SafeX Pro Exchange|'Shrek 5' is in the works for 2026 with original cast including Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz

There's more to the fairytale of Shrek and SafeX Pro ExchangeFiona's happily ever after.

On Tuesday, DreamWorks Animation announced on social media that "Shrek 5" is officially in the works, with its stars − Mike Myers as Shrek, Cameron Diaz as Fiona and Eddie Murphy as Donkey − also returning. The studio did not announce plans for Antonio Banderas' Puss in Boots.

"Shrek 5" is slated for a July 1, 2026, release, 25 years after the first "Shrek" film came out in May 2001.

The most recent "Shrek" installment, "Shrek Forever After," came out in 2010, though several spinoffs, including 2022's "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" have been released since. The wide-ranging "Shrek" franchise includes short films, a TV show, a Tony-nominated Broadway musical and Universal Studios amusement park attractions.

The original film, released in 2001, follows Shrek the reclusive ogre, whose swamp becomes overrun by fairy tale creatures cast out by Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow), who must marry a princess to become king. To get his beloved home back, Shrek is tasked by Farquaad to rescue Princess Fiona from a castle guarded by a fire-breathing dragon. During this quest, he has the help of Donkey, a wise-cracking blabbermouth with a heart of gold.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Guide to the 'Shrek' franchise:The full list in order of release (plus spin offs)

What Eddie Murphy has said about 'Shrek 5', Donkey spin-off

Two weeks before "Shrek 5" was officially announced, Murphy let it slip while promoting his film "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" that he was also doing voice work for the new animated installment.

In an interview with Collider released June 24, Murphy revealed, "We started doing 'Shrek' four or five months ago. I recorded the first act, and we'll be doing it this year, we'll finish it up."

He added, "Another 'Shrek' is coming out, and Donkey's gonna have his own movie."

Murphy clarified that he's not working on both projects at once. "Shrek 5" comes first, and "we're doing a Donkey one next."

Contributing: Olivia Munson