Has Shrek had a face lift? Trailer for new film divides fans

The excitement is building as the first trailer for the new Shrek 5 film has been released, but not all fans are thrilled with the changes. The trailer introduces a new character named Felicia, who is voiced by the talented Zendaya. Felicia is one of Shrek and Fiona's children, now all grown up. The beloved original cast, including Mike Myers as Shrek, Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona, and Eddie Murphy as Donkey, are all returning to reprise their roles. However, the new animation style has sparked a debate among fans. Some viewers have expressed their disappointment over the altered facial features of the characters, feeling that they do not resemble the characters they grew up with. This reaction is not uncommon, as Oli Hyatt, the head of Blue Zoo Animation, explained that changes to a beloved franchise often lead to immediate reactions from fans. He noted that many of the original Shrek fans, who first watched the movie in 2001, are now adults and may feel a sense of nostalgia for the original designs. They might think, 'This isn't what I remember,' or 'I want the old characters back. ' Hyatt also pointed out that the trailer is quite short, making it difficult to gauge the overall look of the film. However, he emphasized that advancements in animation technology have allowed for a higher quality of visuals, which can make the characters appear more realistic. He believes that while the original art style remains intact, the colors and vibrancy have evolved due to these technological improvements. In the brief trailer, we see Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and Felicia gathered around a magic mirror, asking, 'Who's the fairest of them all? ' The mirror humorously responds that it is Shrek, showcasing a series of amusing images of him wearing glasses and dancing in a tight catsuit, which pays homage to some of the internet's favorite Shrek memes. Fans have been eagerly anticipating this new installment since Shrek's return was hinted at the end of the Puss In Boots sequel in 2022. This long wait has led to heightened expectations, and some fans have jokingly remarked that Shrek looks like he has undergone a makeover. Despite the mixed reactions, there are also fans who appreciate the new animation style, praising the animators for their work. Hyatt believes that any criticism directed at the trailer will be forgotten once audiences experience the film. He stated, 'Shrek has never been about looking cute or beautiful; it's about the humor and silliness. ' If the story and characters resonate well, he is confident that fans will still embrace the film. Shrek 5 is scheduled for release in December 2026, following the last film, Shrek Forever After, which came out in 2010.