S Poddar
The first trailer for Shrek 5 has arrived, and while the return of the green ogre is something fans can’t wait for, the new animation style of the movie has generated controversy. Mike Myers will once again play the legendary character, but the makeover given to his look has unsettled many, and comparisons are being made to the infamous Sonic the Hedgehog design controversy of 2020
A Familiar Backlash: “Ugly Sonic” Comparisons Made to New Shrek
Hours after the trailer dropped, social media ignited with responses, especially on Twitter/X, with fans lamenting Shrek’s new look. Although DreamWorks has not reacted to the criticism, many older fans are commenting that the charm of the character has been destroyed in the latest design.
One of the popular posts that has received more than 336,000 likes states, “Can we bully DreamWorks to change the Shrek 5 animation like we did to Paramount to change Sonic’s animation?” This is a reference to the backlash that followed the original design of Sonic in the 2020 live-action film of Sonic the Hedgehog. Paramount Pictures initially unveiled a hyper-realistic Sonic with small eyes, human teeth, and generally creepy appearance.
The reaction was so strong that the studio was compelled to push back the film and entirely redesign the character to fit the more traditional look that fans demanded.
Most expect DreamWorks to follow in its footsteps, modifying Shrek’s look to fit the design of earlier films instead of adopting a new, apparently polarizing look.
A New Chapter for the Swamp-Dwelling Icon
In spite of the controversy surrounding Shrek’s new look, fans still cannot wait to see the movie. Shrek 5, which comes out in December 2026, not only will revisit old favorites but also introduce new elements into the franchise. One of the most discussed additions is the addition of Shrek’s daughter, Felicia, voiced by Dune and Euphoria star Zendaya.
Felicia, who made a brief appearance as a baby in Shrek the Third, will reportedly have a bigger role in the next film. Although not much is known about the story, rumors are building about whether the film will center on Shrek’s fatherhood and the difficulty of raising an ogre in a changing world.
Nostalgia vs. Innovation: Should DreamWorks Stick to the Classic Look?
For most viewers, Shrek is a classic period of animation movies, merging fairy-tale parody with comedy that appealed to children and adults alike. The first Shrek (2001) was a revolutionary hit, winning the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and becoming a cultural touchstone. Its sequels, especially Shrek 2, kept audiences entertained with their clever narrative and iconic characters.
Considering this legacy, it’s no surprise that any drastic alteration to the look of Shrek would bring about fervent response. Most people think that the animation must remain true to the original form, holding on to the character’s recognizable looks instead of updating him in a manner that seems unneeded.
Others counter that animation technology has improved since the last major Shrek movie, and a visual refresh is unavoidable. DreamWorks might be looking for a new interpretation of the character that will resonate with a new audience while respecting the franchise’s origins.
Will DreamWorks React to the Fan Backlash? The question is: Will DreamWorks heed the criticism and consider changing Shrek’s look, or will the studio hold firm to its artistic vision? If past experience is any guide, the popular reaction could sway the final cut of the movie. The Sonic the Hedgehog debacle proved the strength of fan feedback, as Paramount entirely redesigned Sonic to more accurately meet fan expectations. The outcome?
A box office hit that made more than $300 million globally and had a follow-up sequel.
Although DreamWorks has not responded officially to the criticism, the studio will undoubtedly be watching closely as the conversations continue. If fans make it loud enough, there could be a chance that changes will be addressed before the film is released.
The Future of the Shrek Franchise
No matter how DreamWorks decides to address the present controversy, Shrek 5 is set to be a big release in 2026. The return of the favorite characters, the addition of Zendaya to the cast, and the assurance of new adventures in the Shrek universe have guaranteed that anticipation is still high.
As fans go on expressing themselves on social media, only time will tell if DreamWorks would take their inputs into consideration. Whether or not Shrek’s appearance is revised, one thing is for sure: the ogre who inhabits the swamp remains close to the hearts of people all around the globe. For the meantime, fans will just have to wait for additional news and pray that, in the end, their favorite green icon will look as they recall him.
