Shrek 5 Release Date Announced: Trailer, Cast, and Fan Reactions to Animation Changes

Universal Pictures has officially announced the release date for Shrek 5 with a first-look teaser, confirming the return of the beloved franchise. However, the updated animation style has sparked mixed reactions among fans.

Shrek 5 Release Date and Returning Cast

The highly anticipated sequel is set to hit theaters on Christmas 2026. The film will feature the return of Mike Myers (Shrek), Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona), and Eddie Murphy (Donkey). Additionally, Zendaya will join the cast as Felicia, one of Shrek and Fiona’s triplets. The triplets were first introduced in Shrek the Third (2007).

First Shrek 5 Trailer Breakdown

In the teaser, Shrek, Donkey, Fiona, and Felicia gather around a magic mirror to ask, “Who’s the fairest of them all?” The mirror responds, “Why Shrek, of course,” before displaying humorous images of Shrek:

Wearing glasses and making a duck face
Dancing in a skintight bodysuit
A digitally altered image of Shrek with abs

The final image causes Shrek and Donkey to scream in horror, while Felicia reacts with disgust, saying, “Ew, dad.” Fiona, however, playfully responds with, “Oooh, mama like.” Shrek then questions, “Who’s making this stuff?” before Pinocchio appears to deny involvement—only for his nose to grow.

Fan Reactions to Shrek 5 Animation Style

It has been 15 years since the last film, Shrek Forever After (2010), and while fans are thrilled about the sequel, many have expressed concerns over the updated animation style. Notable changes include:

Shrek’s forehead wrinkles, making him appear older
Donkey’s greying fur, giving him a tired look
A more rounded character design compared to previous films

Social media reactions have been mixed. Some fans questioned, “Why does Shrek look so old?” while others commented, “What’s up with their faces?” Many compared the changes to past animation controversies, with one fan warning, “Please change the animation style—don’t make us Sonic you,” referencing the backlash that led to the redesign of Sonic the Hedgehog in the 2020 live-action movie.

Shrek 5 Production and Director

The first news of Shrek 5 surfaced in June 2023, when Eddie Murphy revealed that recording for the film had already begun. He stated that the movie had been in production for months and was expected to be completed within the year.

The film will be directed by Walt Dohrn, a longtime contributor to the Shrek franchise. Dohrn previously worked as:

A writer and artist on Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third
Head of story on Shrek Forever After
The voice of Rumpelstiltskin in Shrek Forever After

When Will Shrek 5 Be Released?

Shrek 5 is set to premiere in theaters on Christmas 2026, bringing fans back to the beloved fairy tale world after more than a decade.

Stay tuned for more updates on trailers, plot details, and behind-the-scenes insights as the release date approaches!