The long-awaited Shrek 5 has revealed exciting new details in its latest trailer, including a fresh face among the cast. Zendaya has been confirmed as the voice of Shrek and Fiona’s teenage daughter, a character who is portrayed as a typical “swamp ogre” with all the quirks that come with teenage angst. In her brief appearance, Zendaya’s character appears to be a slightly older version of the beloved Shrek franchise characters, though her design resembles a youthful, animated swamp ogre.
While the trailer doesn’t give much away about the plot, it does offer glimpses of the updated versions of Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey. The characters have clearly aged, reflecting the passage of time since the last film, but fans are divided on their new designs. Some have likened them to the infamous “ugly Sonic,” claiming they stray too far from the originals. However, others have defended the changes, noting that while the characters have undergone subtle tweaks, they still maintain their core identity.
The trailer also reaffirms the return of the franchise’s iconic voices—Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as Fiona. Despite a delay, the film is now scheduled for release on December 23, 2026, pushing back from its original summer release date of July 1, 2026.
Though the plot of Shrek 5 remains under wraps, the film has been in production for about a year, following its 2024 announcement. Fans will have to wait a bit longer to see how the characters’ evolving designs and Zendaya’s new role will fit into the story.