'Minions 3' Will Arrive in Theaters Much Sooner Than Expected

Universal is shaking up its slate of upcoming animated family films, and while it's bad news for Shrek fans, it's all coming up roses for the Minions. Illumination's next entry in the Despicable Me spinoff series, Minions 3, has been moved up almost a full year from June 30, 2027, to July 1, 2026, taking the place originally occupied by Shrek 5, which will now debut close to Christmas on December 23, 2026. Now, an untitled project from Chris Meledandri's company will take up the June 30 slot, securing an Independence Day slot stranglehold for the animation giant for the next two years after 2025.