It wasn’t that long ago DreamWorks revealed the Shrek franchise was making a comeback with a new movie. For those excited to kick back with him, Fiona, and Donkey, you’ll have to wait a bit longer.
On Friday, Universal announced it had pushed Shrek 5 back from its original July 1, 2026 slot to December 23 that same year. Minions 3 now has Shrek’s original spot; Illumination’s threequel was announced last year with an intended release of June 30, 2027. And where Minions once was, a currently untitled movie from Illumination has now planted a flag on that June 2027 date after previously being locked in for that March.
The studio didn’t say why it pushed the movies forward (or back), but it ends up working in Shrek and Minions‘ favor. The Despicable Me franchise tends to do pretty well during the Independence Day season, and kids’ movies have been shown to have pretty strong holiday legs.
Both Shrek 5 and Minions 3 are being headed up by longtime veterans from their respective franchises. Shrek 2 co-director Conrad Vernon and Walt Dohrn, artist-story head on Shrek 4, are helming the new film, which brings back the series’ voice trio of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy. Puss in Boots 2’s ending Antonio Banderas’ swashbuckling feline may also come back, but it’s currently unclear how or if he’ll be featured in this film. Meanwhile, Minions 3 will be directed by Peter Coffin, who directed the first three Despicable Me films (and voices the chittering yellow beasts), and written by Brian Lynch, who penned the original 2015 spinoff movie.
So, to recap: Minions 3 on July 1, 2026, Shrek 5 on December 23, 2026, and an unknown Illumination movie on June 30, 2027. And just before Minions is the next Super Mario on April 3, 2026.
[]via Deadline]
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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