The beloved animated franchise Shrek is making its highly anticipated return with Shrek 5, set to hit theaters on December 23, 2026. The announcement has generated excitement among fans, especially with the casting of Zendaya as Felicia, the daughter of Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) and Fiona (Cameron Diaz). This marks not only the first major expansion of the core family since 2001, when the franchise first began, but also brings star power to the series, which has been dormant since Shrek Forever After was released 16 years ago.
With its upcoming debut, Shrek 5 promises to combine nostalgia with new adventures, as the original cast members return to reprise their roles. Alongside Myers and Diaz, Eddie Murphy will once again lend his voice to the beloved character Donkey. The film will be helmed by veteran directors Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon, both of whom have longstanding ties to the franchise, ensuring continuity alongside new ideas.
Recently, Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation shared the first teaser for this new addition to the Shrek universe, albeit met with mixed reactions from longtime fans. The 20-second clip, heavily reliant on modern cultural references, displayed new character designs, sparking peculiar sentiments among the audience. While Jezebel noted some initial criticism, many fans have voiced their concerns about the new animation style losing the distinctive charm and rugged look of the original films.
Twitter and other platforms have been buzzing with opinions on the changes. One film critic, whose identity remains undisclosed, shared relevant sentiments: "It’s been a hot minute since Shrek Forever After... give it a chance; the script and the jokes made the first Shrek the culture touchstone it was, not the animation." This echoes the view of several who favor giving the sequel the benefit of the doubt rather than outright disapproval.
Despite the perceived shifts, Zendaya's involvement doesn't solely fit the narrative of change. The actress, who once professed her love for the Shrek franchise, expressed excitement about this opportunity. Her history with voice roles includes notable performances, which might add flair to Felicia’s character.
The animation style appears to have shifted dramatically, which some fans attribute to technological advancements employed through the new engine, MoonRay introduced with Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Instead of the storybook aesthetic, Shrek 5 opts for hyper-polished visual textures. Critics have pointed out how this differs from the style established by its predecessor, leading to hummed concerns and some moments of regret over what many feel is the loss of original design integrity.
DreamWorks Animation's decision to redesign the characters has not been without controversy. Comments on social media indicate palpable disappointment, with many fans nostalgic for the original aesthetic. Indeed, the new character models present Shrek and Donkey with sleeker, more refined appearances. Some voices online even compared the designs unfavorably to the “Ugly Sonic” backlash faced by the live-action variant of Sonic the Hedgehog, which received widespread criticism for its initial design choices.
A similar concern has been raised about the humor showcased in the teaser, which featured Shrek and Donkey scrolling through medieval TikTok — leaving audiences questioning if the film retains the sharp satire which characterized its predecessors. Many worry it could lean heavily on internet meme culture rather than on the diverse humor the franchise was built upon.
Fans of the franchise remain divided. While the nostalgic views might drive many to theaters, it’s uncertain if this installment will appeal broadly to both veteran viewers and newcomers introduced to animated films over the last decade. There’s no doubt Shrek’s previous outings have remained staples, with Shrek likely benefitting from nostalgia, but whether it can regain its place amid modern cinematic storytelling remains to be seen.
It’s worth noting, as Shrek 5 draws nearer, the team behind the film has time to respond to feedback. The comments from fans could signal opportunities for course correction, whether by refining the animation style to appeal to traditionalists or ensuring the storylines and humor explore familiar themes with refreshing perspectives.
Could this culminate in yet another cultural touchstone for audiences? We’ll have to wait and see how the story develops when Shrek 5 finally graces the theaters on Christmas Day. For now, anticipation looms as the return to the swamp brings with it both enthusiasm and apprehension. It appears clear: Shrek isn’t leaving the swamp anytime soon.