Hollywood actress Zendaya is set to bring her talents to the beloved animated franchise as she joins the voice cast of the highly anticipated Shrek 5. Universal Pictures confirmed the casting on February 27, 2025, alongside the release of the first teaser, which highlights the reunion of classic characters with some exciting new additions.
Shrek, voiced by Mike Myers, and Fiona, voiced by Cameron Diaz, are joined by the ever-amiable Donkey, played by Eddie Murphy. This time, they're not alone; the franchise introduces Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s young, grown-up daughter, who will be voiced by none other than Zendaya. The teaser gives fans their first glimpse of this new character, setting the stage for what promises to be another memorable chapter in this iconic series.
Fans are treated to lighthearted banter as the characters interact with the magic mirror, which shows humorous and meme-inspired images of Shrek. At one point, Felicia, with her ombre hair and distinctive green lipstick, appears and quips, "Ew, dad," after seeing one of the mirror's displays. This line, along with the teaser's tagline, "Far, Far Away’s finest are coming," has already stirred excitement among audiences.
The film is now scheduled for release on December 23, 2026, just in time for the 25th anniversary of the original Shrek film, which debuted back in 2001 and forever changed the animation world by winning the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Shrek forever altered the animation space with its unique blend of humor and heart, earning over $2.9 billion worldwide across the franchise's four films. The fifth installment marks the franchise's first major release since Shrek Forever After (2010), raising the stakes and expectations significantly.
Zendaya's casting is another highlight of her already illustrious career. Known for her breakout roles from Euphoria to Dune, her involvement with Shrek 5 not only excites fans but also showcases her range as she takes on this family-friendly role. She is expected to balance her busy schedule, with upcoming projects including the third installment of Dune and a new Spider-Man film with her fiancé, Tom Holland.
Development on Shrek 5 was confirmed back in December 2023, and fans are eager to see this new venture. Mike Myers recently reminisced about his own initial reactions to the Shrek story, humorously noting, "Well, that's the worst f--king title I've ever heard in my life," when he first heard the concept. Despite those humorous beginnings, the franchise has since built its reputation on subverting fairytale tropes and using clever humor appreciated by audiences of all ages.
Director Walt Dohrn, who has been involved with previous films, expresses enthusiasm about returning to the franchise, stating, "The stories told through Shrek and his friends continue to resonate with audiences, and introducing Felicia is an exciting expansion of our world. We can't wait for fans to see what we've been cooking up!"
Shrek’s continued popularity can be attributed to its relatability and charm, marrying humor with meaningful themes about acceptance and identity. With Zendaya joining the cast, the new film seems poised to attract both long-time fans of the series and new audiences alike.
The teaser reveals just enough to whet viewers' appetites, emphasizing the return of familiar faces and the exciting addition of Felicia. The nostalgic connection to the franchise could trigger fond memories and conversations about its impact since its inception, paving the way for this fresh take. Fans are eager to see how Zendaya, with her youthful energy and dynamic voice, will infuse Felicia with her unique personality.
With Shrek 5 coming to theaters just before Christmas 2026, audiences have plenty to look forward to as they celebrate the lasting legacy of this animation titan. Prepare for laughter, family adventures, and the same heartwarming messages wrapped up within the often outrageous antics of our favorite ogre and his companions.
Even as we await the film's release, the excitement around Zendaya's role and the continuation of the Shrek saga keep fans returning for more updates.
Shrek's story began with William Steig's book and has evolved dramatically since its first on-screen story, but the core themes have remained surprisingly consistent: embracing who you are and loving yourself, regardless of what others think. With this new installment, we can expect those beloved lessons to return, wrapped up with humor and fantasy.
For those wanting to relive the Shrek magic, the original films remain available for binge-watching, providing ample opportunity to catch up before the next adventure is upon us. The charm of Shrek endures, and with each new generation, it continues to find its way to the heart of audiences old and new.