After all these years of anticipation, DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures have finally revealed that Shrek 5 is coming! The iconic green ogre and his friends will once again be gracing the big screen, with the film to be released in December next year.
Fans are particularly thrilled because the original cast—Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz—are reprising their roles to voice their favorite characters. And, Hollywood actress Zendaya, of Spider-Man and Dune fame, has been added to the cast as Shrek’s daughter’s voice, introducing a new element to the franchise.
While most fans are excited, the initial glimpse of the movie’s new animation style has created divided opinions. Some fans adore the new look, claiming that it makes the characters more expressive without losing the fun and heart of the original films. Others are of the opinion that the contemporary animation removes the old-school charm that made the Shrek movies so unique.
Social media soon filled with arguments. Fans even likened the new animation to the original design of Sonic the Hedgehog in the 2020 live-action film, which was so hated that the studio redesigned Sonic prior to releasing the movie. This has given rise to speculation that DreamWorks could possibly think about making alterations in response to fan feedback. Others fear Shrek may be too sleek, losing the raw and imperfect look that made him so endearing in the first films.
But not everyone is displeased. Fans feel the series must have a modern touch and that the new animation brings the world into more vibrant and detailed focus.
“Honestly, the animation isn’t that bad. It’s different, but I think it makes the characters more expressive,” one fan posted online.
Though some controversy surrounds the animation, the hype for Shrek 5 is still rampant. It’s been almost twenty years since Shrek 2, but the franchise has persisted in popularity because of memes, jokes, and nostalgic affection on the part of fans. There are many asking about the plot—will Shrek’s family life be where it’s headed? Will they introduce new fairy tale characters, villains, or unexpected allies?
DreamWorks hasn’t released much about the story, and fans are left to guess. Some wish to see more of Donkey’s history, but others desire an exploration of the fairy tale universe that Shrek has long parodied so cleverly.
Regardless of whether DreamWorks does or doesn’t alter the animation, it is certain—Shrek 5 is among the most anticipated animated films in recent times. The fans cannot wait for more news, trailers, and a sneak peek at what’s to come in the next adventure of Shrek and his comedy gang.
