The “Shrek” franchise is getting a major star power boost as Emmy-winning actress Zendaya has officially joined the cast of “Shrek 5” as Felicia, the teenage daughter of the beloved green ogre couple. Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation confirmed the casting in a newly released 30-second trailer that offers fans their first glimpse of the character and the film’s updated animation style.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Zendaya will join returning cast members Mike Myers (Shrek), Cameron Diaz (Fiona), and Eddie Murphy (Donkey) in the fifth installment of the main series, scheduled for theatrical release on December 23, 2026. The film marks the first entry in the core franchise since 2010’s “Shrek Forever After.”
Felicia Makes Her Teenage Debut
While fans of the series may remember Felicia as one of Shrek and Fiona’s triplet babies introduced in 2007’s “Shrek the Third,” the character will now appear as a full-fledged teenager with her own distinctive style. USA Today reports that the new trailer shows Felicia sporting deep green lipstick, a half-up-half-down hairdo, and a nose ring – establishing her as a character with attitude.
In a perfect bit of casting synchronicity, Universal Pictures shared a 2017 social media post from Zendaya that read, “I watch Shrek too often in my adulthood,” suggesting the role might be something of a dream come true for the in-demand actress.
Five Reasons Zendaya’s Casting Matters for the Franchise
- Star Power Revival: Zendaya’s involvement brings renewed attention to the 25-year-old franchise, potentially attracting younger viewers who may not have grown up with the original films.
- Busy Schedule Prioritization: Despite being one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents with commitments to “Dune: Messiah,” Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” “Spider-Man 4,” and “Euphoria” season three, Zendaya made room for this animated role.
- Generational Storytelling: The focus on Shrek’s teenage daughter opens up fresh narrative possibilities, allowing the franchise to explore themes of family, identity, and growing up that will resonate with both original fans and newcomers.
- Critical Darling: Following her acclaimed performance in “Challengers” and continued success in “Dune: Part Two,” Zendaya brings artistic credibility that could elevate the franchise’s standing.
- Social Media Savvy: Her significant social media presence and cultural relevance provide built-in marketing power for a franchise looking to recapture public attention.
New teaser of ‘Shrek 5’ introducing Zendaya as Shrek’s daughter. pic.twitter.com/hqYQiEzMVu
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) February 27, 2025
Veteran Team Behind the Camera
The fifth installment brings together experienced hands from the franchise’s history. Shrek veterans Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon will direct alongside Brad Ableson, co-director of “Minions: The Rise of Gru.” Dohrn previously contributed as a writer on “Shrek 2” and “Shrek the Third,” while Vernon directed “Shrek 2” and voices the Gingerbread Man.
Production duties fall to “Shrek Forever After” producer Gina Shay and Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri, suggesting a blend of franchise continuity and fresh perspective.
Zendaya is in talks for a major role in SHREK 5 as Shrek's daughter! pic.twitter.com/skyIxHdX6R
— MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) February 10, 2025
Mixed Reactions to Updated Animation
While Zendaya’s casting has generally been well-received, the trailer has sparked debate about the film’s updated animation style. Some viewers have criticized the cleaner, more polished look as deviating too far from the original films’ aesthetic.
“Please tone down the animation,” one Instagram user commented, according to USA Today. “You can upgrade quality without making them look airbrushed and overly polished. They all somehow look younger.”
Others have drawn unfavorable comparisons to Paramount’s “Sonic” movie, which famously underwent a redesign after fan backlash to its initial look. Whether DreamWorks will make adjustments based on early reactions remains to be seen.
Box Office Expectations
With a global box office total of $2.9 billion across its previous entries, the “Shrek” franchise stands as the second biggest in animation history. Industry observers will be watching closely to see if this new installment can recapture the magic that made the original films both critical and commercial successes.
The last main “Shrek” film was released in 2010, while the most recent franchise entry was 2022’s “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” which earned critical acclaim and demonstrated continued audience interest in the extended “Shrek” universe.
With over a year until its release, fans can expect more details about “Shrek 5” to emerge as production continues and marketing efforts ramp up for what Universal clearly hopes will be a successful revival of one of animation’s most beloved properties.
