New Release Dates for Shrek 5 and Minions 3

With "Shrek 5" and "Minions 3", the two latest entries in two major animated film series have been given new release dates. Cinema releases had originally already been set for both, but these have now been changed.

Good news for "Minions 3"

For fans of the "Minions" series, there is reason to be happy. Universal is moving the sequel forward by a good year. Instead of summer 2027, the Minions will be in cinemas on July 1, 2026.

Fans should also be pleased about the choice for the position behind the camera. Franchise veteran Pierre Coffin, director of the first part of the series and the first three "Despicable Me" films, will once again be responsible for directing.

"Shrek 5" later than expected

"Shrek 5", on the other hand, will be postponed by six months. The fifth installment of the popular animated films was announced for December 23, 2026. For the "Shrek" series, the film is therefore coming in an anniversary year. "Shrek" celebrated its premiere in cinemas 25 years ago.

With these announcements, 2026 could prove to be a good year for animated films. On December 18, 2026, "Ice Age 6" is also set to be released. We are therefore looking forward to a potential year of animated films with excitement.

The "Shrek" series

The "Shrek" series is one of the most successful and influential animated film franchises of recent decades. Since the release of the first film in 2001, the series has thrilled millions of people worldwide and established itself as one of the most important works in animation history. The films are popular not only for their unique humor and lovable characters, but also for their ability to challenge classic fairy tales in an entertaining yet profound way.

The origin of "Shrek"

The first "Shrek" film was based on the children's book of the same name by William Steig, which was published in 1990. DreamWorks Animation took the material and brought the story of a green ogre called Shrek to the big screen. The film, directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, tells the story of Shrek, an outsider who lives in a swamp and values peace and solitude. But when the tyrannical Lord Farquaad expels all the fairy-tale creatures from his kingdom, Shrek and his talking donkey set out to stop the expulsion and confront Farquaad. On their journey, they meet Fiona, a princess whose secret changes the course of the story.

The movie thrilled both children and adults. What sets "Shrek" apart from other animated films is its humor, which is not only aimed at a younger audience, but also offers clever allusions to pop culture and society that will appeal to older viewers in particular. The film takes classic fairy tale motifs and puts them in a new, often cynical context.

The sequels

The success of "Shrek" was quickly followed by several sequels. "Shrek 2" introduced new characters such as the charming Puss in Boots and deepened the relationship between Shrek and Fiona. The second part was an even bigger success than the first and set new standards. "Shrek the Third" is about Shrek's attempts to find an heir to the kingdom of Farquaad, while "Shrek Forever After" brought the series to a temporary end by focusing on Shrek's adventures with an alternate reality and a chastened view of his role as a hero.

The "Shrek" series has proven to be not only a commercial success, but also a cultural phenomenon. With its innovative animation and clever humor, the series has set the standard for animated films. Even years after their release, the films remain relevant and are a prime example of the diversity and potential of animated film. The time until the new installment of the "Shrek" series can therefore not come fast enough for us.