Zendaya has been cast in Shrek 5. The announcement has generated significant buzz among fans, with social media mentions of the film increasing dramatically within hours of the news breaking.
The 28-year-old actress will join Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz in the fifth instalment of the Dreamworks animation franchise, and will voice the role of the titular ogre’s daughter. Zendaya‘s involvement marks her first major animated role in several years, adding another impressive credit to her diverse filmography.
Her casting was confirmed via a new trailer that was released online on Thursday, Feb. 27. The trailer has already amassed millions of views across various platforms, showcasing the enduring popularity of the franchise.
Shrek was first released in 2001 and followed the story of an ogre who falls in love with Princess Fiona (Diaz) before a sequel arrived in 2004. The original film was a massive box office success, winning the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Shrek the Third revealed that Fiona — now married to Shrek — was pregnant, and the latest major installment Shrek Forever After was released in 2010. The franchise has become one of the most beloved animated series in cinema history, known for its humor that appeals to both children and adults.
The films are based on the picture book ‘Shrek!’ by William Steig, and the first film in the series opened as a Broadway musical in 2008 before running in London’s West End for just over two years. The stage adaptation received eight Tony Award nominations and entertained audiences worldwide.
Shrek 5 is slated for release on Dec. 23, 2026, and will focus on the green-skinned couple raising their teenage triplets in the magical land of Far Far Away. Industry analysts predict the film will be a major holiday season release, continuing the tradition of family entertainment during the festive period.
Walt Dohrn, who previously worked as writer and artist on the second and third movies and was Head of Story on the fourth, is directing the film, with Brad Ableson as co-director. Dohrn’s intimate knowledge of the franchise has been praised as crucial to maintaining the series’ distinctive humor and heart.
Gina Shay is returning to produce alongside Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri. The production team has assembled animators and artists from around the world to work on the film, combining traditional animation expertise with cutting-edge technology.
Last year, Murphy confirmed work had started on the film, and that his character Donkey will be getting a spin-off movie. Murphy’s Donkey character has consistently been ranked as one of the most beloved animated sidekicks in cinema history, known for his quick wit and loyal friendship.
“We started doing Shrek four or five months ago,” he told Collider. “I recorded the first act, and we’ll be doing it this year. We’ll finish it up.” Industry insiders report that production is progressing well, with voice recording sessions scheduled throughout the year.
Illumination founder Chris Meledandri first discussed the film in 2023 and admitted he was hopeful of getting the original cast back together. The reunion of the original voice cast represents one of the longest-running continuities in animated film history, spanning more than two decades.
“We anticipate the cast coming back. Talks are starting now, and every indication that we’ve gotten is there’s tremendous enthusiasm on behalf of the actors to return,” the film producer told Variety. This enthusiasm has clearly paid off, with all major actors now confirmed for the project.
The addition of Zendaya to the franchise brings a fresh dynamic to the beloved series, with her character expected to introduce themes relevant to modern audiences while maintaining the franchise’s signature humor. Her involvement has significantly increased interest among younger viewers who may not have grown up with the original films.
Technical innovations in animation have advanced considerably since the last Shrek film, with the new installment utilizing modern animation techniques that allow for more nuanced character expressions and detailed environments. Early production artwork reveals a visual style that honors the franchise’s distinctive look while incorporating contemporary aesthetic elements.
The return to Far Far Away comes at a time when nostalgic revivals are particularly popular in Hollywood, offering both new stories for longtime fans and introducing beloved characters to a new generation of moviegoers.
