Shrek 5 has taken the world by storm, with a legion of fans eagerly awaiting what is set to be one of the most anticipated sequels ever, 14 years since we last saw our favourite ogre on screen.
Brace yourselves though, as this animated juggernaut won't be hitting the cinemas just yet; the original launch date of July 1, 2026, is now shifted back to December 23.
This turn of events aligns the film's release with the festive season, potentially making it a blockbuster Christmas treat for families, but die-hard Shrek enthusiasts are nothing short of enraged over the prolonged wait.
The silver lining is that franchise royalty Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy will all return to voice Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey respectively, while further details on additional cast and plot remain a mystery.
In previous chatter, Murphy spilled the beans to Collider about starting voice work months ago and even teased fans with talks of a Donkey spin-off film.
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GETTY)"We started doing Shrek four or five months ago," he revealed last June.
"I recorded the first act, and we'll be doing it this year. We'll finish it up."
News of the delay has sent shockwaves among the fanbase, leading to a mix of heartbreak and hope; some believe a longer production time could result in an even better final product.
Tensions flared online as one irked X user stated simply: "Well, that's not cool," while another agonised: "WHYY @Shrek?!" Frustrations boiled over as someone else declared: "I don't want s**t to get delayed anymore," Meanwhile, another forlorn admirer lamented: "We are in a living hell", reports the Mirror US.
However, a glass-half-full fan pointed out: "Look on the bright side, at least it will give the production team more time to work well and make the film perfect."
The conversation spilled over onto Reddit, where film enthusiasts were cautiously optimistic that the delay might ultimately be a positive development.
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DREAMWORKS)One user opined: "This could bode better for Shrek," suggesting that a less crowded release schedule would improve the movie's chances.
Another Reddit user chimed in: "I can also understand if they want additional time to polish the film."
"If they come up with a rock solid script and get great previews, they have a billion dollars guaranteed."
That said, some fans have noted that the new release date in December 2026 will put Shrek 5 up against some stiff competition, including Jumanji 3, Ice Age 6, and possibly Dune: Messiah.
On a lighter note, one fan dramatically confessed: "I just fell to my knees at a Walmart."
Will Shrek 5 be worth the wait? The answer is still far, far away...
Shrek 5 will be released in cinemas December 23, 2026.
English (US) ·