Universal Pictures has set the stage for the return of everyone's favorite ogre with the shocking announcement of the upcoming sequel, "Shrek 5." Released on February 27, 2025, the teaser trailer confirmed the return of the original cast, including Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as Fiona. Fans were thrilled with the addition of Zendaya, who will lend her voice to Felicia, the teenage daughter of Shrek and Fiona. The film’s official account on X (formerly Twitter) humorously revisited Zendaya’s past comment confessing her love for the franchise, stating: "This aged well," as it welcomed her to the cast.
Nevertheless, the buzz surrounding the announcement wasn’t entirely positive. Much to Universal's surprise, the new character visuals sparked widespread criticism across social media platforms, with many fans expressing their disappointment over the aesthetics. The backlash stems particularly from the recent success of "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish," which garnered acclaim for its vibrant animation style and storytelling. Released at the end of 2022, it showcased dynamic visuals influenced by anime and rich colors, raising expectations for the next chapter of the "Shrek" saga.
With the nostalgia associated with the franchise, the reaction to the teaser was undeniably mixed. Fans were quick to express their feelings, particularly considering the end credit scene from "Puss in Boots 2," which hinted at Shrek’s return. Many lamented the apparently less imaginative animated style revealed, likening it to low-quality AI-generated content. One user on social media stated, "Por favor, DreamWorks, o que passou na cabeça de vocês? Que regressão do caralho hein!" implying their deep discontent with the changes made.
This significant aesthetic shift may reflect not only the design team’s re-imagining of the characters but also the significant time lapse since "Shrek Forever After," which was released back in 2010. Since the last appearance of Felicia, the film will presumably focus on her story arc as she navigates her teenage years, now portrayed by Zendaya. Nonetheless, fans remain skeptical about the extent to which the changes might resonate positively.
One of the promotional aspects of the teaser highlighted the moment where Donkey humorously asks the Magic Mirror who is the fairest of them all, reinforcing the franchise's signature humor. The visual redesign of characters has sparked concern, most noticeably as the beloved ogre appears with aging features and rubbery skin texture, leading followers to question: "Why does he look so old?" and "Can we have a redesign like Sonic?"
The comments section was rife with disappointment, to the point where YouTube had to disable comments on the teaser video amid the outpouring of critique. While they aim to embrace criticism, DreamWorks may be preparing to have some fun by mocking fan responses. It remains to be seen how they will stride through this tumultuous backlash.
It's important to put the reactions and anticipations of fans within the frame of the broader success of the "Shrek" franchise. Since its debut, the franchise has accumulated over $4 billion worldwide, with each film raking in significant box office numbers. The original "Shrek," released in 2001, alone amassed $488.6 million, with its sequels only enhancing its legacy. Eddie Murphy recently shared encouraging news with Collider, noting he has started recording his lines for "Shrek 5" and hinted at another spinoff movie centered on the character of Donkey.
Scheduled for release on December 23, 2026, "Shrek 5" seeks to recreate the beloved characters and introduce new narratives, though they must reconcile the innovative animation style embraced by their counterparts across newer animated films. The teaser showcased not just returning characters but also the potential growth of Felicia, leading audiences to weigh their expectations against the rising tide of animated cinema's relentless progression.
While fans wrestle with feelings of nostalgia and disappointment, they may need to give the film and its new aesthetic approach some leeway. The industry continues to evolve, and so too must its beloved stories and characters. If "Shrek 5" can recapture the magic and humor of its predecessors, it could reclaim its spot as one of the leading animated series for another generation.