- Zendaya will voice Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s daughter in Shrek 5.
- Shrek 5 will be released on Dec. 23, 2026, for the franchise’s 25th anniversary.
- Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz reprise their iconic roles.
- The film is directed by Shrek veterans Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon.
In an exciting announcement for Shrek fans worldwide, Zendaya has joined the voice cast of Shrek 5. The award-winning actress, known for her roles in Challengers and Dune 2, will voice Felicia, the daughter of Shrek and Fiona. The fifth installment of the beloved animated franchise is set to hit theatres on December 23, 2026, just in time for the 25th anniversary of the original film.
Universal Pictures will release the much-anticipated movie, with several fan-favorite cast members returning to voice their iconic roles. Mike Myers will once again voice Shrek, Eddie Murphy will bring Donkey back to life, and Cameron Diaz will reprise her role as Fiona.
Returning Directors
The latest chapter in the Shrek saga will be directed by Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon, two experienced filmmakers from the franchise. Dohrn, who has been involved with the second, third, and fourth Shrek films, also voiced the character Rumpelstiltskin in Shrek Forever After. Vernon, renowned for his work on Shrek 2 and Madagascar 2, has voiced the Gingerbread Man (aka Gingy).
In addition to their directorial roles, the movie will see the return of Gina Shay as producer. Shay previously worked on Shrek Forever After and is also behind the Trolls franchise. Chris Meledandri, the CEO of Illumination and Oscar nominee, will co-produce the film. Meledandri is known for his work on the Despicable Me, Minions, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie franchises.
A Record-Breaking Franchise
The Shrek franchise, based on William Steig’s book, began with the original film in 2001. The film was groundbreaking, winning the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It quickly became a cultural phenomenon, following the quirky adventures of a misunderstood ogre and his group of fairytale friends.
The Shrek films have grossed more than $2.9 billion globally, spawning multiple successful spin-offs. The franchise also gave rise to a global live-touring show, a Broadway musical that garnered eight Tony nominations, and a popular immersive experience at Universal Studios Parks worldwide.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Shrek 5 is set to bring back the charm and humor of the previous films, with new faces and a new generation of fans. Zendaya’s casting as Felicia marks a fresh addition to the franchise’s beloved family dynamic. The film is set to be a major milestone for the franchise, celebrating a quarter-century of ogre-filled fun.
As Shrek 5 prepares for its December 2026 release, it is clear that the franchise is continuing its legacy of success with returning stars, experienced directors, and fresh voices like Zendaya. With the movie’s release coinciding with the original film’s 25th anniversary, fans old and new can look forward to another hilarious chapter in the Shrek saga.