Zendaya Joins Shrek 5 Cast as Daughter Felicia; Film Set for December 2026 Release

Zendaya Cast in Highly Anticipated Shrek 5 Revival

In a significant development for the revitalized Shrek franchise, acclaimed actress Zendaya has officially joined the cast of the upcoming Shrek 5. The star is set to voice the character of Felicia, one of Shrek’s children, signaling a new direction for the beloved animated series. The film is slated for a theatrical debut on December 23, 2026, marking the return of the ogre and his companions to the big screen after more than a decade.

This announcement has generated considerable buzz, merging the established legacy of one of animation’s most successful franchises with the formidable star power of Zendaya, recognized globally for her diverse roles and cultural impact. The casting confirms speculation following earlier reports hinting at the film’s active development.

Original Stars Set to Return

Fans of the original Shrek saga will be pleased to learn that core voice cast members are reprising their iconic roles. Mike Myers will return as the titular green ogre, Shrek. Eddie Murphy is confirmed to lend his distinctive voice once again to the fast-talking, loyal Donkey. Cameron Diaz is also on board to reprise her role as Princess Fiona, Shrek’s wife and mother to their children, including the character Zendaya will voice.

The return of Myers, Murphy, and Diaz provides crucial continuity and authenticity to the sequel, bridging the gap since the last installment. Their performances have been central to the franchise’s enduring appeal and humor, establishing a foundation that the new film aims to build upon.

Creative Leadership and Production Details

Shrek 5 will be helmed by a directorial team with deep ties to the franchise and recent animation successes. Walt Dohrn is set to direct the film. Dohrn recently directed Trolls Band Together and previously contributed as a writer on the third and fourth films in the Shrek series, Shrek the Third and Shrek Forever After, respectively. This prior experience with the characters and world is expected to bring a nuanced understanding to the new film.

Joining Dohrn as co-director is Conrad Vernon, who was a co-director on the critically and commercially successful Shrek 2. Vernon’s return is particularly noteworthy, bringing back a key creative voice from what is often considered one of the strongest entries in the franchise. The collaboration between Dohrn and Vernon suggests a blend of new perspectives and foundational knowledge.

The film is being produced by DreamWorks Animation, continuing its stewardship of the franchise since the original film’s debut.

Franchise History and Significance

The Shrek franchise began with the original film’s release in 2001, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon with its irreverent humor, fairy-tale subversions, and innovative animation. It spawned three direct sequels: Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010), as well as spin-off films centered on the character Puss in Boots.

Shrek Forever After, released in 2010, was marketed at the time as the final film in the main series. The announcement of Shrek 5, coming 16 years after the presumed conclusion, signals a significant revival and expansion of the universe. The inclusion of Shrek’s children, previously seen as infants in the later films, suggests a narrative jump forward, exploring the dynamics of the now-grown Ogre family.

Zendaya’s Ascending Career

Zendaya’s addition to the cast brings a contemporary level of stardom to the project. Her career trajectory has been remarkable, showcasing versatility across various genres and platforms. Her notable film credits include her breakout role in The Greatest Showman, her prominent part within the Marvel Cinematic Universe as MJ in the Spider-Man films, and her critically acclaimed performance in the HBO series Euphoria, for which she won an Emmy Award.

Most recently, Zendaya starred in Luca Guadagnino’s tennis drama Challengers, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination, further cementing her status as a leading actress. Her upcoming film projects include The Drama alongside Robert Pattinson and a role in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated adaptation of Homer’s epic, The Odyssey.

Beyond her acting roles, Zendaya has been recognized for her cultural influence. In 2022, Time Magazine named her one of the THE 100 most influential people in the world. Her involvement is expected to attract a broad audience, including her substantial base of younger fans who may be new to the Shrek universe, while also exciting long-time enthusiasts.

Anticipation Builds for the Ogre Family’s Return

The prospect of seeing Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey embark on a new adventure, this time potentially involving their now-older children, has generated considerable excitement among fans and industry observers. The December 23, 2026, release date places Shrek 5 squarely in the competitive holiday movie season, indicating the studio’s confidence in its potential success.

The blend of returning talent, experienced creative leadership, and the addition of a major star like Zendaya positions Shrek 5 as one of the most anticipated animated films in the coming years. As production moves forward, more details regarding the plot and other new characters are expected to emerge, further fueling anticipation for the return to the fantastical world of Far Far Away.