Zendaya Is No Longer Meechee, But She Is Shrek

Shrek’s longevity in the zeitgeist since 2010’s Shrek Forever After is very likely thanks to kids who grew up on the films giving the characters new life through early internet memes. Shrek and company have featured in funny videos, lip sync trends on TikTok, the disturbing Shrek Is Love Shrek is Life (which we refuse to link to), and more—and have maintained a real-world presence in Universal’s theme parks. And from the looks of the Shrek 5 teaser, Shrek knows. 

The sequel doubled up on meme culture by showing us a greatest hits of the ogre-ification of the internet and giving us a casting announcement that is a meme itself: “Zendaya Is Meechee” is now Princess Felicia, daughter of Shrek.

Shrek and Fiona’s kids are now teenagers and that truly makes us feel old. Weren’t they babies yesterday? (And what do the Donkey-Dragon children look like?) Aging crisis aside, the casting is perfect, with Zendaya joining the ranks of returning cast members Mike Myers as Shrek, Cameron Diaz as Fiona, and Eddie Murphy as Donkey. We’re excited to see who joins next and what the next Far Far Away fairytale is going to be. As part of the casting celebration Universal Pictures and DreamWorks shared a hit tweet from Zendaya they said “this aged well”

Shrek 5 opens in theaters Christmas 2026.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.