Zendaya is set to showcase her versatility in the forthcoming film “Shrek 5.” The widely recognized performer, known simply by her first name, will portray Felicia, the offspring of Shrek (played by Mike Myers) and Fiona (portrayed by Cameron Diaz).
The production houses Universal and DreamWorks, responsible for the beloved animated series set in the enchanting realm of Far, Far Away, recently unveiled a sneak peek alongside the announcement of Zendaya’s involvement. In the teaser, Shrek’s loyal companion Donkey (voiced by Eddie Murphy) engages the iconic Magic Mirror from the classic tale of “Snow White.” When asked about the fairest of them all, the modernized Magic Mirror responds with a twist, showcasing Shrek in a variety of contemporary Gen Z-inspired personas. This leads to comical reactions from Felicia (“Ew, dad!”) and Fiona (“Oooh, Mommy like”), while Shrek humorously questions the source of this imaginative transformation. Amidst the whimsical chaos, Pinocchio makes a cameo appearance with a fib, exclaiming “Not me!”
Zendaya’s connection to the “Shrek” franchise dates back to 2017 when she humorously admitted to indulging in the films even in adulthood. Embracing her casting announcement, the official social media accounts of the “Shrek” series reposted Zendaya’s tweet, playfully noting how well it has aged.
Scheduled for a cinematic release on December 23, 2026, “Shrek 5” arrives twenty-five years after the original animated masterpiece captivated audiences worldwide. The groundbreaking film reimagined the concept of Happily Ever After through the perspective of a misunderstood ogre and his eclectic band of fairy-tale companions, amassing nearly $500 million at the global box office and earning the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The success of “Shrek” spawned three sequels—2004’s “Shrek 2,” 2007’s “Shrek the Third,” and 2010’s “Shrek Forever After”—along with the popular “Puss in Boots” spinoff series.
Helming the fifth installment are Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon, esteemed veterans of the franchise. Dohrn’s contributions to the “Shrek” series include writing and artistic work on the second and third films, as well as serving as head of story and voicing Rumpelstiltskin in the fourth installment. Meanwhile, Vernon directed “Shrek 2” and lent his voice to the endearing Gingerbread Man character.
Zendaya, a recipient of an Emmy Award for her role in “Euphoria,” is gearing up for a busy lineup of projects, including Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated ensemble piece “The Odyssey,” the fourth installment of the “Spider-Man” series alongside Tom Holland, and the upcoming third season of “
