Fans of the beloved Shrek franchise are abuzz following the release of the first teaser trailer for Shrek 5, which hit the internet on February 27, 2025. Short but impactful, the trailer packs plenty of nostalgia, humor, and, surprisingly, controversy.
For those who may have missed it, the trailer showcases Shrek and his family, including his wife Fiona and their teenage daughter, who will be voiced by none other than Zendaya. After nearly fifteen years since the last movie release, this trailer delivers not only intriguing content but also many questions.
Academically, Shrek 5 embodies both the risks and rewards of nostalgia. The original Shrek film debuted way back in 2001, captivating audiences worldwide and eventually spawning three sequels and numerous spin-offs. With the franchise firmly embedded within popular culture, expectations run high. Mike Myers returns as Shrek, Cameron Diaz as Fiona, and Eddie Murphy as Donkey, together with Zendaya’s character Felicia, which is presumed to be one of the triplets we were introduced to back during Shrek the Third.
“Twenty-four years have passed since Shrek’s cinematic debut,” said one Twitter user, capturing the sentiment shared by many longtime fans. “Why would you change Shrek? This is awful” echoed another, questioning the trailer’s artistic choices.
Now, to the crux of the backlash: the animation. The trailer exhibits an upgraded animation style by employing the MoonRay engine, which was previously seen with Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. This shift has left some fans feeling less nostalgic and more perturbed. Certain viewers have pointed to Shrek and Donkey’s apparent aging—wrinkles on Shrek's forehead and greying fur on Donkey—as contributing to their discomfort. "Eyo why does Shrek look so old?" one fan lamented via X, previously known as Twitter.
Others have expressed their displeasure over the overall design. “The art style is horrible,” wrote another observer. With myriad memes circulating the digital space, it appears humor has emerged as fans' coping mechanism for this discontent. One particularly humorous meme read: “What happened to Shrek?” contributing to the fervor surrounding the trailer release.
While some critics launch barbs at the newfound character designs, proponents defend the changes. One supporter remarked, “Anyone crying about the fact they adapted the animation after 15 years away from these characters needs to have deep long think about their attachment issues.” Another voice ventured to point out how the animation reflects contemporary styles: “Animation nowadays is being made like this (round and round), I can see why they wanted to freshen up Shrek’s appearance.”
The mixed reactions raise the question: why does fandom often react negatively to nostalgic reinterpretations or sequels? According to studies like ‘The Effects of Childhood Nostalgia on Brand Loyalty,’ individuals grow highly attached to franchises from their youth. Such connections can lead to protective instincts when faced with revisions or updates. Invoking feelings of betrayal, the nostalgia factor can ignite fierce discussions, evidenced by the scope of reactions from the Shrek fanbase.
Despite some viewers vowing not to watch the film due to the marketing of the franchise’s nostalgic elements as something new, many wonder whether the Shrek brand can continue its legacy without also appealing to younger audiences. “There should be room to grow the franchise,” suggests futurist at the marketing agency @psychmindfact, observing the market’s tendency to evolve. “Resisting animation changes is just your brain’s natural preference for what's already familiar.”
Then, will Shrek 5 deliver on the promise of both nostalgia and modern appeal? The trailer ends with Shrek staring at the Magic Mirror, which humorously claims he’s the fairest of them all—only time will tell if this projection of self-love reaches the broader audience. With the release date confirmed for Christmas 2026, Shrek enthusiasts await what fairy-tale chaos awaits them.
Regardless of the reception, there remains deep affection for the original films among both old fans and young viewers alike. After all, these movies shaped the childhood of many—a legacy not easily forgotten. The debate surrounding Shrek 5 and its aesthetic choices will undoubtedly continue as the film approaches release, leaving fans both hopeful for the future and nostalgic for the past.
With Zendaya’s involvement and the hopes of voice giants, excitement lingers. All of Shrek’s friends return, setting the stage for hilarity and emotional growth. Fingers crossed it proves to be worthy of the iconic franchise acclaim!