Zendaya, the critically acclaimed actress, has just surprised her fans by joining the cast of DreamWorks’ upcoming Shrek 5. A brand-new teaser trailer has been released, featuring the 26-year-old star in a groundbreaking role as the daughter of Shrek.
In the unconventional but brief 26-second trailer, fans are treated to a nostalgic scene where Mike Myers’ iconic green ogre, Shrek, stares into a mirror alongside Eddie Murphy’s Donkey. The two characters exchange banter, asking, “Who’s the fairest of them all?” The mirror responds, “Why, Shrek, of course,” followed by a humorous collection of internet meme-style images. Zendaya’s role stands out among the various characters shown, joining the ranks of beloved characters like Pinocchio, voiced by Cody Cameron, and Fiona, portrayed by Cameron Diaz. The visuals are playful and filled with reactions to the memes, adding a fun and lighthearted touch to the trailer.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Shrek 5 is officially scheduled for release in theaters on Dec. 23, 2026. This upcoming installment marks the first mainline film in the Shrek series since Shrek Forever After in 2010.
The film will be directed by Shrek franchise veterans Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon, with Brad Ableson—who co-directed Minions: The Rise of Gru—joining the team.
Zendaya’s involvement in Shrek 5 is just the latest in high-profile projects. Over the past few years, the 28-year-old actress has starred in several major blockbusters, including Dune, Dune Part Two, Challengers, and Spider-Man: No Way Home. Zendaya is also preparing to begin shooting for season three of HBO’s Euphoria and has recently been cast in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey.
In the meantime, fans can enjoy Zendaya’s teaser appearance in the latest Shrek 5 trailer, building even more excitement for the long-awaited return of the ogre family to the big screen.