Zendaya Joins SHREK 5 as The Ogre’s Daughter and There's a First Look Teaser
DreamWorks Animation has officially announced that Zendaya has joined the cast of Shrek 5, taking on the role of Shrek (Mike Myers) and Fiona’s (Cameron Diaz) daughter.
The news was revealed through the franchise’s official X page, giving fans a first look at Zendaya’s animated ogre character in a teaser.
The film is set to hit theaters on December 23, 2026, marking the first Shrek installment in over 16 years since Shrek Forever After (2010). While plot details remain under wraps, the return of Eddie Murphy as Donkey has been confirmed.
Walt Dohrn, who contributed as a writer and artist on Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third before serving as Head of Story on Shrek Forever After, is taking the director’s chair.
He’ll be joined by co-director Brad Ableson (Minions: The Rise of Gru). Longtime Shrek producer Gina Shay is back, alongside Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri (The Super Mario Bros. Movie).
The film franchise is based on William Steig’s 1990 picture book, Shrek has been a big hit with audiences since its debut in 2001. The first film introduced audiences to the lovable yet grumpy green ogre, who embarks on a reluctant hero’s journey to rescue Princess Fiona.
The film won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and raking in over $488 million worldwide. Its success paved the way for Shrek 2 (2004), where Shrek meets Fiona’s parents, Shrek the Third (2007), which follows his search for a royal successor, and Shrek Forever After (2010), exploring a dark alternate reality where Shrek never existed. Together, the four films have grossed more than $2.9 billion globally.
Zendaya is currently filming the third season of Euphoria and recently signed on for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Additionally, she’s set to reprise her role as Chani in Dune: Messiah and return to the Spider-Man franchise for another installment.