Shrek 5’s New Look Won’t Kill It

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  • Shrek‘s 2020s Makeover for ‘Shrek 5’
  • The Positive Side of Shrek’s Redesign

Delighted animation enthusiasts! Get ready as Shrek makes a return to the cinematic experience towards late 2026. This DreamWorks series is undeniably one of the most cherished animated creations of this century. So, it’s reasonable to assume that a new movie would excite fans both young and old, correct? Well, not quite as expected. Instead, what seems to be stirring up conversations online is the redesigned appearance of the characters in Shrek 5. It’s challenging to pinpoint the precise reasons for fan discontent, but mostly, it revolves around Shrek appearing “different.

It’s not surprising that Shrek is getting a redesign since it’s been 16 years since the last movie was released, and CGI animation has significantly advanced during that time with DreamWorks employing new technologies. It’s also been 25 years since the original Shrek film debuted when CGI was still in its early stages. The following three movies kept most of the designs from 2001, so there wasn’t much change. However, comparing animation from 2026 to that of the 2000s is going to be noticeable. But just because we’ve seen a 15-second clip of the new style doesn’t mean the movie will flop. Internet users might be overreacting to small details. Let’s examine why this update isn’t so dire and focus on all the other positive aspects of the film.

Shrek’s 2020s Makeover for ‘Shrek 5’

In American pop culture, Shrek is undeniably a significant figure, being one of the most recognized non-Disney animated characters. Back in 2010, Shrek Forever After was marketed as the final installment, and for quite some time, it seemed to be the end. Talks about a fifth movie persisted, but they remained unsubstantiated. However, in July 2024, Shrek 5 officially made its announcement with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz returning to their roles. A sneak peek of the new film was shared with fans in February, and the response to it… well, let’s just say it wasn’t overly enthusiastic.

Initially, the public criticized the new character designs heavily. The animation seemed sleeker, featuring characters that were more expressive and exaggerated. They had larger eyes and more polished designs compared to the original’s subtle and balanced aesthetics.

The donkey, in particular, faced criticism for appearing much older and worn out compared to earlier times. To give it some perspective, he indeed seems older, but so does everyone else after 15 years. Not all animated movies maintain the same age for their characters over time. In fact, aging realistically adds a layer of authenticity that encourages character development.

Despite the dissatisfaction, fans weren’t pleased with the changes made to Shrek. The infamous “look how they changed my boy” meme resurfaced on various social platforms. Even the official TikTok account of the Sonic the Hedgehog movie joined in the criticism of the transformation. It’s important to note that before the 2020 film, Sonic himself had been subject to a widely criticized redesign. The backlash was so immense that it prompted a complete overhaul of the hedgehog’s “human-like” appearance. However, given that Shrek is an entirely CGI character, as opposed to Sonic who is live-action, a full redesign may not be feasible. While there are changes in his design, suggesting the entire movie should be scrapped might be an excessive reaction. Instead, let’s focus on what the new Shrek movie still offers.

The Positive Side of Shrek’s Redesign

To begin with, it’s exciting to note that the original team behind the scenes will be back. Myers, Murphy, and Diaz are coming back to play their roles once more. Walt Dohrn, who was a writer and voice actor on the last three films, will be co-directing alongside Conrad Vernon, a regular at DreamWorks Animation, particularly known for directing Shrek 2. Given that they’ve been part of the Shrek team for years, you can rest assured that the movie is in capable hands.

In a similar vein, the fresh animation isn’t setting itself apart at this point, as DreamWorks has been employing the refined MoonRay software since 2019’s “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World”. This tool empowers animators with enhanced control over lighting, textures, and models. Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first time the “Shrek” series has undergone a significant transformation. The 2022 release of “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” adopted the new animation style, and it was met with no notable fan backlash. In fact, it garnered the best critical reception among all the “Shrek” films.

The new designs didn’t just attract criticism; some viewers found issue with the teaser containing memes and trends popular on TikTok. However, it’s worth noting that Shrek has historically been heavily influenced by pop culture. The original films made references to movies and shows such as The Matrix, The Dating Game, Cops, Babe, Mission: Impossible, Alien, Seinfeld, and many more. Numerous one-liners also referenced significant cultural moments. In the 2020s, memes and TikTok are the current trends, so it makes sense for Shrek to incorporate them in the teaser. If TikTok had been around during the 2000s, the original films would likely have utilized it as well. While memes are present in the teaser, they may not play a significant role in the movie itself. By using memes, Shrek is demonstrating a level of self-awareness and staying connected to our contemporary media landscape.

The animation in Shrek has consistently been a trailblazer when it comes to animation technology. For those who recall the 2001 release, consider that era. The CGI animation was truly revolutionary at the time. It had only been six years since the debut of the first full-length computer-generated film (Toy Story). However, upon rewatching the original Shrek, it’s evident that the animation appears dated compared to today’s standards. What was groundbreaking back then has become outdated in the present.

Although the upcoming three Shrek movies reflect their era, they haven’t undergone significant stylistic transformations from the initial one. However, advancements in technology during the 2020s have opened up new possibilities for animation. In fact, Shrek is leading this innovative shift. It’s evident that the animators are aware of current trends and aim to keep Shrek contemporary. Yet, some fans remain adamant about wanting a return to the original style. To be objective, it’s best to reserve judgment until we see more than just a 15-second teaser. Shrek 5 is slated for release on December 23, 2026.

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2025-03-09 22:45