‘Shrek 5’ First Look: Zendaya Joins, TikTok Memes Inspire Teaser/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ DreamWorks has officially announced ‘Shrek 5’, revealing that Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy will return, with Zendaya joining as Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s daughter. The teaser trailer, heavily inspired by TikTok memes, features Shrek scrolling through absurd internet versions of himself before reacting in horror. Set to release on Christmas 2026, the film marks the first ‘Shrek’ sequel in over 15 years. While fans are excited, reactions to the new animation style—giving characters a more aged and rounded appearance—have sparked online debate.
‘Shrek 5’ Announcement Quick Looks
- DreamWorks confirms ‘Shrek 5’ with original cast returning after 15 years.
- Zendaya joins the franchise, voicing Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s daughter.
- Teaser trailer references TikTok memes, including “yassified” Shrek.
- Plot details remain secret, but the film embraces Shrek’s internet legacy.
- Fan reactions are mixed, with some criticizing the new animation style.
- Directed by Walt Dohrn, the film is set for a Christmas 2026 release.
Deep Look: ‘Shrek 5’ Teaser Introduces Zendaya, TikTok-Inspired Humor
After years of speculation, DreamWorks has officially announced ‘Shrek 5’, bringing back the beloved ogre family and their talking animal sidekick for another adventure. The first teaser trailer, released Thursday, leans into Shrek’s status as an online meme, featuring viral TikTok-style clips of the character.
The Big Reveal: Zendaya Joins the Cast
While the return of Mike Myers (Shrek), Cameron Diaz (Fiona), and Eddie Murphy (Donkey) was expected, the surprise addition of Zendaya as Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s teenage daughter, stole the spotlight.
“I hope that ‘Shrek 5’ wins, and it’s certainly in with a chance,” Harris joked about the film’s awards potential.
Felicia, along with her brothers Fergus and Farkle, first appeared as babies in ‘Shrek the Third’ (2007). However, DreamWorks has not confirmed if her siblings will appear or who might voice them.
A TikTok-Influenced Teaser Trailer
The 27-second teaser opens with Shrek scrolling through the Magic Mirror, which functions like a TikTok feed. As he swipes, he encounters a series of bizarre versions of himself, including:
- Shrek in glasses making a duck face.
- Shrek in a tight black catsuit, dancing in the sky (a nod to the “yassified” Shrek meme).
- A muscular Shrek with abs, leading Donkey to scream in horror.
Felicia, unimpressed, responds:
“Ew, dad.”
Fiona, on the other hand, finds it amusing, replying:
“Oooh, mama like.”
Pinocchio makes a brief cameo, lying about his involvement in the memes, causing his nose to grow.
Fan Reactions: Excitement and Animation Concerns
The teaser was met with enthusiasm, with fans thrilled to see the return of their favorite fairy-tale characters. However, some viewers criticized the new animation style, noting that:
- Shrek looks older, with forehead wrinkles.
- Donkey has greying fur, giving him a more tired appearance.
- The characters’ designs appear “too rounded”, differing from previous films.
“Why does Shrek look so old?” one fan asked on social media.
“Please change the animation style. Don’t make us Sonic you,” another joked, referencing the fan backlash against ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ (2020).
A Long-Awaited Sequel
The last mainline ‘Shrek’ film, ‘Shrek Forever After,’ debuted in 2010, making ‘Shrek 5’ the first sequel in over 15 years.
DreamWorks first hinted at a revival in 2023, and in June 2024, Eddie Murphy confirmed the project, stating:
“We started doing [Shrek 5] months ago. I recorded the first act, and we’ll finish it up this year. Shrek is coming out.”
What’s Next for ‘Shrek 5’?
While DreamWorks has kept the plot under wraps, the teaser’s heavy meme influence suggests a self-aware, comedic approach to the franchise’s return.
With a December 23, 2026, release date, fans can expect more trailers, character reveals, and potential meme-worthy moments leading up to Shrek’s long-awaited comeback.
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