DreamWorks Animation has snagged Zendaya for ‘Shrek 5,’ casting her as Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s daughter. The announcement hit social media Thursday, adding star power to the already stacked voice cast.
The Emmy-winning actress, whose credits include HBO’s “Euphoria,” Marvel’s “Spider-Man” franchise, and Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” films, joins returning veterans Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy, who are reprising their iconic roles as Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey.
Fans will have to wait until December 23, 2026, to see the finished product – a release date that aligns with the franchise’s 25th anniversary.
Teaser Drops, Eyebrows Raise
Universal Pictures kicked off the hype machine with a first-look teaser showing the gang around a magic mirror. When asked “Who’s the fairest of them all?” the mirror serves up a slideshow of Shrek in various compromising situations – bespectacled Shrek making duck faces, Shrek busting moves in a bodysuit, and a doctored beefcake version with improbable abs.
While Shrek and Donkey recoil in horror at the last image, Felicia (Zendaya) delivers a perfectly timed “Ew, dad,” and Fiona counters with an appreciative “Oooh, mama like.”
Animation Overhaul Sparks Backlash
After a 15-year hiatus since “Shrek Forever After” (2010), the franchise’s return should be cause for celebration. Instead, the teaser has sparked heated debate among the fandom, with many viewers balking at the redesigned characters.
DreamWorks has implemented MoonRay, their proprietary open-source rendering engine first deployed for 2019’s “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.” The tech upgrade brings brighter lighting, smoother textures, and reworked character features – including noticeable changes to Shrek’s mouth, ears, and nose. The characters also show visible signs of aging, with Shrek sporting forehead wrinkles and Donkey showing gray fur.
Social media reaction has been swift and mixed. “Just saw the new animation for shrek 5 just cancel the whole thing at this point,” wrote one disgruntled fan. Another questioned, “What happened to the animation? The animation was fantastic with the previous versions. Hopefully they improve it before release.”
Some are drawing parallels to the 2020 “Sonic the Hedgehog” controversy, when Paramount Pictures delayed release to overhaul the title character’s design after audience backlash. “Please change the animation style. Don’t make us sonic you,” pleaded one commenter.
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Franchise Veterans at the Helm
Walt Dohrn, who’s been with the franchise since “Shrek 2,” takes the director’s chair. His Shrek résumé includes writer and artist credits on the second and third films, head of story on “Shrek Forever After,” and voicing Rumpelstiltskin in the latter.
Brad Ableson (“Minions: The Rise of Gru”) joins as co-director, while “Trolls” producer Gina Shay returns alongside Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri.
Box Office Behemoth
The “Shrek” franchise remains one of Hollywood’s most profitable animated properties. The 2001 original nabbed the inaugural Oscar for Best Animated Feature while grossing $488 million worldwide.
Collectively, the four films have pulled in over $2.9 billion globally. The brand has expanded beyond cinema into a global touring show, a Broadway musical (with eight Tony nominations and 12 Drama Desk nominations), a London attraction, and various Universal theme park experiences.
The spin-off “Puss in Boots” (2011) and its sequel “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” further expanded the universe, with the latter scoring an Oscar nomination.
As production continues toward the 2026 release, industry watchers are curious whether DreamWorks will stick to their guns with the updated animation style or respond to fan criticism with tweaks to bring the characters closer to their beloved original designs.
FAQ:
When is Shrek 5 hitting theaters?
Mark your calendars for December 23, 2026. The holiday release date coincides with the 25th anniversary of the original Shrek film that started it all.
Who’s voicing characters in Shrek 5?
The voice cast features Mike Myers (Shrek), Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona), and Eddie Murphy (Donkey). The big addition is Zendaya, who’s playing Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s daughter.
What’s up with the new animation style?
DreamWorks has updated the look using their MoonRay rendering tech, previously used on “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.” The upgrade brings brighter lighting, smoother textures, and redesigned character features. Fan reaction has been mixed, with many preferring the original style.
How long has it been since the last Shrek movie?
It’s been a 15-year drought since “Shrek Forever After” dropped in 2010. That’s a long wait for fans of the green ogre.
Who’s directing the new Shrek?
Walt Dohrn is in the director’s chair, with Brad Ableson as co-director. Dohrn’s a Shrek veteran who worked as writer and artist on earlier films and voiced Rumpelstiltskin in “Shrek Forever After.”
How much has the Shrek franchise earned?
The Shrek money machine has pulled in more than $2.9 billion worldwide across four films. The original scored the first-ever Oscar for Best Animated Feature and banked $488 million globally. Beyond films, the franchise spawned a Broadway show, live tours, theme park rides, and the “Puss in Boots” spin-offs.
