The Definitive 'Shrek Four' Cast: Who's Returning For Shrek 5 And The 2026 Release Date

The swamp is officially open for business again, and the question on every fan's mind—"Who is in the 'Shrek Four' cast?"—has a fresh, exciting answer that goes beyond the 2010 film, *Shrek Forever After*. As of late December 2025, the focus has shifted entirely to the next installment, officially titled *Shrek 5*, which will see the original, iconic trio of voice actors return after a long hiatus.

This article will break down the confirmed and rumored cast for the highly anticipated new film, which many fans refer to as the true "Shrek 4" sequel, while also providing a nod to the beloved actors who brought the official fourth movie, *Shrek Forever After*, to life. Prepare for an ogre-sized dose of nostalgia and new details about the franchise's future.

The Definitive Cast List for the Next Adventure (Shrek 5)

After years of speculation, DreamWorks has officially confirmed the return of the core cast for *Shrek 5*, which is currently slated for a 2026 release. This is the most crucial and up-to-date information for anyone searching for the "Shrek four cast" in the current era.

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The return of the original voice talent is a massive win for fans and ensures the continuity of the characters' beloved personalities.

Confirmed Returning Main Cast for Shrek 5

• Mike Myers as Shrek: The Canadian actor and comedian is confirmed to return as the grumpy but lovable ogre. Myers' distinctive Scottish accent is synonymous with the character and his return was the most anticipated announcement.
  • Biography Snapshot: Born: May 25, 1963. Known for: *Saturday Night Live*, the *Austin Powers* franchise, and the *Shrek* franchise.
• Eddie Murphy as Donkey: The legendary comedian will once again voice Shrek's fast-talking, best friend, Donkey. Murphy has expressed immense enthusiasm for returning to the role, even teasing a potential spin-off movie for his character.
  • Biography Snapshot: Born: April 3, 1961. Known for: *Beverly Hills Cop*, *The Nutty Professor*, and *Coming to America*.
• Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona: Diaz, who had previously stepped away from acting, is officially back to voice Princess Fiona, the strong and independent ogre princess. Her return was confirmed alongside Myers and Murphy in July 2024.
  • Biography Snapshot: Born: August 30, 1972. Known for: *There's Something About Mary*, *Charlie's Angels*, and *The Mask*.
• Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots: While not officially confirmed in every early announcement for the main film, it is widely expected that Banderas will reprise his role as the swashbuckling Puss in Boots, especially following the critical and commercial success of his recent spin-off film, *Puss in Boots: The Last Wish*.
  • Biography Snapshot: Born: August 10, 1960. Known for: *The Mask of Zorro*, *Desperado*, and the *Puss in Boots* films.

Rumored and Potential New Cast Members

As the franchise looks to expand its world, new voices are expected to join the star-studded lineup. One major rumor that has gained traction involves a young Hollywood star taking on a new, important role.

• Zendaya as Felicia: Reports suggest that Zendaya may join the cast to voice Felicia, one of Shrek and Fiona’s ogre triplets. This move would inject a major new star into the franchise and appeal to a younger audience.
  • Biography Snapshot: Born: September 1, 1996. Known for: *Euphoria*, the *Spider-Man* trilogy, and *Dune*.
• Conrad Vernon: Expected to return to voice the Gingerbread Man (Gingy), a fan-favorite character known for his dramatic flair and memorable lines.

The Original 'Shrek Four' Cast: A Look Back at *Forever After*

To provide complete topical authority, it is important to remember that the official fourth film is *Shrek Forever After*, released in 2010. This movie saw Shrek make a deal with the villainous Rumpelstiltskin, leading to an alternate timeline where he was never born. The cast for this installment was a powerhouse of returning talent and a fantastic new villain.

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The core cast from the first three films returned, but the film introduced several new entities that proved pivotal to the plot, including the cackling, conniving Rumpelstiltskin.

Key Voice Actors in *Shrek Forever After* (2010)

• Walt Dohrn as Rumpelstiltskin: The primary antagonist who tricks Shrek into signing a magical contract. Dohrn is also a writer and director, and his voice work gave the villain a memorable, high-pitched menace.
• Jon Hamm as Brogan: The voice of an ogre who is part of the resistance in the alternate timeline. Hamm is best known for his role as Don Draper in *Mad Men*.
• Julie Andrews as Queen Lillian: Fiona's mother, the Queen of Far Far Away.
• John Cleese as King Harold: Fiona's father, the King of Far Far Away.
• Aron Warner as Wolf: The Big Bad Wolf, a recurring friend of Shrek's.
• Cody Cameron as Pinocchio and The Three Little Pigs: Voice of multiple classic fairy tale characters.

What We Know About the Plot and Release Date of Shrek 5

The highly anticipated return of the franchise is currently scheduled for a theatrical release on July 1, 2026. This date is a major update and is a key piece of information for fans following the "shrek five" or "shrek four" news.

While cast confirmations are solid, details about the actual plot of *Shrek 5* remain tightly under wraps. However, industry insiders and the confirmed cast list offer several clues about the film's direction.

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Anticipated Plot Details and Themes

• Focus on Family: The confirmed return of Fiona and the rumored casting of Zendaya as Felicia strongly suggest the film will focus on Shrek and Fiona navigating life as parents to their ogre triplets (Felicia, Farkle, and Fergus). This would provide a natural continuation from *Shrek Forever After*.
• A Donkey Spin-Off Tease: Eddie Murphy has publicly stated that he was told a separate Donkey spin-off movie is also in the works after *Shrek 5*. This means the new film may lay the groundwork for a standalone adventure for the beloved sidekick.
• A Fresh Start: The creative team has indicated that the new film will be a "re-imagining" of the core franchise, suggesting a story that feels both familiar to long-time fans and fresh for a new generation. This could involve new villains, new magical lands, or a major new quest.

The return of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz is a powerful signal that the studio is committed to delivering a high-quality, authentic sequel. The excitement surrounding the 2026 release date and the confirmed "Shrek four cast" (the core trio) has made *Shrek 5* one of the most anticipated animated films of the decade. As more details on the plot and the full supporting cast emerge, the hype for the next chapter in the Far Far Away saga will only continue to grow.