Washington, D.C, [US], August 12 (ANI): The makers of 'Shrek' have postponed the release date of its fifth instalment to 2027. This is the second release date delay for 'Shrek 5', which was originally set for July 2026, reported Variety.

Universal and DreamWorks Animation have postponed the fifth 'Shrek' film from December 23, 2026, to June 30, 2027. According to the outlet, the studio has not provided any reason for the delay.

As for Universal, the production studio has experienced massive success with the movies, including 'Despicable Me' franchise, 'How to Train Your Dragon ', and 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' in the summer months, leading to the speculation of 'Shrek 5' postponement, reported Variety.

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, reported Variety.

Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz are returning in their signature roles as Shrek, Donkey and Fiona, while Zendaya is joining the cast of the animated film. '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.

According to the outlet, after the theatrical release, 'Shrek' became an instant hit with nearly 500 million USD 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.

Zendaya is the bright new addition to the cast of 'Shrek' as announced by the makers earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Zendaya, an Emmy winner for 'Euphoria,' has a busy upcoming schedule that includes Christopher Nolan's star-studded 'The Odyssey,' the fourth 'Spider-Man' instalment with Tom Holland and 'Euphoria' Season 3.

Her recent credits include Luca Guadagnino's tennis love triangle drama 'Challengers' and Denis Villeneuve's sci-fi sequel 'Dune: Part Two.' (ANI)