Dreamworks Animation has unleashed the first trailer for Shrek 5, a long-awaited sequel that’s been 15 years in the making since Shrek Forever After hit theaters in 2010.
While the trailer introduces a fresh face—Zendaya as Shrek and Fiona’s teenage daughter, Princess Felicia—it’s also sparked a wave of controversy among fans.
From an odd fantasy TikTok sequence to Shrek and Donkey’s “horrifying” new looks, the teaser has left the internet buzzing, and not always for the right reasons.
Yet, amid the chaos, Zendaya’s casting stands out as a beacon of excitement.
Here’s everything you need to know about the trailer, the backlash, and why Shrek 5 could still be a billion-dollar hit.
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The Trailer Drops: Zendaya Enters Far Far Away
The Shrek 5 trailer, clocking in at under 30 seconds, debuted in early 2025 on Universal Pictures’ YouTube channel, quickly racking up views—and opinions.
The teaser opens with a glimpse of Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers), Fiona (Cameron Diaz), and Donkey (Eddie Murphy) navigating a time-jumped world where their kids are now teenagers.
Enter Princess Felicia, voiced by none other than Zendaya, whose star power has been a major talking point since the announcement.
Known for her roles in Spider-Man: No Way Home and Euphoria, Zendaya brings a fresh energy to the franchise, and Dreamworks isn’t shy about celebrating it.
In a clever nod to her meme-worthy past, Universal Pictures shared an X post featuring an old tweet from Zendaya, captioned, “this aged well.”
Fans quickly connected the dots to her “Zendaya Is Meechee” meme from Smallfoot (2018), reveling in the meta-casting of the 28-year-old actress as Shrek’s daughter.
While the trailer doesn’t give us much of Felicia’s character beyond a brief voice cameo, Zendaya’s presence alone has ignited excitement, with fans calling it “perfect casting” for a new generation of Shrek fans.
But the trailer isn’t all about Zendaya. It takes a sharp turn into bizarre territory with a fantasy TikTok sequence, courtesy of the Magic Mirror.
Pinocchio, apparently now a social media influencer in Far Far Away, has posted clips of dancing Shrek, shirtless Shrek, and other oddities.
It’s a clear attempt to tap into the internet culture that’s kept Shrek alive since 2010, but the execution? Fans aren’t laughing.
Fan Backlash: “Horrifying” Animation and Cringe Content
Within hours of the trailer’s release, social media erupted with reactions, many of them negative.
The loudest complaints focus on two things: the animation and the content.
Shrek and Donkey, in particular, look noticeably different from their original designs, prompting fans to dub the changes “horrifying” and “unrecognizable.”
One X user wrote, “Shrek looks like he got a bad facelift—what happened to my ogre?” Another chimed in, “Donkey’s new design is giving me nightmares. This isn’t the Shrek I grew up with.”
The fantasy TikTok bit hasn’t fared much better. Fans have called it “cringe,” “unfunny,” and “a desperate grab at relevance.”
The sight of Shrek scrolling through a medieval version of TikTok, complete with awkward dance moves, feels jarring to those expecting the sharp wit and fairytale satire of the earlier films.
As one Reddit thread put it, “If this is what Shrek 5 thinks is entertaining, we’re in trouble.”
The numbers back up the discontent.
As of this writing, the trailer on Universal Pictures’ YouTube channel sits at 28,000 likes and 31,000 dislikes—a rare underwater ratio for a major studio release.
For a franchise that’s been dormant for 15 years, this isn’t the warm welcome Dreamworks likely hoped for.
But is the backlash overblown? Let’s break it down.
Why Shrek and Donkey Look Different: Time, Tech, and Zendaya’s Era
The animation complaints might not hold as much water as fans think. For one, Shrek debuted in 2001, and Shrek 4 wrapped up in 2010.
That’s 24 and 15 years, respectively, of technological evolution in animation.
The industry has shifted dramatically since the early 2000s, when Shrek’s blocky, clay-like charm defined Dreamworks’ style.
Today’s audiences expect sleeker visuals, and Shrek 5 delivers that—whether fans like it or not.
The story itself justifies some changes. Shrek 5 picks up years after the last film, with Shrek and Fiona raising teenage kids, including Zendaya’s Princess Felicia.
If Felicia is, say, 15, that means Shrek and Donkey have aged too.
Older characters naturally look different—think grayer hair, deeper wrinkles, or a slightly weathered vibe.
It’s a logical progression, even if it’s jarring to see childhood icons grow up alongside us.
Then there’s the tech angle.
Shrek 5 uses Dreamworks’ MoonRay animation engine, first introduced in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022).
MoonRay brought a painterly, dynamic style to that film, earning rave reviews and proving Dreamworks could evolve.
In Shrek 5, it creates a richer, more detailed look—think sharper textures and bolder lighting. While it’s a departure from the original films, it’s not a downgrade; it’s just different.
Zendaya’s generation, raised on modern animation, might even prefer it.
Zendaya Steals the Spotlight Amid the Chaos
While the animation and TikTok fiasco dominate the discourse, Zendaya’s casting has emerged as the trailer’s saving grace.
Her voice, though brief in the teaser, carries the charisma that’s made her a household name.
Fans are already speculating about Felicia’s role—will she be a rebellious teen ogre, a TikTok-savvy princess, or something else entirely?
Whatever it is, Zendaya’s star power is a draw, bridging the gap between Shrek’s nostalgic roots and its Gen Z future.
Dreamworks and Universal are leaning hard into her appeal.
The X post tying her casting to an old tweet was a marketing win, racking up thousands of retweets and cementing her as the face of Shrek 5’s promotional push.
It’s a smart move—Zendaya’s fan base spans movies, TV, and social media, making her the perfect ambassador to pull younger viewers into theaters.
Plus, with returning stars Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy, the cast feels like a dream team, even if the trailer hasn’t sold everyone yet.
Shrek’s Meme Legacy: A Double-Edged Sword
The TikTok sequence might be a misfire, but it’s rooted in Shrek’s real-world staying power.
Since Shrek Forever After, the franchise has thrived online, thanks to kids who grew up with the films and turned them into internet gold.
From lip-sync trends on TikTok to the infamous “Shrek Is Love Shrek Is Life” phenomenon (no, we won’t link it), Shrek has become a meme icon.
Universal’s theme parks, with their Shrek-themed rides and meet-and-greets, have kept the ogre in the public eye too.
The trailer’s fantasy TikTok bit seems like an attempt to nod at this “ogre-ification of the internet,” as one fan put it.
Dancing Shrek and shirtless Shrek feel like callbacks to viral edits and fan-made content. But what works as a 10-second meme doesn’t always translate to a big-budget film.
The disconnect has fans worried that Shrek 5 is leaning too hard into trends instead of sticking to its fairytale roots.
Box Office Predictions: Zendaya and Nostalgia to the Rescue?
Despite the rocky start, Shrek 5 is poised to be a financial juggernaut.
The franchise has a built-in audience—millions who grew up quoting “Ogres are like onions” and singing “All Star.”
Add Zendaya’s draw, a killer returning cast, and 15 years of anticipation, and you’ve got a recipe for a billion-dollar haul.
The trailer’s backlash might sting, but it’s unlikely to dent ticket sales. Nostalgia is a powerful drug, and Shrek’s got it in spades.
Industry insiders agree.
Even with the YouTube dislikes, early buzz suggests Shrek 5 could dominate the box office when it releases later in 2025.
The poor reception might even work in its favor, sparking curiosity about whether the film can redeem itself.
Zendaya’s involvement only sweetens the deal—she’s a proven box office draw, and her fans will show up in droves.
What’s Next for Shrek 5?
The trailer’s mixed response leaves plenty of questions.
Will Dreamworks tweak the animation based on feedback, or double down on MoonRay’s style?
Can Zendaya’s Princess Felicia carry a story that balances old-school Shrek charm with modern flair?
And what about Donkey and Dragon’s hybrid kids—will they get their own TikTok moment?
For now, the spotlight’s on Zendaya.
Her casting is a coup for Dreamworks, injecting fresh energy into a franchise that’s risking alienating its core fans.
Whether Shrek 5 sinks or soars, she’s the X-factor that could tip the scales.
As the release date nears, expect more trailers, more Zendaya hype, and—hopefully—a clearer picture of what Far Far Away has in store.
A Rocky Start, But Zendaya Keeps Hope Alive
The first Shrek 5 trailer has horrified some fans, no question.
Shrek and Donkey’s new looks, paired with a clunky TikTok gimmick, have sparked a backlash that’s hard to ignore.
Yet, amid the noise, Zendaya shines as Princess Felicia, offering a glimmer of hope for a sequel that’s got big shoes (or ogre feet) to fill.
With a billion-dollar payday on the horizon, Shrek 5 might just prove that even a shaky start can’t stop an ogre’s swagger—especially with Zendaya along for the ride.
What do you think of the trailer? Love Zendaya’s casting but hate the TikTok vibes? Drop your thoughts below!
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