News
Shrek 5: Release Date, Cast, Plot & Everything You Need to Know
Shrek 5 arrives Dec. 23, 2026. Learn about the new release date, returning cast like Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy, plot speculation and why the sequel is a big reinvention of the series.
Introduction
DreamWorks Animation is bringing Shrek back to the big screen after more than a decade. Fans have been waiting for the next chapter since Shrek Forever After in 2010, and the ogre’s return is finally on the horizon. Shrek 5 will reunite the beloved swamp dwellers and introduce new faces, promising a fresh take on the fairytale franchise. From the release schedule to the voice cast and plot rumors, here is everything we know about the upcoming film.
Release date and production timeline
According to official announcements and reporting, Shrek 5 will hit theaters on December 23, 2026. The film was originally scheduled for July 1, 2026 but was delayed to its current date. This marks the first time a Shrek film will not debut in May, and it arrives sixteen years after the last installment. Voice acting reportedly wrapped in 2024, giving the animation team time to perfect the visuals. The script was written by Michael McCullers, who has described the story as a “pretty big reinvention” for the series. The film is directed by Walt Dohrn, Conrad Vernon and Brad Ableson and produced by Chris Meledandri and Gina Shay.
Returning and new cast
The core voice cast is set to return. Mike Myers will once again provide the Scottish brogue for Shrek, with Eddie Murphy voicing Donkey and Cameron Diaz reprising Princess Fiona. The couple’s teenage daughter Felicia, one of the ogre triplets introduced at the end of Shrek the Third, will play a major role and will be voiced by Zendaya. Other returning voices include Cody Cameron as Pinocchio and Chris Miller as the Magic Mirror. There is speculation that Antonio Banderas’s Puss in Boots may not appear in the fifth film because the actor has said he will not return. The casting announcement has sparked excitement over new characters who might join the franchise.
Story and plot speculation
Plot details are still under wraps, but the filmmakers have hinted that Shrek 5 will center on the next generation. The story is expected to follow Felicia as she embarks on her own adventure, stepping out of her parents’ shadow and discovering what it means to be an ogre princess. Her journey may introduce her to new parts of the kingdom and new fairy tale creatures, while also bringing back familiar faces. Co-writer Michael McCullers described the script as a reinvention, suggesting a different tone and structure that acknowledges the passage of time. The film may explore themes of legacy, family and finding one’s place in a changing world.
Production team and creative vision
Shrek 5 brings together experienced hands from the franchise and new collaborators. Walt Dohrn, who worked on the previous films and directed Trolls World Tour, is joined by Conrad Vernon and Brad Ableson in the director’s chair. Chris Meledandri, the CEO of Illumination and producer of Despicable Me, is producing alongside long-time Shrek producer Gina Shay. Their goal is to preserve the humor and heart that made Shrek a phenomenon while pushing the story in new directions. The extended production timeline reflects their commitment to quality animation and a story that resonates with audiences old and new.
What to expect
The recently released teaser poster shows a giant green number 5 with ogre ears and the tagline “The All-Star Returns.” The poster emphasizes that the film arrives in theaters on December 23, 2026. With a returning voice cast, the debut of Felicia as a central heroine and hints of a reinvention, Shrek 5 aims to breathe new life into the franchise. Fans can expect familiar fairy tale parody humor, catchy musical sequences and heartfelt lessons about identity and acceptance. As more details emerge, Shrek 5 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated animated films of the decade.
Final thoughts
After years of rumors and delays, Shrek 5 is finally becoming a reality. The sequel will celebrate the franchise’s legacy while introducing a new chapter for the ogre family. With its holiday release date, star-studded cast and promise of a “big reinvention,” the film is poised to draw longtime fans and new viewers alike. Keep checking back for updates as DreamWorks reveals more about the swamp and its inhabitants.
News
The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4: Mickey Haller Returns for His Most Dangerous Case Yet
The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4 returns to Netflix with Mickey Haller back in action. The legal thriller based on Michael Connelly’s novels brings new cases, new dangers, and more intense courtroom drama.
Netflix’s gripping legal drama The Lincoln Lawyer is back with its fourth season, dropping all 10 episodes on February 5, 2026. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo returns as the charming yet tenacious defense attorney Mickey Haller, who operates his law practice from the back of his signature Lincoln Town Car. Season 4 raises the stakes higher than ever, pulling Mickey into a labyrinthine case that threatens not only his career but his life.
A New Case, New Dangers
Season 4 is adapted from Michael Connelly‘s novel “The Fifth Witness,” which finds Mickey defending a mortgage broker accused of murdering her bank’s foreclosure officer. What begins as a straightforward murder defense quickly spirals into a conspiracy involving powerful forces with no intention of letting Mickey win. The show’s signature mix of courtroom drama, street-level legal maneuvering, and personal danger is on full display, delivering the kind of tense, binge-worthy storytelling that made the previous seasons fan favorites.
Cast and Returning Favorites
Season 4 brings back much of the beloved ensemble while adding compelling new faces:
- Manuel Garcia-Rulfo – Mickey Haller
- Neve Campbell – Maggie McPherson
- Jazz Raycole – Lorna Crane
- Angus Sampson – Cisco Wojciechowski
- Becki Newton – Andrea Freeman
- Christopher Gorham – Trevor Elliott
The Formula That Works
What sets The Lincoln Lawyer apart from other legal dramas is its grounded, street-smart approach. Mickey Haller isn’t a polished corporate attorney working out of a glass tower — he’s a hustler who knows every trick, every loophole, and every unwritten rule of the Los Angeles legal underworld. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo‘s charismatic performance anchors the series, giving Mickey a warmth and wit that makes him impossible not to root for even when his methods are questionable. Each season adapts a different Michael Connelly novel, keeping the storytelling fresh while maintaining the show’s distinctive voice.
Why Season 4 Is the Best Yet
Critics and fans alike have noted that The Lincoln Lawyer improves with each season. Season 4 reportedly delivers the most complex and emotionally resonant storyline to date. The show tackles themes of systemic injustice, personal loyalty, and the thin line between defending the law and bending it. With all 10 episodes available to binge from day one, Season 4 is perfectly designed for a weekend marathon. The Rotten Tomatoes score has climbed consistently across seasons, and early reactions to Season 4 suggest this trend continues.
Stream It Now on Netflix
The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4 is now streaming on Netflix with all 10 episodes available. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or discovering Mickey Haller for the first time, Season 4 offers a compelling entry point and a satisfying payoff for dedicated viewers. With its sharp writing, strong performances, and relentless pacing, this is one of Netflix’s most reliable and underrated originals.
News
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Game of Thrones Prequel About Dunk and Egg Is a Massive HBO Hit
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres January 18, 2026 on HBO and Max. Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell star as Dunk and Egg in this acclaimed 93% RT Game of Thrones prequel, already renewed for Season 2.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the new HBO fantasy series based on George R.R. Martin’s beloved Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas. Premiering on January 18, 2026, the show quickly became one of the most celebrated entries in the Game of Thrones universe, earning a remarkable 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and drawing an average of 13 million viewers per episode in the United States.
A Hedge Knight’s Journey Across Westeros
Set approximately 100 years before Game of Thrones, the story follows Ser Duncan the Tall — known as Dunk — a landless hedge knight of humble birth who dreams of honor, and his unlikely squire Egg, who is secretly Aegon Targaryen, a young prince hiding his royal identity. Together they travel through a Westeros teetering on the edge of civil war as the Targaryen dynasty begins to fracture from within.
The first season adapts The Hedge Knight, the opening novella in Martin’s series, building toward a tournament at Ashford Meadow where Dunk must defend a young girl’s honor against impossible odds, pulling him into a dangerous conflict with royal princes.
The Cast of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
At the center of the show are two outstanding performers. Peter Claffey, a former professional rugby player who appeared in Bad Sisters, Small Things Like These, and Vikings: Valhalla, delivers a physically commanding and emotionally resonant performance as Dunk. His co-star Dexter Sol Ansell, previously known for playing Young Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, brings intelligence and warmth to the role of Egg.
The strong supporting ensemble includes:
- Finn Bennett as Prince Aerion, the volatile and cruel Targaryen prince
- Bertie Carvel as Prince Baelor, a beloved warrior prince caught between duty and justice
- Sam Spruell as Prince Maekar, Egg’s father and a man of complex loyalties
- Daniel Ings as Ser Lyonel Baratheon, nicknamed the Laughing Storm
The Creative Team
The series was created by Ira Parker alongside George R.R. Martin, who remains closely involved in the production. Ryan Condal, co-creator of House of the Dragon, serves as executive producer. The showrunners revealed that Martin has provided detailed outlines for 12 unpublished Dunk and Egg stories, giving the series a rich roadmap for future seasons.
Season 2 Already Confirmed
HBO officially renewed A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms for a second season, expected to adapt The Sworn Sword, the second novella in the collection. Season 2 is anticipated to arrive in 2027. The six-episode debut season aired Sundays at 10 PM ET on HBO and Max, concluding with its finale on February 22, 2026. With its intimate storytelling and deep roots in Martin’s mythology, the show has established itself as a worthy companion to House of the Dragon.
TV Shows
Wednesday Season 3: Winona Ryder Joins Tim Burton’s Nevermore as Production Begins in Dublin
The most anticipated Netflix revival just got a major casting bombshell. Production on Wednesday Season 3 officially began on February 23, 2026 near Dublin, Ireland, and the biggest news accompanying that announcement is the addition of Winona Ryder to the cast.
The most anticipated Netflix revival just got a major casting bombshell. Production on Wednesday Season 3 officially began on February 23, 2026 near Dublin, Ireland, and the biggest news accompanying that announcement is the addition of Winona Ryder to the cast.
Winona Ryder Plays Tabitha at Nevermore
Ryder will play a character named Tabitha and is set to appear in multiple episodes of Season 3. The casting was announced alongside a video featuring place cards for new and returning cast members at a dinner table, revealing character names for the season’s new additions.
The role reunites Ryder with director Tim Burton and her Beetlejuice Beetlejuice co-star Jenna Ortega, as well as with Wednesday’s showrunners Al Gough and Miles Millar, who also wrote the Beetlejuice sequel. The reunion brings together one of the most beloved creative partnerships in modern genre filmmaking under one roof.
Eva Green, Chris Sarandon, and Others Also Join
Eva Green — previously announced as a franchise newcomer — will play Ophelia, the long-lost sister of Morticia Addams (Catherine Zeta-Jones). Green is best known for her iconic lead role in Penny Dreadful.
Joining Ryder and Green in the new cast are Chris Sarandon (Dog Day Afternoon, The Princess Bride), Noah Taylor (Peaky Blinders, Game of Thrones), Oscar Morgan (A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms), and Kennedy Moyer.
What the Creators Said
Showrunners Al Gough and Miles Millar expressed their excitement about the casting: “When it comes to Outcasts, Winona Ryder is the GOAT. Her legendary partnership with Tim Burton has defined some of cinema’s most unforgettable characters. We loved collaborating with her on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her to Nevermore.”
Tim Burton added: “I am so happy that Winona has joined us, she fits right into this world. And she’s a dear friend. I always feel lucky to work with her.”
Who Is Returning for Season 3
Jenna Ortega leads the returning cast alongside Emma Myers, Hunter Doohan, Joy Sunday, Moosa Mostafa, Georgie Farmer, Isaac Ordonez, Billie Piper, and Victor Dorobantu. The Addams family adults — Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, Joanna Lumley, and Fred Armisen — are all confirmed to return.
The Show’s Historic Netflix Record
Wednesday’s cultural footprint remains enormous. Season 1 is still the most-watched season of TV ever on Netflix, and Season 2, which dropped in two parts across August and September 2025, ranked as the platform’s fifth most-watched English-language season of all time. Season 3 is filming now near Dublin with no release date yet announced.
- Platform: Netflix
- Production Began: February 23, 2026 (near Dublin, Ireland)
- New Cast: Winona Ryder (Tabitha), Eva Green (Ophelia), Chris Sarandon, Noah Taylor, Oscar Morgan
- Returning: Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Emma Myers, Hunter Doohan, and more
- Showrunners: Al Gough and Miles Millar
- Director: Tim Burton
The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4: Mickey Haller Returns for His Most Dangerous Case Yet
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Game of Thrones Prequel About Dunk and Egg Is a Massive HBO Hit
Wednesday Season 3: Winona Ryder Joins Tim Burton’s Nevermore as Production Begins in Dublin
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