The Swamp Is Back: Every Confirmed Star And New Face In The Shrek 5 Cast (Updated December 2025)

The fairy-tale world of Far Far Away is officially opening its gates again, and the biggest news in animation right now is the confirmed return of the entire original main cast for Shrek 5. As of December 2025, DreamWorks Animation has provided definitive updates, quashing years of speculation and confirming that the iconic voices of Shrek, Donkey, and Princess Fiona are all set to reprise their roles for the long-awaited sequel, which is currently slated for a 2026 release. This article dives deep into the confirmed and rumored cast, introduces the new generation of ogres, and provides the most current information on the franchise’s future.

The anticipation for the fifth installment has reached a fever pitch, especially with the phenomenal success of the spin-off Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. The return of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz is a massive win for fans, ensuring the core chemistry and humor that made the original films cultural phenomena will be preserved. Furthermore, the cast is expanding with exciting new talent, signaling a fresh new direction for the beloved ogre family.

The Core Cast Returns: Shrek 5's Confirmed Lineup

The heart of the Shrek franchise has always been the dynamic between the grumpy ogre, his talkative sidekick, and his princess-turned-ogre wife. DreamWorks has confirmed that all three stars are returning for Shrek 5, much to the delight of the global fanbase. Here is a complete profile of the returning main cast members.

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Mike Myers as Shrek

• Character: Shrek, the titular green ogre.
• Born: May 25, 1963 (Scarborough, Ontario, Canada).
• Career Highlights: Myers is a comedy icon, famous for his roles in Saturday Night Live, the Wayne's World franchise (Wayne Campbell), and the Austin Powers series (Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, Fat Bastard).
• Recent Updates (December 2025): Myers has expressed immense enthusiasm for the role, stating in recent interviews that he "loves playing Shrek" and would happily make a new film every year, highlighting how the character evolved into a dramatic role. His return is seen as essential for the franchise's success.

Eddie Murphy as Donkey

• Character: Donkey, Shrek's fast-talking, best friend.
• Born: April 3, 1961 (Brooklyn, New York, USA).
• Career Highlights: A legendary stand-up comedian and actor, known for Saturday Night Live, Beverly Hills Cop (Axel Foley), The Nutty Professor, and Coming to America.
• Recent Updates (December 2025): Murphy has not only confirmed his return for Shrek 5 but also dropped a major update: a solo Donkey spin-off movie is also in development. This news has generated significant buzz, promising a whole new adventure for the character.

Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona

• Character: Princess Fiona, who transforms from human to ogre.
• Born: August 30, 1972 (San Diego, California, USA).
• Career Highlights: Starred in major films like There's Something About Mary, Charlie's Angels (Natalie Cook), and The Mask.
• Recent Updates (December 2025): Diaz retired from acting after 2014 but has made a highly anticipated return for Shrek 5. Her participation underscores the studio's commitment to bringing back the authentic, original magic of the series.

New Faces in Far Far Away: Introducing Shrek's Next Generation

Shrek 5 is set to introduce the next generation of ogres, expanding the family dynamic and bringing fresh, modern comedic talent to the cast. This focus on the "Dronkeys" and "Brogres" (Shrek and Fiona's children) is a major plot point and a key reason for the franchise's revival.

Marcello Hernández and Skyler Gisondo

The most concrete new casting news involves the sons of Shrek and Fiona, Fergus and Farkle. DreamWorks has officially announced that comedian and Saturday Night Live cast member Marcello Hernández and actor Skyler Gisondo will be voicing the ogre twins. Hernández is known for his sharp comedic timing, while Gisondo has gained recognition for his roles in films like Booksmart and the series The Righteous Gemstones. Their addition promises a new layer of youthful, chaotic comedy to the family dynamic.

Zendaya as Felicia (Rumored)

While not officially confirmed by all major outlets, multiple reports suggest that global superstar Zendaya has joined the cast to voice Felicia, Shrek and Fiona's daughter. Zendaya, known for her roles in Euphoria and the Spider-Man franchise, would bring immense star power and a multi-generational appeal to the film, solidifying the sequel's status as a major cinematic event.

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Beyond the Swamp: Where the Original Supporting Cast Is Now

The success of the Shrek universe extends far beyond the main trio, thanks to a roster of memorable supporting characters and the incredible actors who brought them to life. The current status of these key players provides excellent topical authority and hints at who else might make a return.

Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots

The swashbuckling feline, Puss in Boots, is arguably the franchise's most successful spin-off character. Antonio Banderas has voiced the character since Shrek 2. His recent work in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish received critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination, proving the character's enduring popularity. It is highly anticipated that Puss in Boots will make an appearance in Shrek 5, especially given the character's close ties to Donkey and Shrek.

Julie Andrews as Queen Lillian

The elegant Julie Andrews, known for classics like Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, voiced Queen Lillian, Fiona's mother. Andrews has scaled back her acting work in recent years but remains a highly revered figure in Hollywood. While her return for Shrek 5 is not yet confirmed, her character was a beloved part of the royal family dynamic in Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, and Shrek Forever After.

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Conrad Vernon as Gingerbread Man (Gingy)

Director and voice actor Conrad Vernon is the voice behind the fan-favorite Gingy, the Gingerbread Man. Vernon has remained a pivotal figure in animation, having directed the highly successful R-rated animated comedy Sausage Party and co-directed Shrek 2. Given his deep involvement with DreamWorks and the character's popularity, Gingy is a likely candidate for a return to the ensemble cast.

John Lithgow as Lord Farquaad

Though his character, the diminutive and villainous Lord Farquaad, met a memorable demise in the first film, John Lithgow's performance is legendary. Lithgow, a decorated actor with multiple Emmy and Tony Awards, continues to have a prolific career in film and television, most recently in projects like Killers of the Flower Moon and The Crown. While Farquaad's return would likely only be in a flashback or cameo, Lithgow remains a key entity in the franchise's history.

The Future of the Franchise: Spin-offs and Release Date Updates

The announcement of Shrek 5 is not the only major development in the fairy-tale world. The franchise is expanding into a cinematic universe with dedicated spin-offs, demonstrating DreamWorks' long-term commitment to the brand.

The Donkey Spin-Off Movie

The biggest surprise update from the cast is the confirmed development of a solo movie centered on Donkey. Eddie Murphy has stated that he is ready to start recording for the spin-off after he finishes his work on Shrek 5. This project is a direct response to the character's immense popularity and the studio's interest in leveraging Murphy's star power.

Shrek 5's Official Release Window

The release date for Shrek 5 has seen a few shifts, but the most consistently reported and recent update points toward a Summer 2026 launch. Specifically, many sources cite July 1, 2026, as the target date. The film is being timed to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original Shrek film, which debuted in 2001. While a few reports mention a late 2026 or mid-2027 date, the July 2026 window is the most current and widely circulated target, offering fans a definitive date to mark on their calendars.

With the entire core cast returning, exciting new characters being introduced, and a major spin-off in the works, the Shrek franchise is poised for a massive comeback. The blend of nostalgic casting and fresh storytelling ensures that the next chapter in the ogre's saga will be a must-see event, appealing to both original fans and a new generation of moviegoers.