Shrek 5 trailer drops, but fans can’t handle the bizarre animation change
After 15 years of silence, Shrek has returned—but something about him feels deeply unsettling. Universal Pictures unveiled the first teaser for Shrek 5, confirming the return of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy to their beloved roles. However, instead of celebrating the long-awaited reunion, fans fixated on one bizarre detail: Shrek and his friends look strangely older.
The teaser introduces Zendaya as Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s daughter, who joins her ogre family and Donkey in a scene around the magic mirror. When they ask the infamous question, “Who’s the fairest of them all?” the mirror cheekily declares, “Why, Shrek, of course.” What follows is a montage of Shrek in ridiculous scenarios—wearing glasses, making a duck face, and even appearing in a skin-tight bodysuit. But one particular altered image of him with a muscular physique sends Donkey and Shrek screaming in terror, while Felicia cringes, muttering, “Ew, Dad.”
At first glance, the teaser appears to embrace the Shrek franchise’s signature humour. But as viewers examined the animation, unease crept in. Fans took to social media, disturbed by noticeable changes in the characters’ appearances. Shrek’s forehead now bears deep wrinkles. Donkey’s once vibrant fur appears to have greyed. Their once lively and exaggerated features seem oddly aged.
“Eyo, why does Shrek look so old?” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another questioned, “What’s up with their faces?” The unsettling transformation sparked speculation about the film’s artistic direction. Some wondered if the animators deliberately aged the characters to reflect the passage of time since Shrek Forever After (2010). Others feared the animation shift could signal a drastic departure from the series’ original style.
Despite the controversy, excitement still surrounds Shrek 5, set to hit cinemas in December 2026. The return of the iconic cast, along with Zendaya’s addition, promises a fresh dynamic. Yet, as fans eagerly anticipate more footage, one question lingers—why does Shrek look like he’s seen way too much?
