Look, we all saw it. The ending of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish wasn't exactly subtle. Puss, Kitty Softpaws, and Perrito sailing toward the horizon, "Far Far Away" glistening in the distance. It was the ultimate "see you in the next one" moment. But here we are, staring at the official announcements for Shrek 5, and one name is curiously—and honestly, quite stressfully—absent from the core press releases: Antonio Banderas.
If you're wondering what the deal is with Shrek 5 Puss in Boots and why the world’s most charismatic feline isn't front and center yet, you aren't alone. Fans are spiraling.
The Official Shrek 5 Cast (So Far)
DreamWorks has been very specific about who is definitely in the booth. As of right now, we know the "Big Three" are back. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz have all signed on. That last one is actually huge because Diaz had basically retired from the industry. If she's coming back for Fiona, you know the script has to be solid.
There’s also a massive new addition: Zendaya. She’s playing Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s now-teenage daughter. It looks like the movie is doing a significant time jump, moving past the baby years into the "angsty teen ogre" phase.
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But where is the cat?
When the first official teaser dropped in mid-2024 and was updated throughout 2025, Antonio Banderas was nowhere on that list. For a character who practically carried the franchise's relevance for the last decade through two solo movies, it feels... weird. Sorta like a family reunion where your favorite uncle just didn't get the invite.
Why the Delay?
There are a few theories floating around the industry. Honestly, the most likely one is just boring old scheduling. Animation is a long game. While Eddie Murphy has been vocal about being "in the booth" for over two years now, Banderas has been busy with a dozen other projects.
- Theory A: The Surprise Reveal. DreamWorks might be holding Puss back for a "big moment" trailer. If they reveal him now, they lose the hype later.
- Theory B: The "Team Friendship" Spinoff. Some insiders suggest that because Puss now has his own "team" (Kitty and Perrito), they might be treated as a separate entity from the main Shrek/Donkey/Fiona trio.
- Theory C: Contract Negotiations. This is Hollywood. Sometimes it’s just about the numbers.
The Donkey Movie Factor
Here is where things get interesting. Eddie Murphy let it slip that not only is Shrek 5 happening, but a Donkey spinoff movie is also in the works for a 2028 release. He literally said, "Donkey's going to be like how Puss in Boots had his own movie."
This confirms DreamWorks is building a "Shrek Cinematic Universe." If they are giving Donkey his own spotlight, they might be trying to keep the characters somewhat separate to avoid overcrowding the Shrek 5 script. Remember Shrek the Third? That movie felt like it had 400 characters and nowhere for them to go.
When is Shrek 5 Actually Coming Out?
Mark your calendars, but keep a pencil handy because the date has shifted a few times. Originally, we were looking at July 1, 2026. However, the most recent updates from Universal and DreamWorks have pushed the Shrek 5 release date to June 30, 2027.
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Why the delay? 2026 is looking crowded. We're talking Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three levels of crowded. Moving the ogre to 2027 gives him breathing room to own the summer box office without fighting for IMAX screens.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Timeline
There’s a misconception that The Last Wish happened right after Shrek Forever After. It didn't.
If you look at the world in The Last Wish, it’s clear a lot of time has passed. Puss has gone through eight lives. He’s tired. The fact that Shrek’s kids are now teenagers in the new movie perfectly aligns with the weathered, veteran version of Puss we saw in his solo sequel. They are finally on the same page, chronologically.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Don't Panic: Just because Antonio Banderas isn't in the initial "Big Three" announcement doesn't mean Puss is cut. He is too profitable to ignore.
- Rewatch the End of Last Wish: The visual cue of Far Far Away is as close to a "contractual promise" as you get in animation.
- Watch for the 2026 Super Bowl: That’s the most likely window for a full-length trailer that would feature the "surprise" return of Team Friendship.
- Keep an eye on Zendaya: Since her character Felicia is the new lead, any news regarding her recording sessions will likely hint at which "uncle" figures (like Puss) she’ll be interacting with.
The legend of Shrek 5 Puss in Boots isn't over. It’s just taking a nap. You can't have a return to Far Far Away without the cat who literally has a ship pointed straight at it.