Zendaya's star power energizes Shrek 5 for a new era in animation

By: Shawn
The Shrek franchise has gained a star that’s bound to make waves.

Zendaya has officially signed on for Shrek 5, lending her voice to the daughter of Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) and Fiona (voiced by Cameron Diaz). She joins the iconic Eddie Murphy, who will reprise his role as the ever-popular Donkey.

'Zendaya.'
Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images

Zendaya has become one of Hollywood's most sought-after talents. Her busy schedule includes projects like Dune: Messiah, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, the highly anticipated Spider-Man sequel, and the third season of Euphoria. In 2024, she showcased her range with standout performances in Challengers, a tennis drama by Luca Guadagnino, and Dune: Part Two. Her addition to Shrek 5 brings an exciting new energy to the long-running franchise and may help attract a fresh, younger audience to the series.

Scheduled for release on December 23, 2026, Shrek 5 will be the first film in the main series since Shrek Forever After in 2010. Universal and DreamWorks Animation are behind this highly anticipated sequel.

The movie will be helmed by Shrek veterans Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon, along with Minions: The Rise of Gru co-director Brad Ableson. Dohrn has deep roots in the Shrek franchise, having worked as a writer on Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third, as well as head of story on Shrek Forever After, where he also voiced the character Rumplestiltskin. Vernon, known for directing Shrek 2 and Madagascar 2, also lends his voice to the beloved Gingerbread Man (aka Gingy).

Returning producer Gina Shay, who worked on Shrek Forever After, and Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri will oversee the production of this exciting new installment.

The Shrek franchise began in 2001 with the critically acclaimed, Oscar-winning film about an ogre named Shrek, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love with Fiona, a princess cursed to look like an ogre. Donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy, became a fan favorite with his comedic timing and unwavering loyalty. The first film’s clever take on classic fairy tales set the tone for a series that has entertained audiences for over two decades.

Beyond the main Shrek films, the franchise also spawned two Puss in Boots spinoffs, starring Antonio Banderas, cementing Shrek as the second-highest-grossing animated franchise of all time, with a staggering $2.9 billion in global earnings.

With Zendaya’s involvement in Shrek 5, the beloved series is set to experience a new chapter of success, drawing in both longtime fans and fresh faces.

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