DreamWorks Animation has released the first trailer for Shrek 5, confirming that Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz are all returning as Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona — and that Zendaya is joining the franchise as Felicia, the daughter of Shrek and Fiona.
The film arrives next summer and marks the return of one of the most successful animated franchises in history. Beyond the original trio, the new cast expands the family significantly. Marcello Hernandez, known for Saturday Night Live and Happy Gilmore 2, and Skyler Gisondo, known for Superman and Booksmart, join as Felicia’s brothers Fergus and Farkle.
Shrek 5 is directed by Conrad Vernon and Walt Dohrn, both veterans of the Shrek franchise. Vernon was part of the directing team on the Academy Award-nominated Shrek 2 and has voiced Gingy, the Gingerbread Man, across the entire Shrek universe. Dohrn worked on Shrek 2 and 3 as a writer and artist, served as Head of Story on Shrek Forever After, and voiced Rumpelstiltskin in that film. Dohrn also directed Trolls World Tour and Trolls Band Together. The film is co-directed by Brad Ableson, whose credits include Minions: The Rise of Gru and The Simpsons.
On the production side, Gina Shay returns as producer — she produced Shrek Forever After and the Trolls franchise. Joining her is Chris Meledandri, the Illumination CEO and Academy Award nominee behind the Super Mario, Despicable Me, and Minions franchises. The combination of Shrek franchise veterans and Illumination’s production pedigree makes this one of the more carefully assembled animation productions in recent memory.
Zendaya’s casting as Felicia is the defining story of the trailer. Fresh off The Odyssey and the Dune franchise, she brings significant dramatic range to what is otherwise a comedy ensemble — and the dynamic between Felicia and her parents Shrek and Fiona will likely be the emotional center of the film.
Shrek 5 opens in theaters next summer. Watch the trailer below.
Our Take: The original cast coming back is the obvious win here, but Zendaya as Felicia is what makes this interesting. The Shrek films have always worked because the comedy and the heart were equally matched — and bringing in a performer of her caliber to anchor the next generation of that family suggests DreamWorks is not treating this as a nostalgia cash grab. The Meledandri producing credit adds another layer of confidence. Shrek 5 is being built, not just assembled.
Stay with Fantasy Land News for continuing entertainment coverage at fantasylandnews.com. Join the Realm at fantasylandnews.com/the-realm.
Shrek 5 Trailer Debuts With Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Zendaya Joining the Cast
