The first trailer for the long-awaited Shrek 5 film has ignited a wave of criticism among fans, particularly regarding the animation style of beloved characters. Released earlier this week, the 27-second clip introduces new elements while featuring recurring favorites such as Shrek, Donkey, Pinocchio, and Princess Fiona, alongside Felicia, their now-grown daughter played by Zendaya. As the film gears up for a December 2026 release, reactions have highlighted a divide between nostalgia and modern animation trends.
Some fans have voiced their concerns on social media, describing the trailer as “disrespectful to the original art style.” Comments suggest that the new animation appears to be an “AI interpretation of what Shrek 5 could look like,” leading to comparisons with the backlash against the animation of Sonic the Hedgehog in 2019. Following similar public outcry, Paramount Pictures made significant changes to Sonic's design before releasing the film.
The trailer showcases Felicia, who was first introduced in Shrek The Third in 2007, now all grown up. In addition to Zendaya's debut in the franchise, original voice actors Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy return to reprise their iconic roles. The film's storyline is expected to pay homage to popular Shrek memes that have circulated on the internet over the years.
As fans eagerly anticipated the return of Shrek, the trailer also features a humorous scene where a mirror reflects an updated version of Shrek. In this moment, Shrek dons glasses and dances in a skintight catsuit, prompting mixed reactions from viewers. Some have expressed concern that such changes stray too far from the franchise's roots.
Oli Hyatt, a notable figure in animation, commented on the ongoing debate. He emphasized that at its core, "Shrek has never been about looking cute or beautiful; it's about being gross with all the jokes and silliness." He acknowledged that if the producers manage to capture the essence of the characters and script correctly, "then people will still love it; it's still a great franchise."
The return of Shrek was subtly hinted at during the credits of Puss In Boots: The Last Wish in 2022, building anticipation among fans who grew up with the original film released in 2001. This generation has since matured into adulthood, further complicating their expectations for how their childhood favorites should evolve.
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