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James Gunn seemingly reached the nerd mountaintop upon becoming the co-chairman (with Peter Safran) of DC Studios in 2022. Nearly 30 years before that, however, he was just another struggling screenwriter slugging it out in the film industry trenches. Gunn earned his first screenplay credit as the co-writer of Troma Entertainment's "Tromeo and Juliet," which was not the calling-card effort that put him on Hollywood's radar. That would be his script for "The Specials," a superhero comedy that became a film under the direction of Craig Mazin in 2000.

Before that film was even made, though, Gunn found himself pitching projects to the major studios, one of which was a Silver Surfer movie at 20th Century Fox. Gunn knocked out a treatment that he once claimed was a "huge story, cosmic as hell," and he might've hung around to write the screenplay had another project not been dropped on his doorstep.

In 1999, filmmaker Jay Roach,...

Rarely has a decade been as closely tied to a film genre in pop culture as the 1980s are to ridiculous action movies. The era of Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and others of their stripe certainly blend well into the '90s, but the '80s is where the big, beefy, sweaty, machine-gun-toting hero became a staple of cinema. Of course, as with any genre, there were better and worse attempts at hitting the mark with this particular brand of action film. Titles like "The Terminator" and "First Blood" gave credibility to their respective muscular stars, eschewing the camp and absurdity for high-concept sci-fi and gritty political character drama, respectively. But then there were the less artistically sophisticated films -- features like Schwarzenegger's "Commando" and Stallone's "Cobra," which came out back-to-back in 1985 and 1986.

"Cobra," specifically, has become something of a cult classic, in large part because of its cartoonish protagonist.

Robert Pattinson, Robert De Niro and Michael B Jordan are all pulling double duty in their new films and that’s just the start

For years, dual roles have been played largely for laughs. Think of Adam Sandler’s Razzie-sweeping twin turn in Jack and Jill, or Lisa Kudrow as both Phoebe and Ursula Buffay on Friends. Eddie Murphy was always particularly prolific, his most multiplicitous performance as a clutch of Klumps for Nutty Professor II.

There are exceptions, of course. But for every Legend or The Prestige there are 10 Austin Powers, Bowfingers and – shudder – Norbits. This year, however, is giving us a more dramatic breed of duplicate. Robert De Niro will pull double Don duty in The Alto Knights, Michael B Jordan will play twin leads in the supernatural Sinners and a pair of Robert Pattinson clones is currently headlining Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17.

On Saturday March 8 2025, NBC broadcasts Saturday Night Live!

Lady Gaga Season 50 Episode 15 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Saturday Night Live” promises to be an exciting one with the talented Lady Gaga taking on the roles of host and musical performer. This episode is set to air on NBC, and fans are eagerly anticipating what the pop icon will bring to the iconic sketch comedy show.

Lady Gaga is known for her unique style and powerful performances, so her hosting duties are expected to be full of energy and creativity. Viewers can look forward to her signature blend of humor and theatricality as she interacts with the cast and participates in various sketches. Her presence is likely to bring a fresh vibe to the show, making it a memorable night for everyone involved.

In addition to her hosting role, Lady Gaga will also perform some of her hit songs. Fans...

On Saturday March 8 2025, NBC broadcasts Saturday Night Live!

Shane Gillis; Tate McRae Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Saturday Night Live” promises to bring an exciting blend of comedy and music. Set to air on March 1, 2025, the show will feature comedian Shane Gillis as the host. Known for his sharp wit and unique perspective, Gillis is expected to deliver a night full of laughs with his signature style.

Joining Gillis on stage will be singer Tate McRae, who is quickly making a name for herself in the music industry. With her catchy songs and engaging performances, McRae is sure to captivate the audience with her talent. Fans can look forward to hearing some of her popular hits during the show.

As always, “Saturday Night Live” will likely include a mix of sketches, parodies, and musical performances. With Gillis at the helm, viewers can expect humor that touches on current events and everyday life.

Ever wondered why the Oscars seem to have such a complicated relationship with Black talent? The Academy Awards might be Hollywood’s most prestigious night, but its golden history is tarnished with allegations of bias and discrimination.

From the viral #OscarsSoWhite hashtag that exploded on social media to the awkward ceremony moments that had us all cringing on our couches, the film industry’s biggest celebration has repeatedly found itself in hot water.

Oscar statuette | Credits: Academy Press

The pattern is hard to ignore – groundbreaking Black performances mysteriously overlooked, Black directors shut out of nominations, and the weird tendency to reward certain types of Black stories while ignoring others. Let’s dive into the countdown of ten times when many believe the Academy showed its true colors – and they weren’t gold.

10. Chadwick Boseman’s posthumous Oscar loss (2021) Chadwick Boseman in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) | Credits: Netflix

Talk about an uncomfortable TV moment!

Jerry Seinfeld has gotten to meet and work with a number of iconic comedians over the years. He appeared on Rodney Dangerfield’s HBO special, went for a ride with Eddie Murphy on Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee and once hung out with the ghosts of Abbott and Costello for some reason.

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But one legendary comic that Seinfeld never got the chance to interact with on his over-caffeinated Crackle/Netflix series was Joan Rivers.

Following her death in 2014, Seinfeld revealed that he had actually asked Rivers to be his “lead guest” on the new season of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. He even shared an old text message documenting that she said she would “Love” to be on the show.

Unfortunately, according to Seinfeld, Rivers had to postpone the taping because she was “going in for a medical procedure.” This was in late August; Rivers died on September 4th...

Is there a kernel of truth to the notion that "popcorn stars" don't win Oscars? It certainly felt that way to fans hoping to see Demi Moore pull off a Best Actress victory at the 2025 Oscars. Her daring performance as Elisabeth Sparkle in The Substance had earned her a Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and SAG Award, putting her in frontrunner position as she arrived at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2. But suddenly, those hopes were dashed when Emma Stone read out the winner: Mikey Madison in Anora.

It wasn't unfamiliar to see one of the biggest box-office draws from decades past lose the big one. Perhaps the Academy couldn't see past what Moore had once been told she was — a popcorn actress. She addressed the demeaning title in her Golden Globes acceptance speech nearly two months prior, stating that a producer called her a “popcorn actress” 30 years ago, which...

Exclusive: George Lopez is getting into the unscripted business.

The comedian, who is currently starring in the third season of NBC’s Lopez vs. Lopez, has partnered with Truly Original, the production company behind series such as The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Ink Master, to develop a number of unscripted projects.

The first is a feature documentary about Charlie Murphy, the brother of Eddie Murphy. Darkness: The Charlie Murphy Story will tell the story of the comedian, who died in 2017 from leukemia at the age of 57.

Charlie Murphy was a cast member and writer on Chappelle’s Show and for BET’s mockumentary series Comedy Get Down, where he traveled with Lopez on their 2017 stand-up comedy tour.

The doc, which is currently in production, is produced by Truly Original, Richard Murphy, who was Charlie Murphy’s cousin and former manager, George Lopez and Salvador Vasquez.

The second project is described...

Why Didn’t Zendaya attend Oscars 2025? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Over the years, Zendaya has ruled the red carpet with her unique and fashionable looks at every award ceremony. This year, she was missing from the Oscars crowd, and her absence was felt terribly. The 97th Academy Awards, which was held at the Dolby Theatres in Los Angeles on March 2, was a star-studded affair. However, Zendaya skipping the event soon became the talk of the town. Although her movie, Challengers, was shut out from the competition, her other film, Dune: Part Two, received a few nominations.

Dune: Part Two, in which she co-starred with Timothee Chalamet, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, and others, won two awards at the Oscars for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects. Even then, the Euphoria actress didn’t attend the event, and while we don’t know the reason, we can guess that because of her tight schedule,...

DreamWorks Animation has recently given fans their first look at Shrek 5, and the beloved characters have a brand-new look. The highly anticipated movie, set to release in 2026, is the seventh film in the Shrek franchise and comes more than 15 years after Shrek Forever After.

The teaser trailer confirms that Shrek 5 will have a different animation style. The new visuals are more detailed and realistic compared to the previous movies. Since the last Shrek film in 2010, animation technology has improved, and DreamWorks is updating the franchise to match modern standards.

The trailer features Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and their daughter Felicia (voiced by Zendaya) standing in front of the Magic Mirror. Donkey asks who the fairest of them all is, and the Mirror jokingly responds, “Shrek, of course,” before showing funny internet memes of the green ogre.

One meme is a muscular version of Shrek, which grosses out Felicia but impresses Fiona.

Oscar nominated movies go through meticulous discussions and careful considerations before becoming a candidate to win the actual award. But sometimes public opinion does not necessarily align with the experts. The audience does not shy away from expressing their opinions—especially when they do not like a movie.

But that doesn’t mean these films aren’t worth watching, they’re entertaining. However, if we start handing out nominations to every entertaining movie, the Academy Awards would lose their value, wouldn’t they? In some cases, these films even overshadowed more deserving contenders, fueling criticism about the very selection process of movie nomination.

In this list, we will look at some of the most controversial and surprising movies nominated for an Academy Award. Without further ado, let’s find out if the movies selected were justified or not.

Selena Gomez in Emilia Pérez, Ben Afflect and Josh Harnett | Credit: Why Not Productions,...

Now that Lorne Michaels has tapped Shane Gillis to host Saturday Night Live for a second time, can we declare the grand Gillis experiment over now? We’ve got a clear view of what Gillis the Cast Member would have looked like — a nondescript guy who struggles for a season before fading into an SNL trivia question.

This conclusion isn’t an indictment of Gillis the stand-up. Whether or not he’s your cup of Bud Light, his politically incorrect, Maga-friendly everyman appeal isn’t hard to understand. But that persona makes for forgettable sketch comedy characters, especially when the last two seasons have featured another comic with a clueless white guy vibe who does SNL so much better in Nate Bargatze. He has “Washington’s Dream,” “Lifeguard” and other memorable sketches under his belt. Gillis has had two 90-minute attempts to deliver a single killer sketch, and here we sit,...

Earlier today, concept art for Avengers: Doomsday leaked online (you can find a full breakdown here) and, while it's left us with plenty to discuss, the biggest reveal might be who's playing the McU's new Black Panther.

It was last month when we first learned of Marvel Studios' supposed plans to recast T'Challa following Chadwick Boseman's death in 2020. There have since been conflicting reports but the consensus is that Toussaint/T'Challa II, the hero's son, will be aged up and take his father's place.

Taking a closer look at this concept art for Avengers: Doomsday, we see quite clearly that Marvel Studios has used actor Damson Idris' likeness for the McU's new Black Panther.

This doesn't mean he's been cast, but it's rare for Marvel Studios to use the likeness of an actor they've not at least spoken to about a role. As we saw in The Fantastic Four: First Steps...

Call it WME’s comedy book club.

During the mega talent agency’s weekly Comedy Department meeting on Feb. 26, co-chief and senior partner Mike Berkowitz told agents that they’d be getting a new mandatory reading assignment, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter.

After saying he read Susan Morrison’s 656-page tome Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live in one sitting, Berkowitz noted that WME would be buying copies for everyone in the department as a required reading assignment given it tells the history of the comedy biz and looks at how the producer discovered creative talent.

The Random House book, billed as the authoritative biography of the TV producer, was released on Feb. 18, timed as part of the 50th anniversary media festivities for the venerable NBC late-night sketch show. The title bowed at No. 4 on The New York Times bestseller list in the nonfiction category.

Berkowitz is said...

On Saturday March 1 2025, NBC broadcasts Saturday Night Live!

Shane Gillis; Tate McRae Season 50 Episode 14 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Saturday Night Live” features host Shane Gillis and musical guest Tate McRae. This episode promises to bring plenty of laughs and great music to the NBC stage. Shane Gillis, known for his sharp humor and unique perspective, is set to deliver a night of comedy that could include sketches, monologues, and more.

Tate McRae, a rising star in the music industry, will take the stage to perform some of her popular songs. With her catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, McRae’s performance is sure to resonate with fans. This combination of comedy and music makes for an exciting night on “SNL.”

Viewers can expect a mix of original sketches and classic “SNL” moments, all infused with Gillis’s comedic style. The blend of his humor with McRae’s music could create a memorable show.

At this point, fans have accepted that it is Zendaya’s world and we are just living in it. Everything she touches turns to gold. And now? She’s stepping into the Shrek universe. Yep, Shrek!!! And 2025 being the bearer of this news, is proving to be not that bad after all.

It is now official that she’s set to play the daughter of Shrek, voiced by none other than Mike Myers, and Fiona, voiced by the beautiful Cameron Diaz.

Zendaya in Spider-Man: No Way Home | Marvel Studios

And even with all her success and practically ruling Hollywood these past years, Zendaya (who currently stands at a very impressive $30 million) still isn’t the richest Shrek cast member. Yep, five other actors have even bigger bank accounts.

5. John Lithgow-$50 million John Lithgow in a still from Conclave | Credits: Focus Features

John Lithgow, is sitting on a cool $50 million (as per Yahoo), yep,...

Zendaya has been cast as the voice of Shrek’s daughter, Felicia in the upcoming fifth offering of animation ‘Shrek.’

Zendaya joins the returning cast of Mick Myers as Shrek, Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona and Eddie Murphy as Donkey.

Universal Pictures announced the casting with a short clip on social platforms.

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A post shared by DreamWorks Shrek (@shrek)

Also in news – Legendary actor Gene Hackman dies

Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon also return to the franchise taking directing duties. Dohrn worked on the second and third ‘Shrek’ movies as a writer and artist and ‘Shrek 4’ as head of story and voice of Rumpelstiltskin. Vernon directed “Shrek 2” and voices Gingerbread Man.

The fifth instalment of the ‘Shrek’ franchise is set to be released in theatres on December 23, 2026, marking 25 years since the original film debuted.

The original film which centres a misunderstood ogre and fairytale characters,...

A fifth Shrek film has been officially in the works. It’s set for a December 2026 release date (around the 25th anniversary of the original film) , with original cast members Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy all confirmed. Murphy himself, in the press lead-up to Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, revealed that some recording had already been done for the film and that his character, Donkey, is set for his own spinoff movie. Yesterday, it was announced that Zendaya will be joining in on the next storybook adventure as she’s been cast as Shrek and Fiona’s daughter.

The studio revealed the news in an announcement teaser trailer that showed all the regular principal characters returning, as well as the addition of Zendaya’s character. Just like the Toy Story movies have evolved, many will notice that the animation in the new trailer has been updated with more modern effects.

Here’s All About The New Pokemon Movie Dragonite and the Mailman ( Photo Credit – YouTube )

The Pokemon universe is going to present a new heartwarming story soon. Titled Dragonite and the Mailman, this 14-minute short episode features the Pokemon Dragonite in a pivotal role. This short episode will be released on February 27, 2025, marking 29 years since the Pokemon series first began in Japan. Dragonite and the Mailman will be available for free on Pokemon’s official YouTube channel.

What Is The Plot Of Dragonite And The Mailman?

Dragonite and the Mailman follows Hana, who admires Dragonite, a postal worker. One day, she finds a letter with no address. She teams up with the Dragonite postal worker and other wild and domestic Pokemon to find the sender. The journey takes her to the Kanto region.

More About Dragonite And The Mailman

Taku Kimura, who helmed Star Wars: Visions, also directed this short.

Which Role Is Zendaya Playing In Cameron Diaz & Eddie Murphy’s Shrek 5?(Photo Credit – YouTube)

The much-awaited first look of Shrek 5 is here, and the franchise has added a popular name to its roster. Zendaya is now officially a part of the universe, and fans cannot wait to see her do justice to her voice role in the animated film. The fantasy comedy is more than a year away, but it has created a buzz.

Now that the Dune actress has joined, the world of Shrek has gotten even bigger and better, with lots more people tuning in. Here’s what we know about the first-look teaser and how the fans reacted to the video, including the announcement that Zendaya officially joined the movie series.

First Look Features Zendaya Joining Cameron Diaz & Eddie Murphy Starrer Shrek 5

Universal Pictures recently unveiled a short clip confirming Zendaya‘s presence and role in the film.

Subscribers to Netflix love such original thrillers as Carry-On and Rebel Ridge, it seems, with the films receiving even higher viewing numbers than Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.

Netflix has released its viewership figures for the second half of 2024, and they provide a (possibly) interesting bit of insight into its subscribers’ tastes.

The most obvious take-away is that Netflix customers really like their thrillers; festive airport nailbiter Carry-On, starring Taron Edgerton, continues to be one of the most successful original films the streaming firm has released in years. Despite releasing right at the end of last year, it was still the platform’s most-watched movie with 137.3m views.

In January, Carry-On was Netflix’s fifth most-watched movie of all time. A few weeks on, and it’s climbed to the third position with a total of 169.2m views, placing it just behind Don’t Look Up (171.4m) and Red Notice (230.9m). Releasing a high-concept,...

Fifty years, countless laughs, and one unforgettable night—Saturday Night Live has been the heartbeat of American comedy, giving audiences countless nights of laughter, moments we can’t imagine pop culture without, and launching comedic legends. On Sunday, SNL marked its 50th anniversary with an unforgettable three-hour special, blending nostalgia with humor that’ll make you cry from laughter, to celebrate its enduring legacy. The night brought iconic faces—everyone from Garrett Morris, an original member of the SNL family, to Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, reminding viewers why so many of us have rarely ever missed a Saturday night filled with SNL since its debut in 1975. A Star-Studded Celebration Steve Martin set the stage for the SNL 50th anniversary special with a monologue where he cracked jokes about everything from his age to President Trump renaming the Gulf of Mexico. After an opening performance by Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon & Garfunkel’s Homeward Bound,...

Zendaya has been cast in 'Shrek 5'.The 28-year-old actress will join Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz in the fifth instalment of the Dreamworks animation franchise, and will voice the role of the titular ogre's daughter.Her casting was confirmed via a new trailer that was released online on Thursday (27.02.25).'Shrek' was first released in 2001 and followed the story of an ogre who falls in love with Princess Fiona (Diaz) before a sequel arrived in 2004.'Shrek the Third' revealed that Fiona - now married to Shrek - was pregnant, and the latest major instalment 'Shrek Forever After' was released in 2010.The films are based on the picture book 'Shrek!' by William Steig, and the first film in the series opened as a Broadway musical in 2008 before running in London's West End for just over two years.'Shrek 5' is slated for release on December 23 2026 and...

The world of Shrek may have last released an installment almost a decade and a half ago, but it is barely done yet. This is because the franchise is all set to return to the screens as it prepares to deliver yet another entertaining installment to fans soon. This installment — Shrek 5 — reportedly has earned itself a star-studded cast, too.

Shrek 5. | Credits: Universal Pictures.

According to the latest announcements, besides the original leads returning to the saga to once again voice the fan-favorite characters, Hollywood hotshot Zendaya is among the other names to debut in the swamp near the Far Far Away kingdom. Not to mention, Cameron Diaz will also be making her return through the same.

The full cast of Shrek 5 includes Zendaya, Cameron Diaz Zendaya. | Credits: Euphoria / HBO.

While not a lot of details have been released about this forthcoming fifth installment in the film series as of yet,...

DreamWorks finally released the teaser for Shrek 5, and well, let’s just say that fans have some opinions, starting off with the new animation style. It has been fifteen years since the last Shrek film was released. It goes without saying that things have changed since then in terms of how the animation industry works. With new technology, movies don’t really have to look like what they used to decades ago.

Shrek 5 (2026) | Credits: DreamWorks Animation

Unfortunately, it looks like fans are not too happy with how the animation style has changed for Shrek 5 since Shrek Forever After (2010). Throwing it back to the time when people basically bullied Paramount into changing how Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) looked, fans are hoping DreamWorks will hear their pleas too.

Fans react to the new Shrek 5 teaser A still from Shrek 5‘s teaser | Credits: DreamWorks Animation

“Far, Far Away’s finest are coming.

A first look at Shrek 5 hit the internet, exciting fans for its eventual release, but also concerning many over some stark animation changes.

After originally planning a five-film Shrek arc, DreamWorks Animation decided to conclude the series with Shrek Forever After in 2010. However, discussions about a fifth film resurfaced in 2014, and after NBCUniversal acquired DreamWorks in 2016, development slowly progressed.

In 2023, Illumination's Chris Meledandri confirmed Shrek 5 was officially in development, with the original cast of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz returning after stepping away from acting. A recent first look at the updated animation style debuted Zendaya's voice as Shrek and Fiona's daughter, marking a fresh direction with a new (divisive) look.

Read full article on The Direct.

"Who's making this stuff?" Good question - because wow this looks awful. DreamWorks Animation debuted a tiny 20 second teaser announcing Shrek 5, a new sequel in the Shrek franchise. This will be released a full 16 years after Shrek Forever After, the fourth movie that opened back in 2010. There hasn't been any other continuation since, unless you count the recent Puss in Boots movies or Shrek on Ice (for real) or whatever random brand concepts they've cooked up. Shrek 5 is the fifth movie in this popular animation series, which began in 2001. The original voice cast returns - Cameron Diaz as Fiona, Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey. With the addition of Zendaya voicing Felicia, Shrek & Fiona's not-so-young-anymore daughter. It's set for release on Christmas Day in December 2026 more than a year from now, after being pushed back from its original July 2026 date. This teaser footage shows that they've...

Shrek is arguably one of the greatest animated franchises ever made, with fans loving the adaptation of the classic children’s picture book by William Steig. In the franchise, actor Eddie Murphy voices the iconic sidekick Donkey. In an interview, Murphy admitted that Donkey is one of the most hilarious characters in the series.

Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop (Credit: Paramount Pictures).

As a result, the comedian-actor felt that Donkey was more deserving of a solo spin-off movie compared to the likes of Puss in Boots. Since the latter has already appeared in two solo movies, Murphy made a strong case for a Donkey spin-off. Here is what Murphy had to say about his only condition for a Donkey spin-off after Shrek 5.

Eddie Murphy reveals his only condition for a Donkey spin-off after Shrek 5

Actor Eddie Murphy is best known for his breakout role as Detective Axel...

Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation has released the first teaser for the highly anticipated Shrek 5, confirming the returns of Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as Fiona - as well as confirming that  Zendaya (Spider-Man: No Way Home; Dune: Part Two; Challengers) has indeed joined the voice cast as Shrek and Fiona's daughter Felicia.

Plot details remain under wraps for now and there's also no word on who's going to be lending their voices to her siblings Fergus and Farkle.

Franchise veterans Walt Dohrn (Trolls; Trolls World Tour; Trolls Band Together) and Conrad Vernon (Monsters vs. Aliens; Sausage Party; The Addams Family) have been tapped to direct, with Brad Ableson (Minions: The Rise of Gru) serving as co-director, while Michael McCullers (Austin Powers in Goldmember; Baby Mama; The Boss Baby) penned the script. 

This will be the first installment in the main franchise in sixteen years,...

It has been years since fans took a trip to the swamp. The last Shrek movie hit theatres back in 2010. The world used to be different then. But while everything has changed, the love for the green ogre hasn’t. The animated franchise continues to rule fans’ hearts.

No wonder Universal Pictures would have hoped that its 5th installment would bring the old magic back. Alas! The teaser hasn’t generated positive responses from the fans – and Zendaya might be one of the reasons.

Shrek 5 is here (the old hype isn’t though) Shrek 5 will be out next year || Universal Pictures

Shrek 5‘s teaser has been nothing short of a bombshell. What many would have expected to be one of the best films of the coming year has already attracted fans’ ire.

Releasing 16 years after Shrek Forever After, the animated flick was bound to have some departures from its prequel.

Gold Derby's top news stories for Feb. 27, 2025. Zendaya to star in Shrek 5 as Shrek’s daughter

Zendaya will lend her voice to the latest Shrek movie, playing the green ogre's yet-to-named daughter, per The Hollywood Reporter. The Emmy-winning superstar will join Mikey Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy, who are set to reprise their roles as Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey, respectively. Universal and DreamWorks Animation have set a release date for Dec. 23, 2026.

This is the fifth installment from the Shrek franchise. The original film became the first Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature in 2001 and grossed $488 million worldwide. Three sequels followed, along with two Puss in Boots spinoffs, propelling the franchise to global box office of more than $4 billion. It's the second-highest grossing animated franchise after Despicable Me.

Oscars will feature music of James Bond, honoring longtime producers

The 97th Academy Awards will toast to the music of James Bond,...

After a new cast announcement released by Universal Pictures, the beloved Shrek franchise has pivoted the world’s attention – and not for a very good reason. Despite returning to the screens after 15 years, Shrek 5 could essentially spell the doom of the Mike Myers film series and do some serious damage on the way out.

Shrek 5 (2026) [Credit: DreamWorks Animation]

With Zendaya now joining the Ogre bandwagon alongside the original trio, the fifth instalment of the fantasy comedy IP has a lot of expectations to uphold. But after the brief 25-second clip, Shrek 5 has made the audience clamor, scramble in confusion and despair as Universal puts the fate of the animated franchise at risk.

Shrek 5 animation raises some serious doubt Shrek 5 (2026) [Credit: DreamWorks Animation]

Universal Pictures and DreamWorks have a rich history with the animated film industry. From franchises like Despicable Me to Oscar-nominated movies like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and The Wild Robot,...

Live sporting events on Netflix drew strong audience numbers, but ‘Squid Game’ was the star of the show for the streamer in the last six months of the year.

Netflix is giving analysts and subscribers alike another look into what audiences watched on the streamer in 2024. The latest “What We Watched” report includes viewership data for all shows and movies in the Netflix library over the second half of 2024, and it includes some fascinating insights about the streamer. Perhaps unsurprisingly, “Squid Game” — which released its second season late in December — was the most watched show in the second half of they year, while Taron Egerton airplane thriller “Carry-On” was the most viewed film on the service.

Key Details: “Squid Game” Season 2 was the most-viewed show in the second half of 2024, despite only six days of availability. Netflix’s three marquee sporting events in November and December all cracked the top...

Okay, so “Shrek 5” won’t hit theaters until December 2026, but given this casting news, it’s automatically one of next year’s most anticipated movies. THR reports that Zendaya joins Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy on the voice cast for the upcoming animated film. It’s the first installment in the “Shrek” franchise since “Shrek: Forever After” hit theaters in 2010.

Continue reading ‘Shrek 5’ Teaser: Zendaya Joins Cast Of Upcoming Dreamworks Sequel As Shrek’s Daughter at The Playlist.

From blockbuster franchises like Spider-Man and Dune to critical darlings like Challengers, Zendaya is at the top of her game. And with the arrival of the first teaser trailer for Shrek 5, the actress has kept that momentum going with the bombshell that she will be joining the cast as the titular ogre’s daughter.

In the clip, she appears alongside Shrek himself (Mike Myers), Fiona (Cameron Diaz), and Donkey (Eddie Murphy), as the gang scrolls through TikTok-esque Shrek memes. Watch the full Shrek 5 teaser trailer below.

Shrek 5 is currently slated for a December 23rd, 2026 release. It’ll mark the first film in the mainline Shrek series since 2010’s Shrek Forever After. Universal and DreamWorks Animation have not yet revealed plot details, but if we had to guess, maybe it’ll be about Shrek’s daughter navigating a tennis-themed love triangle set to a Trent Reznor soundtrack.

This is not a drill! It's been a long, long time since audiences have taken a trip to Far, Far Away but "Shrek 5" is going to bring us back there next year. As evidence of that, DreamWorks has released the first, brief teaser for the long-awaited sequel -- one that introduces us to the cast. Most of them are familiar faces but there is one new, very important addition: Welcome to the family, Zendaya.

While the above teaser doesn't make it explicitly clear who the star of "Dune" and "Challengers" is playing in the film, the folks at The Hollywood Reporter have confirmed that she is voicing the daughter of Shrek and Fiona. The teaser also confirms that Mike Myers (Shrek), Cameron Diaz (Fiona), and Eddie Murphy (Donkey) are also reprising their famous roles. Diaz's inclusion is not insignificant, seeing as she walked away from Hollywood for years...

A fifth Shrek film has been officially in the works. It’s set for a December 2026 release date (around the 25th anniversary of the original film) , with original cast members Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy all confirmed. Murphy himself, in the press lead-up to Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, revealed that some recording had already been done for the film and that his character, Donkey, is set for his own spinoff movie. Dreamworks made the official Shrek 5 announcement via social media, along with a tease for the film you can see embedded above! The Hollywood Reporter has now revealed that Zendaya is now set to star in the film as Shrek and Fiona’s daughter.

Zendaya’s resume is already filled to the brim with anticipated projects as she’s set to make a return to the sandy epic sci-fi franchise with Dune: Messiah, as well...

Zendaya has joined the Shrek universe!

The 28-year-old actress will officially play the role of Shrek’s daughter in Shrek 5. Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy will also return to their roles as Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey.

Keep reading to find out more…

In a new teaser, which dropped on Thursday (February 27), we catch a glimpse of Zendaya‘s new character, and she has red hair like her mother.

In the clip, Donkey asks the magic mirror who is “the fairest of them all,” to which the mirror responds “Shrek, of course,” and then showed various racy photos of the ogre.

“Ew dad!” Shrek’s daughter cries out.

However, Fiona approves of the snapshots.

Shrek 5 will be coming to theaters on December 23, 2026.

If you didn’t see, last month, it was announced that the production of Shrek 5 was delayed by six months.

Once upon a time, Zendaya was Meechee. Then, Zendaya was Chani. Now, Zendaya is Felicia. The prophecy is complete. Yes, news has just come in for the actor’s latest major role – no, not the third chapter of Dune, nor another collaboration with Luca Guadagnino. Added to Zendaya’s upcoming slate is Shrek 5, in which she’s confirmed to voice Shrek and Fiona’s ogre daughter – as revealed by the film’s first teaser trailer. Give it a look:

It’s a short teaser, but there’s plenty to unpack there. Firstly, that Shrek memes – perhaps the ogre’s most enduring cultural presence in recent years – are now canon in the Shrek-verse. Secondly, that the designs of the characters are largely in line with how we left them in Shrek Forever After, but with a few subtle tweaks, rather than a total Puss In Boots: The Last Wish visual overhaul.

Apple TV+ has revealed the trailer for the highly anticipated two-part documentary film event ‘Number One on the Call Sheet,’ premiering on Friday, March 28.

With unprecedented access and candid interviews, the doc takes us on an intimate journey with some of Hollywood’s most extraordinary leading Black men and women as they shine a light on the joys and challenges of being a Black actor, share breakthrough moments, discuss blueprints for success, and honour legends, while recognizing the next generation’s enormous potential.

The two-parter delivers an in-depth look at some of Hollywood’s biggest stars as they reveal their journeys to game-changing leading roles. The films are produced for Apple by Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Datari Turner and Dan Cogan. Jamie Foxx produces through his Foxxhole Productions with Datari Turner, Kevin Hart produces through HartBeat and Dan Cogan produces through Story Syndicate.

With Foxx and Hart lending their voices to the documentary,...

Zendaya has joined the cast of Shrek 5, in a major get for the franchise, as announced on the series’ official X page Thursday morning.

The in-demand actress plays the daughter of Shrek (Mike Myers) and Fiona (Cameron Diaz). As previously announced, Eddie Murphy will also reprise his role in the new film as Donkey. Watch a teaser offering a first look at Zendaya’s character below.

Slated for release on December 23, 2026, Shrek 5 will be the first installment to hit theaters since Shrek Forever After all the way back in 2010. No word yet on the storyline.

Walt Dohrn (Trolls franchise), who worked on the second and third films as a writer and artist and as Head of Story on the fourth film, is directing alongside co-director Brad Ableson (Minions: The Rise of Gru), with The Trolls franchise’s Gina Shay returning to produce alongside Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri (The Super Mario Bros. Movie...

The first teaser for “Shrek 5” has arrived and Shrek’s kids are all grown up — and apparently, Zendaya is indeed voicing one of them. Although, her character is horrified at the magic mirror’s latest reveal.

“Hey magic mirror! Who’s the fairest of them all?” Donkey eagerly asks, once again voiced by Eddie Murphy. The answer apparently is Shrek, as the mirror provides memed versions of the ogre in response.

You can watch the first footage in the video, below.

Far, Far Away's finest are coming. pic.twitter.com/7qn8FNIBT6

— Shrek (@Shrek) February 27, 2025

Among the results is a very buff Shrek, prompting his daughter Felicia (Zendaya) to pop in and gag at it, while Fiona — voiced by a returning Cameron Diaz, after making her acting comeback in Netflix’s “Back in Action” earlier this year — fawns over it.

Who’s responsible for such horrifying images, you ask?...

Zendaya is taking her talents to the swamp.

The mononymous, in-demand actor has joined “Shrek 5” as Felicia, the daughter of Shrek (Mike Myers) and Fiona (Cameron Diaz).

Universal and DreamWorks, the studios behind the animated adventure set in the land of Far, Far Away, released a teaser along with the updated casting news. In the clip, Shrek’s trustee sidekick Donkey (Eddie Murphy) asks: “Hey Magic Mirror, who’s the fairest of them all?”

Magic Mirror, you know, the one from “Snow White,” responds: “Why Shrek! Of course.”

But this Magic Mirror appears to have a distinctly 21st century twist, allowing the green ogre to swap between various Gen Z-ified looks at Shrek. This prompts very different reactions from Felicia and Fiona as Shrek raises the question of the hour: “Who is making this stuff?” Just then, Pinocchio pops up to tell a nose-growing lie, declaring “Not me!”

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Keke Palmer insists she had no idea that the vintage Chanel dress she wore to the SAG Awards on Sunday was once worn by her “Scream Queens” co-star Jamie Lee Curtis.

“I literally found out after it came up online,” Palmer told me Wednesday night at Vanity Fair and Instagram’s Vanities party at Bar Marmont in West Hollywood. “I had no idea. I just loved the dress. I just thought it was stunning.”

Curtis wore the black and gold gown in 1986 to the first American Cinematheque Award Gala, which honored Eddie Murphy.

“All I knew was that it was a dress I had to wear and the fact that Jamie also wore was incredible because that’s my girl. We did ‘Scream Queens’ together. When my son was born, she sent me all these books.”

Curtis reached out to Palmer on Sunday. “She sent me a text message saying,...

Today, Apple TV+ revealed the trailer for the two-part documentary film event Number One on the Call Sheet, premiering on Friday, March 28. With unprecedented access and candid interviews, Number One on the Call Sheet takes us on an intimate journey with some of Hollywood’s most extraordinary leading Black men and women.

They shine a light on the joys and challenges of being a Black actor, share breakthrough moments, discuss blueprints for success, and honor legends while recognizing the next generation’s enormous potential.

Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated Angela Bassett shares, “‘Number One on the Call Sheet’ celebrates the grit, strength and brilliance of those who came before us while uplifting the next generation. It’s an honor to pay homage to the legends, and shine a light on the limitless possibilities ahead for Black and brown talent.”

Academy Award-winner director Reginald Hudlin says of Black Leading Men in Hollywood,...

Today, Apple TV+ revealed the trailer for the highly anticipated two-part documentary film event Number One on the Call Sheet, premiering on Friday, March 28. With unprecedented access and candid interviews, Number One on the Call Sheet takes us on an intimate journey with some of Hollywood’s most extraordinary leading Black men and women as they shine a light on the joys and challenges of being a Black actor, share breakthrough moments, discuss blueprints for success, and honor legends, while recognizing the next generation’s enormous potential.

Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men In Hollywood and Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women In Hollywood deliver an in-depth look at some of Hollywood’s biggest stars as they reveal their journeys to game-changing leading roles. The films are produced for Apple by Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Datari Turner and Dan Cogan. Jamie Foxx produces through...

Bruce Vilanch is a walking oxymoron: a legendary ghostwriter best known for feeding one-liners to hosts and presenters at the Academy Awards, Grammys, Emmys and Tonys. He’s worked on the Oscars off and on since 1989, the year of the infamous Rob Lowe-Snow White … whatever the hell that was. The title of the 77-year-old’s new tell-all, It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time (out March 4 from Chicago Review Press), refers to that and other TV trainwrecks he’s been affiliated with. But if you’re going to blame him for, say, The Star Wars Holiday Special or The Paul Lynde Halloween Special, then you should credit him for all the genuinely hilarious Oscar night quips you never realized were his. Ahead of the 97th Academy Awards, Vilanch offers his unvarnished opinion of past hosts and reveals the best joke he ever had to cut.

The Oscars are...

The Wayans Family were inducted into the NAACP Hall of Fame at the 56th Image Awards on Saturday night.

The Wayanses — siblings Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans and the second generation of talent, Damon Wayans Jr., Damien Dante Wayans, Craig Wayans and Chaunté Wayans — joined previous inductees including New Edition, Eddie Murphy, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Spike Lee and Earth Wind and Fire.

The NAACP Hall of Fame Award is presented to “individuals or groups who have been pioneers in their respective fields and whose influence continues to shape their industry for generations.” And as one of the most influential families in comedy and entertainment — collectively behind such culture-defining hits as “In Living Color” (which also launched the careers of Jennifer Lopez and Rosie Perez), “My Wife and Kids,” “Hollywood Shuffle,” the “Scary Movie” franchise, “White Chicks” and the hit CBS...

The years-long road that led to last week’s “SNL50” events was more than a complex programming campaign for NBCUniversal. It was a test of the company’s pipes.

The Feb. 14 “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert,” held at Radio City Music Hall, and Feb. 16 “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” are pitch-perfect examples of the kind of distinctive live events that NBCU is counting on to deliver lucrative mass audiences amid the ever-increasing fragmentation of TV viewership.

Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes SNL50 Photos Below

As of Feb. 21, with a few days of delayed viewing and social activity factored in, the anniversary and concert specials, plus the Feb. 16 “SNL50 : The Red Carpet” telecast, have reached 220 million viewers with 3.9 billion minutes viewed across NBC, Peacock, digital and social, according to NBCU research.

The anniversary special, which ran nearly three and a half hours, has been seen by about 20 million viewers, with NBC accounting for about 16 million.