In a major casting announcement that has excited fans of the beloved animated franchise, Zendaya has officially joined the cast of Shrek 5 as the daughter of Shrek (Mike Myers) and Fiona (Cameron Diaz). The news was confirmed on Thursday morning through the official social media channels of the Shrek series, instantly generating buzz across the entertainment world.
A Long-Awaited Return for ‘Shrek’
Set to hit theatres on December 23, 2026, Shrek 5 will be the first new instalment in the franchise in over 16 years. The last film, Shrek Forever After, debuted in 2010, leaving fans eager for more of the fairytale-inspired world. While plot details remain under wraps, Zendaya’s casting suggests a fresh direction for the story, possibly focusing on the next generation of ogres navigating their own adventures.
Eddie Murphy will also reprise his role as the wisecracking Donkey, ensuring that the film retains the humour and charm that made the series a massive global success.
Creative Team and Direction
Shrek 5 is directed by Walt Dohrn, known for his work on the Trolls franchise and his contributions to previous Shrek films as a writer and head of story. Brad Ableson (Minions: The Rise of Gru) will join him as co-director. The production team includes Gina Shay, a veteran producer of the Trolls movies, and Chris Meledandri, CEO of Illumination, who has previously worked on The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
DreamWorks Animation first teased Shrek 5 in July 2024, confirming its development but withholding key details about its storyline. The film is expected to blend the signature humour and heart of the previous entries while introducing a fresh narrative arc centred around the next generation of characters.
Zendaya’s Expanding Film Portfolio
Zendaya’s casting in Shrek 5 marks another milestone in her illustrious career. The Emmy-winning actress is filming the third season of HBO’s hit series Euphoria. She is also set to star in Dune: Messiah, the highly anticipated follow-up to Dune: Part Two. Additionally, she is in discussions for a role in The Odyssey, a new film by acclaimed director Christopher Nolan.
Zendaya’s versatility and strong on-screen presence make her a perfect fit for the Shrek universe, and her involvement is expected to bring a new dynamic to the franchise. Whether her character will take after Shrek’s ogre-like traits or Fiona’s royal lineage remains to be seen, but fans are eagerly speculating about her role’s direction.
A Look Back at the ‘Shrek’ Franchise
Based on William Steig’s 1990 book, the Shrek franchise first appeared on the big screen in 2001. The film introduced audiences to the grumpy yet lovable green ogre and his journey to rescue Princess Fiona. It became a pop culture phenomenon, winning the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and earning over $488 million worldwide.
Its success led to several sequels:
- Shrek 2 (2004) – Shrek meets Fiona’s parents and faces the villainous Fairy Godmother.
- Shrek the Third (2007) – Shrek embarks on a quest to find a new heir to the throne.
- Shrek Forever After (2010): Shrek faces a midlife crisis and wishes to erase his past, leading to an alternate reality in which he never existed.
The franchise has grossed over $2.9 billion worldwide, making it one of DreamWorks Animation’s most successful series. It has expanded beyond film into Broadway musicals, theme park attractions, and spin-offs, including the Puss in Boots films. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish earned an Oscar nomination in 2023.
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What to Expect from ‘Shrek 5’
With the return of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy and Zendaya’s exciting addition, Shrek 5 promises to reignite the franchise’s magic while introducing new characters and storylines. The film is expected to blend nostalgia with fresh perspectives, appealing to longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.
While details about Zendaya’s character remain undisclosed, her role as Shrek and Fiona’s daughter suggests a storyline that explores the next chapter in the ogre family’s journey. Whether she inherits her father’s gruff demeanour or her mother’s fierce independence, one thing is sure—she will bring her unique energy to the role.
The Future of DreamWorks Animation
With DreamWorks and Illumination collaborating on Shrek 5, the studio is revitalising its biggest franchises. Given the recent success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed over $1 billion worldwide, and the enduring popularity of the Shrek films, this latest instalment could lead to even more sequels or spin-offs.
The studio has also been exploring new projects, including potential revivals and reboots of classic titles. As Hollywood continues to embrace nostalgia-driven content, Shrek’s return seems perfectly timed to capitalise on fan excitement.
Final Thoughts
Zendaya’s casting in Shrek 5 signals a bold new direction for the beloved animated series. As one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents, her involvement adds another layer of excitement to the highly anticipated film. With a talented creative team, the return of iconic characters, and the promise of fresh storytelling, Shrek 5 will be one of the biggest animated releases in 2026.
Fans won’t have to wait longer to see what’s in store. Shrek 5 is set to hit theatres on December 23, 2026—just in time for the holiday season.
