The 'Shrek 5' trailer was recently released and is set to be in theatres on December 23, 2026.
Image: X/@Saammuel
"Shrek" has been a part of many of our childhoods, and, as a lifelong fan, I’m happy to say I still watch it to this day - and it turns out I’m not alone. Studies show that "Shrek" remains just as popular today as it was when it first hit the big screen in 2001.
According to a report by Statista, the franchise continues to draw impressive numbers, with over 3.5 billion dollars in box office revenue worldwide. This green ogre has found a special place in our hearts, even years later.
What made "Shrek" stand out was the quirky and lovable characters that filled its world. From the three blind mice to the gingerbread man, and yes, the iconic Disney princesses, it had us feeling right at home.
We were living in a universe where unexpected friendships were the norm, and it was a world we could always revisit. That nostalgic feeling is something we all carry with us, even now.
Now, while "Shrek 4" didn’t quite capture the same level of fan adoration as the previous films, the story isn’t over yet. "Shrek 5" is officially on its way.
The much-awaited announcement came in 2021, with Universal Pictures confirming that a fifth installment would be in the works. Fans were buzzing, and for good reason—who wouldn’t want more of the land of Far Far Away?
The latest teaser trailer, released by Universal Pictures on February 27, had everyone buzzing as Zendaya has joined the "Shrek 5" voice cast, alongside returning favourites like Mike Myers (Shrek), Cameron Diaz (Fiona), and Eddie Murphy (Donkey).
However, fans pointed out that the characters' appearance looks a little tweaked. As we know, times change, and modern films have to adapt. You may not have asked for it, but that’s just how things are now.
As "Shrek 5" gets ready to hit the screens, fans are noticing something different about the characters.
The familiar, rugged faces of our favourite ogre and his gang now seem to have had a bit of a glow-up. Botox? Fillers? Maybe a touch too much shine on the skin? Whatever it is, it’s clear that the characters have had some work done.
It’s no surprise, really - today’s kids are used to seeing perfectly polished faces on TV, with beauty standards constantly being pushed in shows and movies.
The days of charmingly rough-around-the-edges characters seem to be behind us, as everyone’s looking a little bit more, well, glammed up.
For many fans, especially for those of us who grew up with "Shrek", this new look feels a bit off. We remember when the characters were a bit scruffy, with all their imperfections making them relatable.
But hey, at least they still sound the same, right? The unmistakable voice of Mike Myers as Shrek and Eddie Murphy’s comedic genius as Donkey - those voices are what make us feel at home every time we hear them.
But it does make you wonder why it was necessary to change their appearances. Why not stick with what made them so lovable in the first place? The beauty of "Shrek" wasn’t just in the animation but in its message.
It was about showing that even the “ugly” ogre could be the hero, that someone who didn’t fit the typical mould could find love, and that it’s okay to embrace who you are, flaws and all. That’s the real magic of "Shrek" - and it’s why so many of us still carry that message with us today.
Even Mirror Mirror, the ever-so-sarcastic magic mirror, looks a bit different this time around. I mean, did someone get a full jaw redo?
One X user commented on the modern look: "Modern animators ruin EVERYTHING. Literally just get the models from shrek 1-4 ... it doesn’t HAVE to look garbage man."
Another commented: "Why do they look like that ????"
"Why does the animation look like an AI interpretation of what 'Shrek 5' could look like," wrote another.