It’s back! One of the most beloved animation franchises is returning to the big screen. On February 27, 2025, DreamWorks revealed the first official teaser for Shrek 5, much to the delight of fans around the world. The big news? Actress Zendaya, known for her roles in Euphoria and Spider-Man: No Way Home, will voice the teen daughter of the iconic ogre couple.
Details about the plot remain scant, but indications suggest the story will draw inspiration from contemporary social media culture, incorporating modern themes and humor. The animation style is also set to undergo transformations, adopting a more cartoonish look compared to previous installments. Alongside Zendaya, the beloved trio of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz will return to reprise their iconic roles as Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona, respectively. Walt Dohrn, who previously worked as a writer on the first two films, is set to direct this sequel.
The film is scheduled to be released on December 23, 2026, positioning it during the lucrative holiday season when family movies typically perform exceptionally well.
Fans have long awaited this continuation of the Shrek saga, which debuted back in 2001 and has since grossed over $2.9 billion globally. The comedic narrative follows Shrek, who embarks on hilarious adventures to reclaim his swamp from fairy tale creatures, and introduces audiences to memorable characters, including the talkative Donkey.
The teaser, which was unveiled by DreamWorks, features classic characters interacting with new family dynamics introduced through Zendaya’s character, Felicia. The audio-visual spectacle showcases Shrek standing before the Magic Mirror, teasing his daughter, to which Felicia humorously responds, "Wow, Dad!" and her mother Fiona, voiced by Cameron Diaz, quips back, "Mama likes!"
Director Walt Dohrn, who previously lent his voice to Rumpelstiltskin, collaborates again with Conrad Vernon, known for his work on Shrek 2. The anticipated project promises to retain the sharp wit and fairy tale parody theme, ensuring the spirit of the original films continues to shine through.
Returning to their respective roles, Myers and Murphy have expressed excitement about reprising their characters. Murphy, who began recording his lines for Donkey, is also working on a standalone Donkey film following Shrek 5. Meanwhile, Diaz celebrates her return to the big screen after taking time away from acting, joining Myers and Murphy to bring the chemistry back to the franchise.
Zendaya’s casting as Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s teenage daughter, is seen as strategic to attract younger audiences and maintain the franchise's cultural relevance. The actress’s addition has successfully generated considerable buzz among fans, many of whom are eager to see how her character will evolve the story.
The teaser also provides comedic nods to Shrek's past internet meme fame, illustrating how the characters deal with the internet culture surrounding them. It features modern digital references alongside the traditional fare, presenting Shrek as he comically reacts to meme versions of himself, like dancing ogres and muscular iterations.
Shrek 5 follows a clear rollout plan for its release. Initially scheduled for July 1, 2026, the date has since shifted to December 23, allowing the film to capitalize on the holiday movie season—an opportune time for family films. This strategic move positions Shrek 5 against films like Ice Age 6 and Dune: Messiah, yet it faces little competition on its debut day, enhancing its box office potential.
The franchise's nostalgic elements, coupled with fresh updates like Zendaya’s role, aim to please both long-time fans and younger viewers alike. The voices of original cast members Myers, Murphy, and Diaz are expected to evoke fond memories, evoking excitement for the film's legacy.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, fans speculate about exploring Shrek and Fiona's family life with their daughter Felicia, leading to humorous generational clashes and new narratives. The introduction of Felicia opens the door to various comedic ventures and relatable dialogues grounded in parenthood experiences.
Supporting characters such as Pinocchio and the Gingerbread Man are set to return, enriching the experience with familiar faces beloved by the franchise's followers. This attention to the expansive cast reflects Shrek's tradition of providing humor through diverse character interactions.
Overall, the sneak preview of Shrek 5 sparked excitement and anticipation among fans, particularly around Zendaya's fresh representation within the franchise. The teaser exemplifies how DreamWorks aims to strike the right balance between maintaining the nostalgia of the original films and pushing boundaries through updated visuals and themes.
For those eager to revisit the Shrek tales leading up to the new installment, the first three films are available on Netflix and Prime Video, with Shrek Forever After exclusive to Globoplay. Fans can also keep abreast of upcoming teasers and media releases through DreamWorks’ social media platforms.