It’s official! Shrek 5 has been announced and will hit the big screen in December 2026. With the release of its first trailer, the excitement for one of the most beloved animated franchises has reignited. Notably, the series began in 2011 and has spawned three direct sequels and two spinoff films, Puss in Boots and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. That said, will the fifth film live up to the legacy of its predecessors? As fans await the return of their favorite ogre and his quirky companions, expectations for another epic Shrek movie continue to rise.
The Festive Return to the Swamp
By unveiling the first teaser trailer for Shrek 5, Universal Pictures offered fans a glimpse of older versions of Shrek and Fiona, their grown-up daughter, and the return of Donkey. Additionally, Pinocchio makes a brief appearance for nostalgia. Interestingly, Zendaya will bring fresh energy to the beloved franchise as she will voice Shrek and Fiona’s ogre daughter. Ultimately, the teaser ends with the confirmation that the fifth installment will hit theatres during Christmas 2026.
Shrek the Third was when Shrek and Fiona first became parents, welcoming triplets named Fergus, Farkle, and Felicia. In Shrek Forever After, the trio are still very young. As of now, it’s unknown if Shrek and Fiona had additional children after the last installment. Therefore, it’s safe to say that Zendaya is most likely to voice Felicia, the female triplet. So far, whether Fergus and Farkle will appear in Shrek 5 remains unclear. Nevertheless, fans are curious about how the next chapter will expand the ogre family’s story.
Shrek 5 Cast and Crew
Franchise veterans Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon alongside Minions: The Rise of Gru co-director Brad Ableson are at the helm of Shrek 5. With deep roots in the series, Dohrn contributed as a writer on Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third, was Head of Story on Shrek Forever After, and voiced Rumpelstiltskin in the latter film. On the other hand, Vernon is known for directing Shrek 2 and Madagascar 2, and also lends his voice to the beloved character Gingerbread Man (Gingy).
Producer Gin Shay and Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri will produce Shrek 5. This move ensures a strong creative team behind the project. The Oscar-winning 2001 film began the Shrek franchise and introduced Shrek, an ogre who falls for Princess Fiona of Far Far Away, to broader audiences. Donkey’s return brings back the franchise’s humor, heart, and friendship. Although the film earned praise for its clever subversion of classic fairy-tale tropes, it set the stage for an enduring series.
Challenges Reviving Beloved Franchise
As the 2010 film, Shrek Ever After, premiered fifteen years ago, the news of Shrek 5 has sparked mixed reactions among fans. For many, the franchise’s return is a welcome, however, others have raised concerns over the character’s updated designs. In particular, Shrek’s forehead wrinkles and Donkey’s graying fur have been discussed heavily among fans. Indeed, some fans were upset over these aging details, with one wondering why Shrek looks old and another pointing out the changes in character appearances.
Besides the designs, the new art style that gives the characters a more rounded look compared to previous films, was also criticized. While one fan questioned if the characters had undergone botox, another called the animation style cheap. A third referenced the redesign of Sonic in 2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog movie after fan backlash, suggesting they change the animation. Others questioned the trailer’s authenticity, finding the visuals strange and hard to believe.
DreamWork’s Perfect Casting
DreamWork’s casting of Zendaya in the Shrek franchise may be one of its most strategic decisions in recent years. The actress has become one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, having standout roles in Dune: Part Two and Challengers. Moreover, she has a strong appeal among younger audiences.
The set release of Shrek 5 will mark a full 25 years after the original film. The upcoming installment must balance nostalgia with fresh appeal for both longtime fans and new viewers to succeed. With Zendaya joining the film alongside stars like Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy, it bridges generations, ensuring the franchise’s continued relevance and success.
