The Shrek franchise has remained a beloved part of pop culture for over two decades, charming audiences with its mix of fairy tale satire, humor, and heart. So when DreamWorks dropped the teaser for Shrek 5, fans were eager to see their favorite ogre family back on the big screen.

But instead of universal excitement, the internet exploded with controversy over the characters’ updated animation style. From Shrek’s oddly altered features to Donkey’s debatable redesign, longtime fans are calling out what they see as a drastic departure from the franchise’s iconic look.

Shrek and Fiona’s Glow-Up (Or Glow-Down?)

The teaser for Shrek 5 introduces fans to a familiar yet subtly changed world. Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey are gathered around a golden magic mirror, engaging in their signature witty banter. The biggest surprise, however, comes with the introduction of Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s now-teenage daughter, voiced by Zendaya.

Video: How Shrek 5 Enraged The Internet

But while the teaser sets the stage for an exciting new adventure, fans couldn’t help but focus on one glaring issue—Shrek and Fiona look different.

Social media quickly erupted with reactions:

• “They ruined Shrek 😭” one Facebook user dramatically posted.
• “Why does Fiona look like a completely different person?!” questioned another.
• “Longer philtrums, smaller noses, and bigger eyes… they just don’t look like the Shrek and Fiona we grew up with.”

Some fans feel that the changes give the characters a more polished, Illumination-style animation—a comparison that was not meant as a compliment. One Reddit user even went as far as to say, “I don’t see it. They look like they’re in an Illumination movie (derogatory).”

The backlash has been so intense that Universal Pictures disabled comments on the teaser’s YouTube release, a move that only fueled the controversy.

Donkey’s Redesign Sparks Outrage

If the new look of Shrek and Fiona was divisive, Donkey’s makeover sent fans into an absolute frenzy.

For over 20 years, Donkey—voiced by the legendary Eddie Murphy—has been a fan favorite, with his slightly offbeat charm and instantly recognizable design. But in Shrek 5, his face appears noticeably sleeker, with more expressive eyes and smoother fur.

While some appreciated the effort to modernize his look, others felt the magic had been stripped away.

• “Shrek isn’t even the worst of it—poor Donkey barely got any hair now,” one Facebook user complained.
• “I’m fine with Shrek and Fiona, they look like a natural age progression. But Donkey? He looks too different. Can’t even put my finger on it, he just doesn’t feel like Donkey.”

The problem, according to fans, isn’t just about change—it’s about losing the personality that made these characters so iconic in the first place.

Is This Another Sonic Mishap?

With the outrage growing, some fans are drawing comparisons to the infamous Sonic the Hedgehog movie controversy. When the original 2019 trailer for Sonic was released, the character’s unsettlingly realistic design caused massive backlash. The criticism was so overwhelming that the studio went back to the drawing board, delaying the film to completely redesign Sonic’s look.

Video: Shrek 5 (2026) – First Trailer

Now, Shrek 5 finds itself in a similar situation. Fans are already pleading with DreamWorks to reconsider the designs before the movie’s final release.

• “Sonic got a fix, why can’t Shrek?”
• “There’s still time to undo this. Cancel whatever AI generated this mess.”
• “DreamWorks, we need to talk.”

The question remains: will the studio listen?

Why Do These Changes Feel So Wrong?

The Shrek movies have always had a unique visual identity. Unlike many other animated films, the franchise leaned into a slightly exaggerated, almost “ugly” charm that made it stand out. The original Shrek (2001) was groundbreaking not just for its humor, but for the way it embraced imperfection—something rarely seen in mainstream animation.

The new designs, however, appear to smooth out those rough edges, giving the characters a more polished and conventionally attractive look. And that’s where the problem lies.

For many fans, the Shrek series was never supposed to look sleek. The charm was in its slightly goofy, imperfect animation. By altering the characters to fit modern trends, some believe the studio is stripping away what made Shrek special in the first place.

There’s Still Time for a Redo

Despite the overwhelming backlash, not everyone is ready to completely write off Shrek 5. Some fans are holding onto hope that DreamWorks will take the feedback into account and make adjustments before the final release.

With nearly two years to go before the film hits theaters in December 2026, there’s still time for changes. If DreamWorks follows the Sonic blueprint and listens to fan feedback, they might be able to turn things around before it’s too late.

But if the studio doubles down on the new designs? Well, the Shrek fandom is loud—and they aren’t afraid to make their opinions known.

Final Thoughts: Will DreamWorks Listen to the Fans?

The Shrek 5 teaser was meant to ignite excitement, but instead, it’s sparked one of the biggest animation debates in recent history. Fans are deeply divided over the new character designs, with some calling for a complete overhaul before the film’s release.

While the final product could still surprise audiences, one thing is clear—Shrek fans are fiercely protective of their beloved franchise. Whether DreamWorks chooses to listen or not, the conversation isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

So, what do you think? Are the new designs a refreshing update or an unnecessary overhaul? One thing’s for sure—when it comes to Shrek 5, the internet won’t stay quiet.