Shrek 5 is officially on its way, bringing fresh adventures to the beloved franchise. Zendaya has joined the cast as Felicia, the daughter of Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) and Fiona (Cameron Diaz), Universal Pictures announced. Fans can expect Shrek 5 to hit theaters on December 23, 2026, with Eddie Murphy returning as Donkey.
“Ew, dad!” Felicia exclaims in the teaser when she sees an embarrassing topless photo of Shrek.
Plot details remain secret, hidden beneath Shrek’s swamp, but Shrek 5 is helmed by franchise veterans Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon. Dohrn contributed to previous films as a writer and artist, also voicing Rumpelstiltskin in Shrek Forever After. Vernon, who directed Shrek 2, also lent his voice to multiple characters, including the Gingerbread Man.
The original Shrek film, directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, premiered in 2001. It followed the grumpy ogre whose peaceful life is disrupted when fairy tale creatures invade his swamp. To reclaim his solitude, Shrek strikes a deal with Lord Farquaad (voiced by John Lithgow) to rescue Princess Fiona, setting off an unforgettable adventure.
The Christmas release of Shrek 5 aligns with the franchise’s 25th anniversary. Since its inception, the Shrek series has grossed $2.9 billion worldwide, inspired theme park attractions, and even led to a Broadway musical that won a Tony Award for costume design.
Zendaya, an Emmy-winning actress, is widely known for her roles in HBO’s Euphoria and the Spider-Man franchise. She recently starred in Dune and Challengers and will next appear in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and A24’s The Drama, alongside Robert Pattinson.
With Shrek 5 on the horizon, excitement continues to build. Fans eagerly await the return of their favorite characters alongside Zendaya’s fresh addition to the cast.