Zendaya is taking her talents to the swamp, as she joins the voice cast of the highly anticipated new installment of the beloved animated franchise, "Shrek 5." The iconic character of Felicia, the teenage daughter of Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) and Fiona (voiced by Cameron Diaz), will be portrayed by the immensely talented Zendaya. This casting announcement, made on February 27, 2025, marks another step forward for the series, which celebrates its 25th anniversary since the first film was released.
Alongside Zendaya, the returning cast includes Eddie Murphy voicing the lovable Donkey, ensuring the central trio remains intact. The film will be directed by Walt Dohrn, who has been involved with the series as both writer and artist, and previously lent his voice to Rumpelstiltskin.
Scheduled for release on December 23, 2026, the film aims to recapture the magic of the original "Shrek" movies which cleverly flipped traditional fairy tales on their head, providing humor and heartfelt moments for audiences of all ages. DreamWorks Animation, the studio behind the franchise, has confirmed the continuation with this new chapter, promising fresh adventures and humor.
Fans were recently treated to the release of the film's teaser, which introduces modern twists to familiar characters. The teaser shows Shrek’s sidekick, Donkey, asking, "Hey Magic Mirror, who's the fairest of them all?" to which the Magic Mirror humorously responds, "Why Shrek! Of course." This interaction sets the tone for the film, which aims to juxtapose Shrek's classic ogre persona with contemporary cultural references.
The teaser's play on Shrek’s image also includes his ability to switch between various Gen Z-style looks, prompting reactions from both Felicia and Fiona. Felicia's cheeky response, "Ew, dad!" and Fiona's playful retort, "Oooh, Mommy like," highlight the film’s aim to resonate with younger audiences through relatable humor and family dynamics.
The humor of the film will retain its classic charm, with characters like Pinocchio making appearances, humorously declaring, "Not me!" when asked about creating chaos. Fans of the franchise can expect similar antics, vibrant storytelling, and the heartfelt exploration of family challenges, as suggested by the introduction of the new character Felicia.
Zendaya’s addition to the franchise has sparked excitement among fans. Known for her versatile acting skills, she expressed her own enthusiasm for the film, acknowledging her appreciation of the original series. Back in 2017, Zendaya tweeted, "I watch Shrek too often in my adulthood," which the official Shrek social media accounts quoted, responding with, "This aged well." The playful interaction underlines Zendaya’s genuine connection with the franchise, eleving the anticipation for her character’s debut.
The inclusion of Felicia as Shrek and Fiona’s daughter suggests the exploration of inter-generational themes, presenting the possibility of not just adventures but also the trials of parenting and growing up within the fantastical world of Far, Far Away. Such rich possibilities signify fresh narratives for the franchise as it moves forward.
The "Shrek" franchise has experienced immense success since its inception. The original film not only captured hearts but also raked in nearly $500 million globally at the box office, becoming the first-ever Oscar winner for animated feature. Its sequels, including “Shrek 2,” “Shrek the Third,” and “Shrek Forever After," continued to build upon this success, making Shrek and his friends enduring cultural icons.
With the release of "Shrek 5" drawing nearer, excitement builds as fans await to see how the filmmakers will weave together nostalgia with new elements, as the series commemorates its milestone anniversary. The colorful world of Shrek has always thrived on unpredictable humor and endearing character relationships, and expectations are high for the next chapter. Will Felicia bring new adventures and dilemmas for the beloved ogre family? Only time will tell as we count down to its holiday release.