Sixteen years after what was once thought to be the final chapter, Shrek 5 is finally happening. DreamWorks Animation’s beloved ogre franchise is set to return to theaters on December 23, 2026, with a mix of familiar faces and new energy. The announcement marks a major comeback for the franchise that helped redefine animation in the 2000s.
And yes, Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy are all back—joined this time by Zendaya as Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s now-grown daughter.
A Long Road Back to the Swamp
Shrek Forever After (2010) was marketed as the final chapter, but discussions about a fifth film have been swirling for over a decade. Originally teased back in 2004 by DreamWorks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg, the fifth installment was once slated for a 2013 release before being shelved. It wasn’t until April 2023 that official word confirmed the project was finally moving forward.
Behind the scenes, the delay wasn’t due to lack of interest. According to screenwriter Michael McCullers (Austin Powers, The Boss Baby), Shrek 5 will be a “pretty big reinvention” of the series, possibly opening the door to a new generation of fairy tale storytelling while honoring the legacy that made the original films beloved worldwide.
The movie is being directed by Walt Dohrn, who previously helmed the Trolls sequels, alongside Conrad Vernon and Brad Ableson, combining experience from across DreamWorks’ biggest animated hits.
New Generation, New Adventure?
While official plot details remain tightly under wraps, fan speculation and early footage suggest that Shrek 5 will center on Felicia, the daughter of Shrek and Fiona, as she sets off on her own quest. Zendaya’s casting as Felicia has excited fans, signaling a fresh narrative perspective and likely passing of the torch.
Interestingly, the teaser trailer shows Felicia as the only child, despite the franchise previously introducing Shrek’s three ogre babies: Fergus, Farkle, and Felicia. Whether this is a continuity reset or simply a creative focus on a single character remains unclear, but the move certainly emphasizes Zendaya’s starring role in the story.
Meanwhile, Donkey and Dragon’s dronkey offspring—once comedic sidekicks—may also return, possibly as teenage characters, offering a wider ensemble of next-gen magical misfits.
Who’s In (and Who’s Missing)?
The cast announcement featured Mike Myers (Shrek), Cameron Diaz (Fiona), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), Zendaya (Felicia), Cody Cameron (Pinocchio), and Chris Miller (Magic Mirror). Antonio Banderas, who most recently reprised his role as Puss in Boots in The Last Wish, was noticeably absent from the initial announcement.
While Banderas has suggested Puss won’t return in Shrek 5, fans are hopeful for a cameo or surprise reveal closer to the release. With the Donkey spin-off also in the pipeline, Murphy has hinted at more solo adventures for his character in the near future—possibly in 2027 or 2028.
First Look and Fan Reaction
The first teaser dropped as a brief “Cast Announcement” video, showing Shrek and family interacting with the Magic Mirror, who presents a batch of internet memes featuring Shrek in all his surreal, meme-worthy glory. While light on plot, the teaser offered confirmation of Zendaya’s casting and hinted at the tone of humor fans can expect.
Animation quality, however, has drawn mixed reactions. Some viewers noted a shift in visual style, prompting DreamWorks to potentially make adjustments ahead of release—similar to the infamous Sonic redesign saga. The teaser only ran for 27 seconds, so fans are eagerly awaiting a more substantial trailer later in 2025.
What’s Next for the Shrek Universe?
While Shrek 5 is the major event, the larger Shrek Cinematic Universe is far from over. A Donkey standalone film is in development with Eddie Murphy back in the lead. No release date has been set, but speculation points to a 2027 or 2028 debut, potentially kickstarting a new series of character-focused spin-offs.
As Shrek 5 nears its long-awaited release, the film stands as both a revival and a transition—a final bow for the original crew and a bridge to a new chapter of fairy tale adventures.
Where to Stream the Shrek Films
Want to catch up? Here’s where to watch the earlier entries:
- Shrek, Shrek 2, Shrek the Third – Peacock
- Shrek Forever After – Max
- Puss in Boots and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish – Prime Video
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re nostalgic for the original or eager to see what Zendaya brings to the franchise, Shrek 5 is shaping up to be a major cinematic event. With the original cast back, fresh characters, and a holiday release date, expect a mix of old-school charm and new-age storytelling when the film arrives in December 2026.
Stay tuned for trailers, plot reveals, and the return to the swamp that started it all.
