Shrek 5 is finally stepping out of the swamp and into the spotlight with Zendaya in tow. The first teaser reveals a bevy of new information, including the newest cast member. Fans have waited for conclusive Shrek news since the prospective fifth entry suffered cancellation in 2010. The project underwent a slow drip of information between 2017 and 2024, but the teaser is finally here. Amazingly, Shrek and Fiona’s daughter followed in her stunt-cast parents’ footsteps with a superstar voice performance.
Zendaya Joins the Star-Studded Cast of Shrek 5
The brief Shrek 5 trailer boasts a hilariously self-aware approach to the titular ogre. We learn almost nothing about the next film’s plot, but DreamWorks put the memes front and center. Shrek, Donkey, Fiona, and the now-teenaged daughter Felicia watch the magic mirror as it plays a variety of Shrek internet content. The characters take turns reacting in disgust and amazement before Pinocchio tries and fails to absolve himself of responsibility. Shrek and his loved ones sport a bold new design that has attracted some controversy. The teaser’s announcer proudly lists the returning cast before lending additional excitement to Zendaya’s name. Zendaya will portray Felicia, who appeared as an infant in Shrek the Third and Forever After. The brief teaser promises a December 2026 release date, providing plenty of time to get excited.
Zendaya is one of the most celebrated talents in Hollywood today. When she’s not in the booth for projects like this one, she’s on shows like Euphoria and films like Dune. Her big-screen debut was in Spider-Man: Homecoming, and she stayed in the franchise through two more entries. She’s also a successful musician, racking up plenty of top 20 and top 40 hits. Beyond all that, she’s no stranger to animated features. Zendaya appeared in Duck Duck Goose, Smallfoot, and Space Jam: A New Legacy. She’s sure to be a massive addition to the Shrek franchise.
Zendaya’s leap into the Shrek universe follows a familiar pattern for the franchise. Since the beginning, Shrek has been one of the most prominent examples of stunt casting in animated media. Back in the day, animated cinema used working voice actors instead of big stars, but that’s no longer the default. You probably don’t know the voice actor behind Disney’s Aladdin or Tarzan, but you know the stars of modern animated films. That’s because studios frequently bring in big stars over new names. Shrek was, in many ways, the launchpad of that trend. Zendaya represents yet another example of the franchise reaching to the highest levels of fame to find their talent. If the kids of today weren’t sold on Shrek through the memes, they’ll follow Zendaya anywhere.
