Twenty-five years later, Shrek is still finding new ways onto the big screen.
DreamWorks Animation released the original Shrek in 2001, introducing audiences to Mike Myers’ antisocial ogre, Eddie Murphy’s Donkey, Cameron Diaz’s Princess Fiona, and John Lithgow’s diminutive Lord Farquaad.
The movie became one of the biggest films of the year, earning more than $484 million during its original worldwide run. It also won the inaugural Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and earned a second Oscar nomination for its adapted screenplay.
Its success ultimately produced three direct sequels, two Puss in Boots films, television projects, a Broadway musical, games, merchandise, and theme park attractions. NBCUniversal estimates that the wider Shrek film franchise has now grossed nearly $4 billion worldwide.
Now, Universal is preparing to revisit the film that started it all — although not with a traditional Hollywood remake.
‘Shrek’ Is Expanding Beyond the Original Screen
Universal Film and immersive entertainment company Cosm have entered a new partnership that will begin with a reimagined version of the original Shrek, created specifically for Cosm’s massive domed screens.
The project is being developed by Universal Film, DreamWorks Animation, Cosm, and visual effects studio Reel FX as part of a wider multi-film deal between Universal and Cosm.
Importantly, the 2001 movie itself is not being replaced or recreated with new animation.
Instead, the original film will continue playing within its traditional frame while additional imagery stretches across Cosm’s surrounding 87-foot dome, effectively expanding locations from the movie beyond the boundaries of the conventional screen.
That means audiences will still watch Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and Lord Farquaad follow the same story, but the environments surrounding them will be extended for what Cosm calls its Shared Reality format.
Shrek’s Swamp, Duloc’s Arena, and Dragon’s Keep are among the locations confirmed for the experience, allowing parts of the movie’s animated world to fill the venue around viewers.
The release will also make Shrek the first animated movie presented at Cosm.
Cosm has increasingly expanded beyond the live sports programming for which it became known. Warner Bros. previously worked with the company on immersive versions of films, including The Matrix and IT, while Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is also currently part of its film lineup.
The company’s domes use 12K displays measuring 87 feet in diameter. Its current locations include Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, and Detroit, with another venue planned for Cleveland.
Sony Pictures Entertainment also invested $100 million in Cosm this summer, taking a minority stake in the company as it continues expanding its immersive entertainment business.
Tickets for Shrek will go on sale this fall at Cosm locations in Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, and Detroit. An exact premiere date has yet to be announced.
The project arrives during a particularly busy year for the original movie.
Universal returned Shrek to theaters for its 25th anniversary in May 2026. A newly remastered 4K edition will follow on November 3, complete with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and a new 30-minute retrospective about the making of the film.
And the franchise is far from finished with new stories.
‘Shrek 5’ Will Bring the Original Cast Back
More than 16 years after Shrek Forever After, DreamWorks Animation is preparing to return to Far Far Away with Shrek 5.
The sequel is now scheduled to arrive in theaters on June 30, 2027, following multiple changes to its release date. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz will return as Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona.
This time, Shrek and Fiona’s children are considerably older.
Zendaya voices their daughter Felicia, while Saturday Night Live star Marcello Hernández voices Fergus, and Superman actor Skyler Gisondo voices Farkle. The three characters originally appeared as babies in Shrek the Third and Shrek Forever After.
Franchise veterans Conrad Vernon and Walt Dohrn are directing the new movie, with Brad Ableson serving as co-director. Gina Shay and Illumination founder Chris Meledandri are producing.
The first full teaser, released in June, showed the returning characters alongside their now-grown children and offered a broader look at the film after DreamWorks initially revealed its updated (and controversial) character designs.
