Mon Mar 03 13:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Shrek’s Back, But Fans Are Divided Over His New Look

**Los Angeles, CA** – The long-awaited fifth installment of the DreamWorks Animation franchise, *Shrek 5*, is officially coming to theaters on Christmas 2026, and the first teaser trailer has sparked a heated debate among fans. While the return of original stars Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy as Shrek, Donkey, and Princess Fiona respectively, has generated excitement, the animation style and the characters’ aged appearances have proven controversial.

The trailer introduces Zendaya as Felicia, one of Shrek and Fiona’s triplets, and features a scene where the family uses a magic mirror. The resulting images of a made-over Shrek, including one with exaggerated abs, prompt a horrified reaction from the characters.

However, it’s the characters’ altered appearances that have dominated online conversations. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) have expressed concern over Shrek’s prominent wrinkles, Donkey’s graying fur, and a generally more rounded, some say “cheap,” animation style compared to previous films. Many have drawn parallels to the initial backlash against the redesign of Sonic the Hedgehog in 2020, pleading with DreamWorks to reconsider the animation.

Despite the negative feedback regarding the animation, the news of a new *Shrek* movie has largely been met with enthusiasm. Eddie Murphy confirmed the project last June, stating that recording had already begun. Walt Dohrn, a veteran of the *Shrek* franchise, will direct the film.

The mixed reactions highlight the delicate balance between nostalgia and innovation when revisiting beloved animated franchises. Whether the concerns about the animation will impact the film’s success remains to be seen.

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