Mixed reactions have emerged following the release of the first trailer for Shrek 5, nearly 25 years after the iconic franchise first began.
Universal unveiled the trailer for the long-awaited sequel on Tuesday, confirming that Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz will all return as the voices of Shrek, Donkey and Fiona.
Cameron Diaz voices Fiona in Shrek. The Image Worx, Shutterstock
The film is currently scheduled for release on June 30, 2027, marking the franchise’s first mainline instalment in 17 years, following Shrek Forever After (2010).
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The trailer also introduces a new generation of characters, with Zendaya, Marcello Hernández (Saturday Night Live) and Skyler Gisondo (Superman, Focker-in-Law) joining the cast as Shrek and Fiona’s children — Felicia, Fergus and Farkle.
The footage opens with a storybook recap of the original 2001 film before Donkey breaks the narration, suggesting a “makeover” for the franchise — a moment that appears to hint at the updated animation style used in the new film.
The trio then return to the magical world of Far, Far Away, encountering new and familiar characters, including a parody snowman referencing Frozen, returning character Gingy, and a series of surreal fairytale encounters. The trailer ends with Shrek, Fiona, their children and Donkey trapped in a jail cell, while Donkey performs renditions of “Baby Come Back” and “Roxanne”.
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Fan response online has been sharply divided, with some welcoming the long-awaited return of the franchise, while others criticised the updated look and tone.
One viewer wrote: “You guys don’t know what this means to me”, while another added: “I’m just excited that we are actually getting another Shrek movie.”
Others defended the updated animation style, arguing that change is inevitable after two decades of technological development.
One user said: “Animation style was never an issue for me. People just hate hearing ‘change’ which is always going to happen because technology gets better…”
Mike Meyers voices Shrek in the franchise. Lev Radin, Shutterstock
However, criticism was widespread among long-time fans, particularly around Shrek’s redesigned appearance and perceived shift in tone.
One reaction read: “The change of animation is so off putting.” Another said: “They completely changed Shrek’s look and voice. The original was much better.” Others were more blunt, writing: “Nope, hate it. The movie did NOT need that makeover.”
Shrek 5 marks the first main entry in the franchise since 2010, following a period where the series continued through spin-offs including Puss in Boots (2011) and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022).
With more than two decades since the original film premiered in 2001, the return of Shrek has clearly reignited nostalgia — but also sparked debate over whether the beloved franchise should have been updated at all.
