The beloved Shrek franchise is making a grand return with its fifth movie, Shrek 5, set to release on December 23, 2026. This highly anticipated sequel is arriving just in time for the 25th anniversary of the first Shrek film, which was released in 2001. Fans of the series have been eagerly waiting for another adventure in the magical land of Far, Far Away, and this time, the story is taking a fresh turn.
A brand-new character is joining the beloved cast—Shrek and Fiona’s teenage daughter, Felicia. In an exciting announcement, it has been revealed that Zendaya, known for her roles in Euphoria and Dune 2, will be lending her voice to this new character. With her addition, the original trio of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz will be returning to voice Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona, respectively. This news has created a wave of excitement among fans who have loved the Shrek films for years.

The makers of Shrek 5 recently released a special teaser to give fans a sneak peek into the upcoming movie. In the teaser, Shrek can be seen looking into a magic mirror and asking the famous question, “Who is the fairest of them all?” This small clip has already gained a lot of attention, as it hints at what’s to come in the film. Along with the teaser, a caption was shared that read, “Far, Far Away’s finest are coming,” suggesting that all the well-loved characters will be making a return, alongside the introduction of Felicia.
The Shrek franchise has remained one of the most successful animated film series in Hollywood. It started in 2001 with the first Shrek movie, which won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Over the years, the series has brought laughter, adventure, and heartwarming moments to audiences around the world. The characters, from Shrek’s grumpy-yet-lovable personality to Donkey’s humorous charm, have made a lasting impact.
With each new installment, the story of Shrek and his friends has evolved. In Shrek 2, fans were introduced to Fiona’s parents and the kingdom of Far, Far Away. Shrek the Third followed Shrek’s journey as he struggled with the idea of becoming king. Then came Shrek Forever After, where Shrek found himself trapped in an alternate reality created by Rumpelstiltskin. Now, in Shrek 5, the story is moving forward to introduce the next generation, bringing Shrek and Fiona’s daughter, Felicia, into the spotlight.
Zendaya, who has gained fame for her versatile acting and incredible performances, is stepping into the world of animation by voicing Felicia. This marks an important addition to the cast, as her character is expected to play a major role in the new storyline. Fans are excited to see how Felicia’s character will be developed and what kind of adventures she will have alongside her parents and Donkey.
The film is being directed by Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon, both of whom have had a long history with the Shrek films. Walt Dohrn worked as a writer and artist for Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third, and he also voiced Rumpelstiltskin in Shrek Forever After. Conrad Vernon, on the other hand, directed Shrek 2 and has also worked on other successful animated films like Madagascar 2. Additionally, Brad Ableson, known for his work on Minions: The Rise of Gru, will be co-directing the movie. With such an experienced team behind the film, fans have high expectations for what’s to come.

The introduction of Felicia raises many questions about the plot of Shrek 5. Will she have the same stubborn yet kind-hearted nature as her parents? How will she interact with Donkey, Puss in Boots, and the other characters? Will there be a new villain in this film? While not much has been revealed about the storyline yet, fans are already speculating about the possible directions the movie might take.
The Shrek series has always been known for its funny yet emotional storytelling, blending comedy with important life lessons. The films have explored themes like self-acceptance, love, friendship, and family, making them enjoyable for audiences of all ages. With Shrek 5, it is expected that these themes will continue, but this time with the perspective of a new generation.
The addition of Felicia could mean that the story will explore parent-child relationships, a theme that has not been deeply explored in the previous films. Shrek and Fiona’s journey as parents might be a central part of the film, showing how they navigate raising a teenage daughter in a magical world filled with adventure. Felicia might also have her own dreams and struggles, adding depth to her character.