Zendaya has officially joined the cast of Shrek 5. The acclaimed actress will lend her voice to the role of Shrek and Fiona’s daughter, stepping into the beloved animated universe alongside returning stars Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz.
Zendaya, one of the most sought-after talents in Hollywood today, is no stranger to high-profile projects. With upcoming roles in Dune: Messiah, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, the fourth Spider-Man film, and the highly anticipated Euphoria season three, Zendaya’s schedule is packed. Last year, she starred in the critically acclaimed Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino, and reprised her role in Dune: Part Two. Her addition to Shrek 5 brings a fresh and vibrant energy to the long-running franchise, potentially attracting a new generation of fans while keeping loyal followers engaged.
Shrek 5, set to release on December 23, 2026, marks the first installment in the main Shrek series since Shrek Forever After in 2010. Directed by Shrek veterans Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon, alongside Minions: The Rise of Gru co-director Brad Ableson, the film promises to deliver the signature humor and heart that made the original films so iconic. Dohrn, who has been with the franchise since Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third, returns as director and writer, while Vernon, who helmed Shrek 2 and Madagascar 2, reprises his role as director and voice of the lovable Gingerbread Man.
The Shrek franchise, which launched in 2001 with the Oscar-winning original film, has since become one of the most successful animated series of all time. The story of the grumpy ogre, his true love Fiona, and their trusty sidekick Donkey captivated audiences with its witty twists on classic fairy tales. In addition to the main films, the franchise also spawned the Puss in Boots spinoffs, starring Antonio Banderas, helping push the Shrek brand to a staggering $2.9 billion globally.
With Shrek 5 on the horizon, the team behind the franchise is eager to keep the magic alive, with Shrek Forever After producer Gina Shay and Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri overseeing production. With Zendaya now officially on board, Shrek 5 is shaping up to be a must-see event for fans old and new.
Zendaya is represented by CAA, Monster Talent Management, and Granderson Des Rochers.
