Release Date, Cast, Trailer & Everything We Know

After more than a decade since the last installment of the franchise, fans are still looking for Shrek 5 to take them back to Far, Far Away. In 2001, the landscape of animated films changed forever when Shrek premiered. A clever amalgamation of wry adult comedy and bucolic, kid-friendly whimsy, it puts a twist on the fairytale format with outrageous trope-smashing characters, a catchy soundtrack, and a wonderful message of self-discovery. It was swiftly followed by Shrek 2 in 2002, Shrek the Third in 2007, and Shrek Forever After in 2010.

Though development has been slow, Shrek 5 is happening — and despite alterations in direction and storylines, it is finally escaping the ever-dreaded development hell. The success of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish reignited interest in the Shrek franchise with the acclaimed spinoff movie teasing more adventures in the land of Far, Far Away. After such a long wait, Shrek 5 could prove to be the most exciting installment of the franchise that helped put Dreamworks on the map as a powerhouse of CGI animation. Now, key details like a release date and teaser trailer have already been revealed.

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Shrek 5: The Latest News

A Casting Announcement Video Reveals A Major New Cast Member

With excitement building for the return of the celebrated animated franchise, the latest news arrives in the form of a new teaser for Shrek 5. The sub-one-minute clip features Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Pinocchio, as they gather around the magic mirror and discover that Shrek has become something of an internet sensation. Though the trailer gives away next-to-nothing about the film’s plot, it reaffirms that Eddie Murphy, Mike Myers, and Cameron Diaz are returning. Perhaps the most important part of the trailer, though, is that it reveals that Zendaya (Euphoria) will play the role of Shrek and Fiona’s teen daughter.

Visually speaking, the trailer also reveals slight design changes to the main characters, including a white goatee for Donkey and bigger eyes for Shrek. It’s unclear if these changes are designed to show the characters’ ages, or if it is a new approach to the visual style that characterized the original run of Shrek films. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish was the franchise’s first departure from the visual norm, and that trend is continuing in Shrek 5‘s overall look.

Shrek 5: The Release Date

The Beloved Ogre Returns In 2026

Unlike other franchises, the future of the Shrek films was blocked out from the beginning, and Shrek 5 has theoretically been confirmed since the premiere of Shrek 2 in 2004. Now, the long-awaited Shrek 5 has found a spot on the schedule, and will debut in theaters on December 23, 2026. The sequel was originally supposed to premiere in July 2026, but it lost its spot to the upcoming Minions 3, which will now debut on July 1, 2026, instead.

No reason for the change has been announced, but it isn’t necessarily a bad move for the long-awaited sequel. While Minions 3 will undoubtedly succeed as a family-friendly summer blockbuster, Shrek 5 is more than just another sequel. The 16-year gap between sequels means the franchise’s return is something of a cinematic event, and it also comes in the same year as the first film’s 25th anniversary. All this makes Shrek 5 the perfect holiday movie-going experience, as audiences of all ages can join in on the fun.

Shrek 5: The Cast Details

Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey Will Return

The largest question looming over Shrek 5 was the status of the beloved main cast, but recent updates have confirmed the original trio will return. Being the franchise’s largest cheerleader in recent years, Eddie Murphy confirmed his return as Donkey in Shrek 5‘s cast. Likewise, the return of Mike Myers as the lovable ogre, Shrek, wasn’t really a surprise considering his enthusiasm for potential sequels. The only question mark was the return of Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona, since the actor largely retired from the limelight. Fortunately, Diaz has since abandoned her “retirement” and will voice the character.

As for the rest of the cast, it’s likely that Antonio Banderas could reprise his role as Puss in Boots, but the actor hasn’t signed on yet. However, one major addition is that of Dune star Zendaya, who is set to play Shrek and Fiona’s teen daughter, Felicia. The Shrek franchise often employs a healthy roster of supporting guest stars, and there will need to be a few newcomers to keep the story fresh. Other returning characters are less certain, but recurring fairy tale characters like Gingerbread Man and Pinocchio could also return to once again annoy Shrek and company.

The confirmed cast of Shrek 5 includes:

Actor	Shrek 5 Role
Mike Myers	Shrek
Eddie Murphy	Donkey
Cameron Diaz	Fiona
Zendaya	Felicia

Shrek 5: Why Does It Look So Different?

Shrek 5 Changes The Franchise’s Visuals

Though excitement is still high for the long-awaited return of Shrek and his pals in Shrek 5, the first teaser trailer released in 2025 caused something of a stir online. The main sticking point of controversy is the very obvious visual changes that were made to the character designs. Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona all have slightly altered appearances, including bigger, more cartoonish eyes, and a smoother texture that is reminiscent of modern CGI films. The original Shrek was a triumph for its time, and any change to the formula is tough to swallow.

However, this isn’t the first time that the Shrek franchise has changed its look, and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish notably moved away from the original style. These changes were eventually praised, and that could be the same for the upcoming installment. Another important thing to note is that the movie still has quite a while until it premieres. It could simply be that the trailer doesn’t represent the finished animation, and Dreamworks may make further tweaks before its 2026 release date.

Shrek 5: All The Story Details

What Happens After Forever After?

Despite a slew of script-related updates over the years, no actual story details have been revealed about the long-awaited Shrek 5. With Shrek and Fiona settled down after Shrek 4, something big would need to happen to dislodge the two from their happy ever after. One avenue that could be explored would be Shrek and Fiona’s kids, most of whom would be older teens by the time Shrek 5‘s story takes place. This could offer all sorts of narrative possibilities as Shrek ages and tries to stay in touch with the younger generation of fairy tale characters.

There’s also the opportunity to explore what has happened in the fairy tale universe since the fourth film back in 2010. Just catching up with all of Shrek’s friends (and enemies for that matter) would make for a compelling movie, but the series has never struggled to deliver an interesting story as well. The trailer introduces Shrek and Fiona’s daughter, Felicia, and her being played by Zendaya suggests she’ll factor heavily into the plot. She could butt heads with her parents as a rebellious teen, and that could help teach both sides a valuable lesson about growing up.

Shrek 5: The Teaser Trailer

Watch The Cast Announcement Below

In lieu of an actual trailer for the upcoming movie, Dreamworks dropped an exciting cast announcement video for Shrek 5 in February 2025. The video opens with Shrek and Donkey consulting the magic mirror only to discover that Shrek’s become an internet meme. Fiona and Pinocchio eventually join in too, as does Shrek and Fiona’s teen daughter who is revealed to be played by Zendaya.

Shrek 5

Release Date

December 23, 2026

Director

Walt Dohrn, Conrad Vernon, Brad Ableson

Writers

Michael McCullers, Christopher Meledandri, William Steig

Producers

Chris Meledandri, Gina Shay