Shrek is returning, and this time, he’s got a teen daughter in tow for the swampy chaos! Universal Pictures officially announced Shrek 5, which will open theatres on December 23, 2026—just in time for the franchise’s 25th anniversary. With Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy returning to their legendary roles, fans are in for a trip down memory lane. But the biggest shock? Zendaya is coming on board as Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s teenage daughter, opening a new chapter in the much-loved animated franchise.
Meet Felicia: Zendaya’s Newest Role
For those who recall Shrek the Third and Shrek Forever After, Fiona and Shrek welcomed triplets—Fergus, Farkle, and Felicia. Now, years have gone by, and Felicia is grown up, played by none other than Zendaya. The initial teaser introduces us to her character, showing a comedic scene where she groans “Ew, Dad!” at seeing a shirtless Shrek, promising a playful father-daughter relationship.
Zendaya, who has delivered powerhouse performances in Euphoria, Dune, and the Spider-Man series, is an ideal candidate for DreamWorks’ irreverent and self-aware world. Her casting indicates a change in direction for the story, potentially centered on a new generation of fairy tale outcasts.
What We Know About Shrek 5’s Plot
Though Universal is remaining tight-lipped about the plot, Shrek 5 will likely delve into parenthood, aging, and generational conflicts—all with the franchise’s trademark humour and heart. With Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey all getting older, and their offspring taking center stage, we can expect a “passing of the torch” situation where Felicia embarks on a quest of her own.
Seasoned franchise directors Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon are back again, having overseen past Shrek movies and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. A new animation engine called MoonRay is being implemented, providing the characters with an updated appearance—something that’s already created a stir among supporters.
The Shrek franchise has been a box-office phenomenon, earning almost $3 billion globally, and Shrek 5 will cash in huge amounts, regardless of reception. With some initial skepticism surrounding the teaser (such as a fantasy-world TikTok punchline that failed to impress some fans), nostalgia and Zendaya’s star appeal should drive high-level hype.
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