Get ready, Shrek fans: the long-awaited fifth installment of the beloved animated franchise is officially underway, and it has a surprise cast member that has captured global attention.

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Zendaya as Felicia

Imagine the daughter of Shrek and Fiona grown up—and played by one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. That’s exactly what’s happening with Shrek 5. Zendaya has signed on to lend her voice to Felicia, the teenage daughter of Shrek (voiced again by Mike Myers) and Fiona (voiced by Cameron Diaz). Her nomination for this role marks a bold new chapter for the franchise and a casting move that has fans buzzing.

Returning to the Swamp

Also confirmed to return are the original voice talents: Mike Myers as Shrek, Cameron Diaz as Fiona, and Eddie Murphy as Donkey. The film is directed by Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon, with Brad Ableson co-directing from a screenplay written by Michael McCullers and produced by Chris Meledandri and Gina Shay. These creative leads combine series veterans with modern filmmaking vision, setting the stage for a blend of nostalgia and refresh.

Zendaya’s announcement not only introduces a new character but also carves space for a younger generation in the Shrek universe. Felicia first appeared in Shrek the Third as one of Shrek’s triplet children, but this new film appears to age her up—as seen in the recent teaser trailer featuring a stylish teenage character, complete with red knotted hair and a nose ring.

Online fans have reacted strongly—not always positively—commenting on the updated animation style used in Shrek 5, which features a more detailed look powered by DreamWorks’ new MoonRay engine. Some miss the classic art style, while others welcome the visual upgrade as a natural progression given the 15-year gap since the last installment.

Release and Expectations

Shrek 5 is slated for theatrical release on December 23, 2026, nearly 16 years after Shrek Forever After debuted in 2010. DreamWorks and Universal Pictures will launch the film globally, with plans to transition to streaming platforms later in its distribution window.

While plot specifics are under wraps, industry insiders expect the story to lean into themes of legacy and identity—perhaps in the form of Felicia stepping into her own spotlight, and the older generation of ogres adjusting to that change. The trailer suggests the film embraces self-aware humor while expanding the world of Far Far Away for new audiences.

A spin-off focused on Donkey, voiced again by Eddie Murphy, has also been confirmed, set to release after Shrek 5.

Zendaya’s casting as Felicia elevates Shrek 5 beyond nostalgia, signaling a franchise mix of legacy voice talent and fresh characters. With the original cast returning, new animation technology, and a release scheduled for the 2026 holiday season, DreamWorks appears to be aiming high—and if their first trailer is any indication, audiences are in for a fairytale (with extra layers of green).

Stay tuned for updates on other voice cast members, trailers, and behind-the-scenes looks as Shrek 5 makes its way toward theaters in December 2026.