipated horror-comedy The Fetus is set to send chills and thrills when it hits theaters in March 2025. The film combines unsettling body horror with dark humor, weaving a terrifying yet blood-soaked narrative about pregnancy gone horribly wrong. At the heart of the story are Alessa and Chris, a couple grappling with a demonic pregnancy that turns their lives into a living nightmare.

Lauren LaVera, fresh off her star-making turn in Terrifier 3, leads the cast as Alessa, while horror legend Bill Moseley (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, House of 1000 Corpses) delivers a sinister performance as Maddox, Alessa’s father. Joining them is Julian Curtis (Are You Afraid of the Dark? Ghost Island) as Chris, Alessa’s devoted yet increasingly terrified partner.

The trailer offers a glimpse into this twisted tale. After ignoring medical advice, Alessa discovers she’s pregnant—but her joy quickly spirals into horror. Desperate for guidance, she and Chris turn to Maddox, whose dark intentions trap them in a web of terror. As the pregnancy progresses, Alessa realizes her unborn child is a demonic force that demands human sacrifices to survive. The film promises shocking twists, visceral scares, and a surprising dose of humor.

Director Joe Lam, known for his acclaimed short films, makes his feature-length debut with The Fetus. The movie delves into themes of family bonds, personal sacrifices, and societal debates about parenthood, all wrapped in a terrifying narrative. Drawing inspiration from classics like Rosemary’s Baby, Lam emphasizes practical effects and psychological tension, ensuring a unique and immersive experience.

With The Fetus, Lauren LaVera continues her meteoric rise in the horror genre, while Bill Moseley delivers another iconic performance. The film’s innovative blend of horror and comedy makes it one to watch for fans of blood-curdling, thought-provoking cinema.

Charli XCX, the British pop sensation known for her genre-defying music, has thrilled fans by joining Letterboxd, the popular social platform for film lovers. Famous for hits like “Boom Clap” and “1999,” Charli is now making waves in the cinematic world. Her account went viral on December 27, and after confirming its authenticity with the cheeky bio update, “my account got leaked i guess,” fans have dived into her eclectic taste in movies.

Charli’s favorite films include a mix of cult classics and experimental gems, such as Charlie’s Angels, The Addiction, Bride of Frankenstein, and Céline and Julie Go Boating. Despite her hectic schedule in 2024, she has managed to watch an impressive 210 films so far this year.

Adding to the excitement are her witty and unfiltered reviews. For Bob Dylan’s biopic, A Complete Unknown, she humorously remarked, “there were a lot of songs in this!” Reflecting on The Tragedy of Macbeth, she shared, “watched this whilst george built lego,” referencing her fiancé, George Daniel. Her review of Moneyball hilariously dismissed it with, “This isn’t for British people.” Meanwhile, after watching Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, she confessed to a wild night out, writing, “was so amped after watching this i ended up going out til 5am with Harrison and then was super hungover for the met. worth it though.”

Charli’s foray into the film world isn’t just as a viewer. She’s set to star in a slate of upcoming movies, including 100 Nights of Hero, Erupcja, Faces of Death, I Want Your Sex, and Sacrifice. Among the most anticipated is The Gallerist, where she’ll share the screen with Natalie Portman and Jenna Ortega, marking a major step in her evolving career.

For fans of both music and cinema, Charli XCX’s Letterboxd presence offers a fresh glimpse into her artistic inspirations and upcoming projects, solidifying her status as a multi-talented icon.