Shrek 5 Is Officially Happening: New Cast, Release Date, and Everything We Know So Far
Great news, Shrek fans! The swamp is calling us back as Shrek 5 is officially in the works. Universal Pictures recently dropped a teaser trailer, and it’s already causing a stir—especially with the announcement of Zendaya joining the star-studded voice cast.
The studio shared the exciting news on Instagram on February 27, teasing, “Far, Far Away’s finest are coming.” Fans were quick to celebrate, especially after the official Shrek social media accounts resurfaced a 2017 tweet from Zendaya, where she admitted, “I watch Shrek too often in my adulthood.” The account cheekily replied, “This aged well,” confirming her involvement in the upcoming film.
Here’s everything we know so far about Shrek 5, from its release date to the returning and new cast members.
When Is Shrek 5 Coming Out?
Mark your calendars! Shrek 5 is set to hit theaters on December 23, 2026, according to Universal Pictures. This release will come more than 25 years after the original Shrek movie premiered on May 18, 2001.
Who’s Joining the Cast of Shrek 5?
The beloved ogre and his friends are back, with Mike Myers returning as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona. But the big news is the addition of Zendaya to the cast, though her role remains under wraps for now.
Fans of the original Shrek might be wondering about Lord Farquaad, played by John Lithgow. While Lithgow expressed interest in returning during an October 2024 interview with PEOPLE, he humorously noted the challenges of reprising his role. “It turns out it’s impossible to recover from being eaten by a dragon,” he joked. “I know nothing about [Shrek 5], and no, I’m not a part of it.”
A Look Back at the Shrek Franchise
The Shrek franchise has been a cultural phenomenon since the first film debuted in 2001, winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It was followed by Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010).
The franchise also expanded with the Puss in Boots spinoffs, starring Antonio Banderas as the swashbuckling feline. The first Puss in Boots film was released in 2011, followed by the critically acclaimed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish in 2022.
What Can We Expect from Shrek 5?
While details about the plot are still scarce, the return of the original cast and the addition of Zendaya promise a mix of nostalgia and fresh energy. Fans can likely expect the same humor, heart, and fairy-tale twists that made the franchise a global sensation.
Stay tuned for more updates as Shrek 5 continues to take shape. Until then, it’s time to rewatch the classics and get ready to return to Far, Far Away!
