The world of Shrek is making a grand return, and this time, there’s a fresh twist! DreamWorks has officially dropped the first teaser trailer for Shrek 5, and fans have plenty to talk about.
Among the biggest revelations? Zendaya has joined the cast as the red-haired teenage daughter of Shrek and Fiona.
This unexpected casting choice is already creating waves, adding a new layer of excitement to the beloved franchise.
A Star-Studded Comeback
Alongside Zendaya, original cast members Mike Myers (Shrek), Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona), and Eddie Murphy (Donkey) are all back to reprise their iconic roles.
The teaser opens with a hilarious scene featuring Shrek and Donkey gazing into the Magic Mirror.
Donkey, ever the jokester, asks, “Hey Magic Mirror, who’s the fairest of them all?”
In classic Shrek fashion, the Mirror hypes up Shrek by showing a much more “in-shape” version of the beloved ogre.
The scene takes an even funnier turn when Fiona, their daughter, and Pinocchio rush in—only for Pinocchio’s nose to grow as he awkwardly denies making the unrealistic images of Shrek.
The trailer also plays up the star power, announcing the returning cast members one by one before dramatically revealing Zendaya’s name—almost as if the movie itself is in shock at landing such a big star.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
Scheduled for a December 2026 release, Shrek 5 will be the first mainline installment in the series since Shrek Forever After hit theaters in 2010.
While many are thrilled, some fans are skeptical about the film’s animation style.
Social media has been flooded with reactions, with some criticizing the visuals while others accuse DreamWorks of dragging out the franchise for profit.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “I hate how they have to over-milk a franchise, let Shrek go.” Another added, “Woke and O.G. graphics were better.”
Some fans are also puzzled by Donkey’s new look, with one asking, “Why does Donkey look so bad now?”
However, not everyone is complaining. Many are excited about Zendaya’s involvement and are eager to see what she brings to the role.
A Legacy That Speaks for Itself
Despite the mixed reception, there’s no denying Shrek’s impact on pop culture.
The franchise, which began in 2001, was based on William Steig’s 1990 picture book and quickly became a global phenomenon.
The first film won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and grossed over $488 million worldwide.
The sequels—Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010)—continued the ogre’s adventures, collectively earning over $2.9 billion globally.
Beyond the films, Shrek has also inspired a Broadway musical, a touring stage show, and multiple spin-offs, including Puss in Boots (2011) and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022), the latter earning an Oscar nomination.
Given this impressive history, it’s no surprise DreamWorks is eager to keep the franchise alive.
Zendaya’s Packed Schedule
Zendaya’s involvement in Shrek 5 is just another highlight in her already impressive career.
In recent years, she’s starred in blockbuster hits like Dune: Part Two and Challengers.
Up next, she has Dune: Messiah, another Spider-Man film, and the long-awaited third season of Euphoria in the pipeline.
And if that wasn’t enough, she’s also planning her wedding to Tom Holland after getting engaged in early 2025.
What’s Next?
With Shrek 5 set to release in 2026, fans will have to wait a while to see how this next chapter unfolds.
Will it live up to expectations, or will it struggle to recapture the magic of the originals?
And what role will Zendaya’s character play in the story?
While DreamWorks hasn’t revealed the full plot yet, one thing is certain—Shrek isn’t done just yet, and the conversation around the film is only getting started.