Shrek fans convinced new character played by Zendaya is trans

Fans think Zendaya is playing a trans character in the latest Shrek movie, and the reason is pretty compelling.

After waiting for what seems like a century for another follow-up to the beloved Ogre franchise, Shrek is back with its latest instalment: Shrek 5.

However, it hasn’t been met with the nicest reaction.

A social media commenter summed it up: “Shrek has had a style and look that hasn’t changed since 2001. Now he’s in the puss in boots art style, and it triggered everyone’s fight or flight.”

The reaction of fans when they saw the new version of Shrek (Universal)

Not only have fans been sceptical of the updated illustration of the characters, but they’ve been heavy on believing that this could be a total flop considering it has been 15 years since Shrek 4 came out.

What more could they cover in the story?

Well, you might remember that Fiona (Cameron Diaz) and Shrek (Mike Myers) welcomed three baby triplets, and now, you’re about to see them as angsty teens, navigating life with their parents.

With Zendaya playing their daughter, Felicia, fans have been excited to see her take on the role.

But there has been some speculation over the actress’s character, and whether she is transgender.

While it seems a little outlandish, considering Shrek and Fiona have one daughter and two sons in the previous movie, it’s all down to a character detail the movie makers added in.

Take a peek at the kids as babies below:

Fans think Felicia's eyes are different, and for a reason (Universal)

Now, what colour are Felicia’s eyes?

You may not have noticed when looking at Shrek 5’s poster, but Felicia seems to have developed brown eyes as she’s aged, or she could actually have been one of the brothers before making a gender transition.

At least, that’s what some fans are theorising.

The nose ring, green lipstick wearing, bangs having emo child appears that she’s going through a phase that many of us do as teens (it was never a phase, mom!).

But some think that she’s giving off ‘they/them’ vibes, aka, an alternative style.

Even though Zendaya is currently listed on IMDB as ‘Felicia,’ X users think that this is a red herring.

Shrek has always had some sexuality and identity fluidity.

Felicia's eyes are now brown... (Universal)

In Shrek 2, Fiona and Shrek shaved side by side, there is a 'gender-confused wolf', Cinderella’s 'ugly stepsister’ is made to look and sound more masculine, and there’s probably more.

For those online, it makes perfect sense.

One user wrote: “either they gave her brown contacts or that’s actually shrek’s trans daughter.”

Another said: “just realised that shrek's daughter is trans cuz the only girl, on the left, has blue eyes while the 2 boys have brown eyes.”

Someone else stated: “Sooo I know it's probably unlikely but just what if the girl we saw in the Shrek 5 trailer was his trans daughter? It wouldn't be the 1st time Shrek dealt with more adult issues so I could see it.”

I guess we’ll find out in 2026.