Top Stories This Week: Zendaya’s Shrek Debut, Dark Family Secrets, & King David’s Rise: What’s Trending Now

1. Shrek 5 Teaser Trailer Sparks Debate Over New Animation Style

The first teaser for Shrek 5 offers a fresh look at the beloved ogre family, including Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and their daughter Felicia (voiced by Zendaya). The updated animation style, featuring aged characters like Shrek’s wrinkles and Donkey’s greying fur, has divided fans. While some appreciate the realistic touch, others criticize it as “cheap” and reminiscent of the ill-received Sonic the Hedgehog redesign. The trailer also highlights Shrek’s humorous antics, such as dancing in a bodysuit and showing off his abs, while Zendaya’s casting as Felicia—one of the triplet daughters—has generated buzz.

2. Hulu’s "Devil in the Family" Exposes Franke Family’s Dark Secrets

Hulu’s docuseries Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke delves into the harrowing child abuse case involving YouTuber Ruby Franke and her partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. Both were sentenced to 30 years in prison for physically and emotionally abusing Franke’s children. The series reveals how Hildebrandt manipulated the family, with Ruby’s husband, Kevin Franke, admitting his guilt for failing to protect his kids. The docuseries contrasts the family’s polished social media image with their hidden trauma, sparking conversations about influencer accountability.

3. Mindy Kaling & Kate Hudson Team Up in Netflix’s "Running Point"

Inspired by Jeanie Buss—the first woman to lead an NBA team as president of the Los Angeles Lakers—Netflix’s Running Point follows a female protagonist navigating the cutthroat world of professional basketball management. Kate Hudson shines in the lead role, blending comedy with resilience, while Mindy Kaling emphasizes the series’ focus on breaking gender barriers. With Buss onboard as an executive producer, the show promises an authentic behind-the-scenes look at sports leadership and female empowerment.

4. Katy Perry Blasts Off in Historic All-Female Blue Origin Mission

Katy Perry is set to make history as part of Blue Origin’s first all-female space crew aboard the New Shepard rocket. Joining her are six trailblazing women, including journalist Gayle King, activist Amanda Nguyen, and aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe. This mission marks the first all-women spaceflight since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova’s solo journey in 1963. Perry has expressed excitement about inspiring future generations, calling the opportunity a “dream come true.”

5. Prime Video’s "House of David" Reimagines the Biblical Epic

House of David on Prime Video explores the life of King David through a modern lens, blending historical drama with universal themes of power, family, and ambition. Michael Iskander stars as the young shepherd-turned-king, while Martyn Ford brings Goliath to life in a visually striking portrayal. Creators Jon Erwin and Jon Gunn stress that the series aims to appeal to general audiences, not just faith-based viewers, by focusing on human struggles and political intrigue.