Shrek 5 Teaser Trailer Sparks Mixed Reactions Over New Animation Style

The long-awaited Shrek 5 has finally dropped its first teaser trailer, and while fans are thrilled to see the beloved ogre return, the new animation style has left some viewers feeling unsettled. Universal Pictures released the trailer on Thursday, confirming the film’s Christmas 2026 release date and the return of original cast members Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy as Shrek, Princess Fiona, and Donkey, respectively. However, the updated character designs and a few quirky details have sparked a wave of mixed reactions online.

What’s in the Teaser?

The teaser opens with Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and their daughter Felicia (voiced by Zendaya) gathered around a magic mirror. When they ask, “Who’s the fairest of them all?” the mirror responds, “Why Shrek, of course,” and proceeds to show a series of humorous images. These include Shrek in glasses making a duck face, dancing in a skintight bodysuit, and a doctored image of him with abs.

The final image of Shrek with abs sends the characters into a frenzy. Donkey and Shrek scream in horror, while Felicia exclaims, “Ew, dad!” The teaser ends with Pinocchio popping in to deny involvement in the images, causing his nose to grow.

Fan Reactions to the New Animation Style

While the teaser’s humor hit the mark for many, the updated animation style has become a point of contention. Fans noticed that the characters appear more rounded and polished, with subtle changes like Shrek’s forehead wrinkles and Donkey’s greying fur. Some viewers found these details “disturbing” and “strange,” taking to social media to voice their concerns.

“Did they get Botox? Why are they like that?” one fan joked.

“Why did y’all change the animation? It looks cheap,” another wrote.

“Please change the animation style. Don’t make us Sonic you,” a third pleaded, referencing the Sonic the Hedgehog movie redesign that followed fan backlash.

“WTF is this art style? I can’t even tell if this is actually real. This s*** looks strange as hell,” another user commented.

Others, however, were more forgiving, focusing on the excitement of seeing their favorite characters return after 15 years.

What’s New in Shrek 5?

Shrek 5 will introduce Zendaya as Felicia, one of Shrek and Fiona’s triplets, who were first seen in Shrek the Third (2007). The film is directed by Walt Dohrn, a longtime contributor to the franchise. Dohrn has served as a writer, artist, and head of story on previous Shrek films and even voiced Rumpelstiltskin in Shrek Forever After (2010).

Eddie Murphy first confirmed the sequel’s development in June 2023, revealing that he had already recorded parts of the film. “We started doing [Shrek 5] months ago. I did this, I recorded the first act, and we’ll be doing it this year, we’ll finish it up. Shrek is coming out,” Murphy told Collider.

The Legacy of Shrek

The Shrek franchise has been a cultural phenomenon since the first film debuted in 2001. Known for its humor, heart, and subversion of fairy tale tropes, the series has spawned four main films, spin-offs like Puss in Boots, and even a Broadway musical. Fans have been eagerly awaiting a fifth installment, and while the teaser has reignited excitement, the new animation style has sparked a lively debate.

Final Thoughts

The Shrek 5 teaser has successfully stirred up anticipation, but the updated animation style has left some fans scratching their heads. Whether the changes will grow on viewers or lead to a Sonic-style redesign remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure: Shrek’s return is a big deal, and fans will be watching closely as more details emerge.

Shrek 5 is set to hit theaters on Christmas 2026. Until then, fans can revisit the swamp and relive the magic of the original films—wrinkles, greying fur, and all.

What do you think of the new animation style? Love it or hate it, let us know!