Hollywood, CA – The highly anticipated teaser trailer for “Shrek 5” has ignited strong reactions from fans, with many voicing frustration over character redesigns. The DreamWorks Animation film, set for a Christmas 2026 release, showcases aged versions of Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Felicia (Shrek and Fiona’s daughter), and Pinocchio, sparking heated debates online.
Fan Backlash Over Character Changes
Following the trailer’s release, social media exploded with criticism, comparing the new animation style to its classic predecessors. Many fans have likened the controversy to the Sonic the Hedgehog backlash in 2019, where public pressure led to a redesign of Sonic’s character before the movie’s release.
“Stan Twitter needs to get ready and bully DreamWorks for redesigning Shrek for Shrek 5 just like we did for Sonic. Bring back our childhood!” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Another user expressed disappointment:
“I hate the new redesign. Why change something that worked perfectly?”
Supporters Defend the New Look
Not everyone is against the redesign, with some users arguing that animation technology has evolved significantly since the original 2001 “Shrek” film.
“Hot take: I like the Shrek 5 redesign. People always complain about change, but it’s just modern animation,” another fan posted.
Others pointed out that aging the characters aligns with the timeline of the franchise.
Star-Studded Cast Returns
Despite the backlash, excitement remains high as DreamWorks confirmed the return of the original voice cast:
🎤 Mike Myers as Shrek
🎤 Cameron Diaz as Fiona
🎤 Eddie Murphy as Donkey
Additionally, Zendaya has joined the cast as Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s daughter, adding another layer of anticipation to the film.
Will DreamWorks Change Course?
With social media divided over the redesigns, the big question is: Will DreamWorks adjust the animation based on fan feedback? If history is any indicator, the studio may consider revisions, similar to how Paramount revamped Sonic the Hedgehog in response to backlash.
For now, fans will have to wait and see whether DreamWorks addresses concerns or stays committed to the new vision for the franchise’s next chapter.
