Universal and DreamWorks Animation have postponed the fifth “Shrek” film from Dec. 23, 2026, to June 30, 2027. This is the second release date delay for “Shrek 5,” which was originally set for July 2026. The studio didn’t give a reason for the hold-up, but Universal has fielded outsized success with animated fare — such as “Despicable Me” franchise, “How to Train Your Dragon” and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” — in the summer months.

On its new release date, “Shrek 5” will open less than a week after Sony’s animated “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.” On its prior date in December 2026, the family film was scheduled to debut in the wake of Disney’s “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Ice Age 6.”

As part of the move, Universal has shifted up the premiere of Illumination’s Untitled Event Film to April 16, 2027, instead of its original late June date.

Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz are returning to the fictional land of Far, Far Away in their signature roles as Shrek, Donkey and Fiona, while Zendaya is joining the cast. “Shrek 5” will be directed by franchise veterans Conrad Vernon and Walt Dohrn.

“Shrek 5” will debut on the big screen a quarter-century after the original 2001 animated smash, which put a spin on the concept of Happily Ever After, as told by a misunderstood ogre and his merry band of fairytale folk. “Shrek” became an instant hit with nearly $500 million globally as well as the first-ever Oscar winner for animated feature. The film was followed by three sequels 2004’s “Shrek 2,” 2007’s “Shrek the Third” and 2010’s “Shrek Forever After” and two “Puss in Boots” spinoffs.