So… Shrek looks different now.
On February 28, Universal Pictures released a teaser for Shrek 5, the long-awaited addition to the franchise (it’s been 15 years since the last one!). In the clip, Shrek uses the Magic Mirror to scroll through what appears to be TikTok, flicking through several classic brainrot Shrek memes. Props to DreamWorks for the subtle, self-aware nod: Shrek’s always been an internet diva.
But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: What is up with the new animation style? Does Shrek have cheekbones now? Is that a defined jawline? And why does his skin look silky smooth? This new animation style has made our favorite green ogre look so much softer, and his movements bear strange similarities to the AI-generated horrorcore animations circulating around social media.
The internet is not too pleased with this change. “Delete this now and do it again,” wrote one Instagram user in the teaser’s comment section. “Why did everyone have a glow down?” Another user wrote.
The rest of the cast seem to have received the same treatment. Fiona’s hair is so detailed, that each strand practically jumps off the screen. The same goes for Donkey, as well as Shrek and Fiona’s teenage daughter Felicia. While it’s great to see DreamWorks pushing their animation limits, it feels weird compared to the rougher animation style of the early aughts that the previous four films had. The new level of polish just doesn’t quite match the charm of the originals.
Maybe there’s still time for DreamWorks to see the error of their ways. Fans are already drawing connections between the Shrek 5 teaser and the 2019 Sonic animation debacle, when an outcry over the character design led Paramount Pictures to completely reanimate the film. “Bully them like we did Sonic and save the day,” wrote one netizen on Instagram.
Shrek 5 is set to release in cinemas on December 23, 2026. The teaser, despite its artistic shortcomings, reveals that original cast members — Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy — will be returning to reprise roles, with Zendaya joining as the voice of Felicia.
