The popular Shrek franchise is making a grand comeback, and this time, it’s bringing a fresh face to the cast. Actress Zendaya has officially joined Shrek 5, lending her voice to Shrek’s daughter. The news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, and fans are thrilled about this exciting addition to the beloved animated series.
Zendaya will be joining original cast members Mike Myers (Shrek), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), and Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona). The film promises to bring back the magic of the Shrek universe while introducing new elements that will captivate audiences. With her experience in blockbuster films like Spider-Man, Dune, and her award-winning performance in Euphoria, Zendaya is expected to add depth and a fresh perspective to the movie.
The Shrek franchise, known for its humor, heartwarming storylines, and fairy tale parodies, has been a fan favorite for over 25 years. Zendaya’s addition signals an exciting new chapter for the series, ensuring that both longtime fans and new audiences will have something special to look forward to.
Shrek 5 Release Date and Production Details
Fans have been eagerly awaiting news about Shrek 5, and now, the release date has been confirmed. The film is currently in production and is set to hit theaters on December 23, 2026. This means audiences can look forward to a magical holiday season with their favorite green ogre and his hilarious friends.
The film is being directed by Walt Dohrn, Conrad Vernon, and Brad Ableson. It is produced by Gina Shay and Chris Meledandri, both of whom have worked on successful animated projects before. With a strong creative team behind the scenes, Shrek 5 is expected to stay true to the charm of the original films while bringing fresh ideas to the table.
The previous four Shrek films have been major box office successes, earning a combined total of over $2.9 billion globally. The franchise also led to two spin-off movies featuring Puss in Boots, further expanding the world of Shrek. Given this history, expectations are high for the fifth installment.
An Overview of the Shrek Movies
The Shrek franchise first began in 2001 with the release of the original film. At the time, it was a groundbreaking animated movie that introduced audiences to a new kind of fairy tale—one that was funny, self-aware, and full of heart.
The first Shrek movie told the story of a grumpy yet lovable ogre named Shrek, who enjoyed a peaceful life in his swamp. However, his world was turned upside down when the tiny yet powerful Lord Farquaad sent fairy tale creatures to invade his home. To get his swamp back, Shrek agreed to rescue Princess Fiona, a royal with a magical secret—she turned into an ogre at night due to a curse. Along the way, he was joined by Donkey, his hilarious and loyal sidekick.
The film was a massive hit, winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and becoming one of the most beloved animated movies of all time. It led to three sequels—Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010)—each expanding on Shrek’s world, introducing new characters, and delivering hilarious moments that fans still love today.
The series also inspired spin-off films, including Puss in Boots (2011) and its recent sequel, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022), which was praised for its storytelling and animation.
Now, with Shrek 5 on the horizon, the franchise is set to continue its legacy. Fans are excited to see how Zendaya’s character will fit into Shrek’s world and what new adventures await the beloved ogre and his family.
What to Expect from Shrek 5
While details about the plot of Shrek 5 remain under wraps, the return of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz, along with Zendaya’s new role, suggests that the film will focus on Shrek’s life as a father.
Given the franchise’s history, it’s likely that Shrek 5 will blend humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments. It may explore how Shrek and Fiona handle parenthood, while Donkey continues to bring comedic relief. Fans are also curious to see if Puss in Boots will make an appearance, given his popularity.
In previous interviews, Eddie Murphy mentioned that he would love to return as Donkey, even hinting at a possible Donkey spin-off. His involvement in Shrek 5 could bring even more fun to the movie.
