You’re probably here because you’re looking for the shrek 4 movie release date, but there is a massive catch that messes with everyone’s head. If you head over to a theater right now or check your local listings for 2026, you aren’t going to find Shrek 4. Why? Because you actually missed it by about sixteen years.
It’s one of those weird Mandela Effect moments for casual fans. Most people asking about the "Shrek 4" release date are actually thinking of the upcoming fifth movie. Or, they’re confusing the fourth film's title—Shrek Forever After—with a new project.
Honestly, the timeline is a bit of a mess. Let’s clear the swamp.
The Actual Shrek 4 Movie Release Date (Wait, It Already Happened?)
Here is the reality: Shrek 4 was released on May 21, 2010. Back then, DreamWorks marketed it as Shrek Forever After, often adding the subtitle "The Final Chapter" to the posters. They really wanted us to believe the story was over. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April of that year before hitting theaters worldwide.
If you remember seeing Shrek deal with a midlife crisis and making a sketchy deal with Rumpelstiltskin, that was it. That was the fourth movie. It made $752 million at the global box office, which is a lot of money, but it was actually the lowest-grossing sequel in the main franchise at the time. Maybe that’s why people sort of "erased" it from their memory and started calling the next one Shrek 4.
Why the confusion persists
- The Title: Shrek Forever After doesn't have a "4" in the main theatrical title.
- The Gap: It’s been so long since 2010 that the numbering feels "reset."
- The Spin-offs: Puss in Boots movies came out in between, making the count feel higher.
If Shrek 4 is Old News, When is the Next One?
Since we’ve established that the shrek 4 movie release date is a thing of the past, let’s talk about what you’re likely actually looking for: Shrek 5.
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For years, this movie was basically a myth. It was the "Half-Life 3" of animation. But in 2024, DreamWorks finally stopped playing games and gave us a date. Then, in true Hollywood fashion, they changed it.
As of right now, in early 2026, the official word is that the green ogre returns on June 30, 2027. Initially, the studio was aiming for July 1, 2026. Then it slipped to December 2026. Now, it’s firmly planted in the summer of 2027. Universal (who now owns DreamWorks) is basically trying to avoid a box office bloodbath. If they had stayed in late 2026, they would have been fighting Avengers: Doomsday for screens. Nobody wins that fight. Not even an ogre with layers.
What We Know About the Return to Far Far Away
It’s not just a rumor anymore. Eddie Murphy basically leaked the news himself during an interview with Collider, mentioning that he’d already started recording lines.
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The "Big Three" are all coming back:
- Mike Myers as Shrek
- Eddie Murphy as Donkey
- Cameron Diaz as Fiona (coming out of her acting retirement for this!)
There are some pretty wild rumors floating around about the plot. One of the biggest talking points is the addition of Zendaya to the cast. Industry insiders suggest she’s playing one of Shrek and Fiona’s now-teenage children. Imagine the dynamic of a teenage ogre daughter voiced by Zendaya—it’s a genius move to bridge the gap between the original fans and Gen Z.
The Creative Team
This isn't just a soulless cash grab. They’ve brought back Walt Dohrn to direct. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he was the Head of Story on Shrek Forever After and actually voiced Rumpelstiltskin. He’s joined by Conrad Vernon, who co-directed Shrek 2.
Basically, the people who made the "good ones" are back in the driver's seat.
The Puss in Boots Connection
We have to give credit where it's due: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish saved this franchise.
When that movie dropped in late 2022, it was a shock to the system. The animation was stunning, the story was dark and mature, and the ending literally saw Puss, Kitty Softpaws, and Perrito sailing toward the Kingdom of Far Far Away.
The "shrek 4 movie release date" searches spiked right after that credits scene. People realized the universe wasn't dead. If Shrek 5 (or the "new Shrek 4" as some call it) carries over that same stylized, "Spider-Verse" inspired animation, we are in for something special.
Practical Steps for Shrek Fans
If you're trying to stay ahead of the curve and not get burned by fake "leaked" trailers on YouTube (which are everywhere right now), here is how you should actually track this:
- Ignore "Shrek 4" news: Anything labeled Shrek 4 is either 16 years old or someone who doesn't know the franchise. Search for Shrek 5.
- Watch the Puss in Boots Sequel: If you haven't seen The Last Wish, do it. It is the direct narrative bridge to the new movie.
- Mark June 2027: Don't expect a trailer until late 2026. Animation takes forever, and DreamWorks is notorious for polishing things until the last second.
- Check Official Channels: Follow DreamWorks Animation on Instagram or X (Twitter). They will be the first to drop the actual teaser, not some fan-made edit with a thumbnail of Shrek in a suit.
The long wait is almost over, but you’ve got to get the numbers right first. Shrek 4 is the past; 2027 is the future.