Zendaya Joins Shrek 5 as Felicia in Upcoming Animated Sequel

he world of Shrek is about to get a fresh twist as Zendaya steps into the voice cast for the highly anticipated Shrek 5. The Euphoria star will lend her voice to Felicia, the daughter of Shrek (Mike Myers) and Fiona (Cameron Diaz), in the upcoming sequel to the beloved animated franchise. Scheduled for a theatrical release on December 23, 2026, this new installment is sure to bring a wave of excitement.

Zendaya, who shared her love for Shrek in a 2017 post on X, has expressed how often she watches the franchise, even as an adult. Fans of Zendaya know she’s no stranger to voice work, having previously voiced Lola Bunny in 2021’s Space Jam: A New Legacy and Meechee in 2018’s Smallfoot.

The Dynamic Directors Behind Shrek 5

Returning to direct Shrek 5 are Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon, two long-time collaborators of the franchise. Dohrn, who worked on Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third as a story artist and writer, will also reprise his role as the voice of Rumpelstiltskin from Shrek Forever After. Vernon, who co-directed Shrek 2 and voiced the Gingerbread Man, is back to continue the legacy of this iconic series.

While the plot remains under wraps, fans can look forward to the return of the franchise’s legendary cast, including Myers, Diaz, and Eddie Murphy, who will reprise their roles as Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey, respectively.

A Fresh Take on Classic Characters

Universal and DreamWorks have already teased fans with a short glimpse of Shrek 5, revealing updated character designs that seem to embrace modern Gen Z culture. However, these designs have sparked debate, with some drawing comparisons to the “Ugly Sonic” controversy from 2020. The outcry over Sonic the Hedgehog’s original live-action design was so intense that it led to a redesign ahead of its release. Some speculate that studios are now intentionally releasing divisive designs to spark conversations and build hype for their projects.

With Zendaya’s casting and a fresh creative direction, Shrek 5 is already shaping up to be a thrilling addition to the franchise that will surely spark excitement and discussion across the globe.

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