The hype for Shrek 5 has taken an unexpected turn, as the highly anticipated sequel trailer is getting roasted across the internet. But the latest round of mockery isn’t just coming from social media—it’s coming from inside Universal itself. A performer voicing the animatronic meet-and-greet version of Donkey at a Universal theme park recently took jabs at the Shrek 5 trailer in front of guests, openly expressing disappointment over the animation quality.
Donkey Joins the Roast
In a now-viral moment, Universal’s Donkey meet-and-greet character pulled no punches when addressing Shrek 5’s first trailer. As guests approached Donkey and Princess Fiona, the wisecracking sidekick asked where Shrek was.
“He’s embarrassed,” he quickly said. “He doesn’t want to get questions about the new trailer.”
Donkey at Universal Orlando makes fun of the Shrek 5 trailer.
“Donkey looks homeless.” pic.twitter.com/iGOL0OAxms
— MasteroftheTDS (@MasteroftheTDS) March 3, 2025
The performer didn’t stop there. Spotting a pair of kids, Donkey asked them, “Did you guys watch the new Shrek trailer?” When they responded that they hadn’t, he replied, “I’m just saying, I look rough…”
Continuing his improv routine, Donkey zeroed in on the animation quality, particularly how his own character appears in the upcoming movie.
“Donkey looks homeless,” he said. “That’s why you always get final approval of all your film and movie rights!”
The offhand remarks have only fueled the online backlash, with many fans now echoing the concerns about the animation’s lackluster style.
Why Is the Shrek 5 Trailer Getting Mocked?
The original Shrek remains one of the most beloved animated films of all time, but that nostalgia may actually be working against Shrek 5. Ever since the trailer dropped, social media has been flooded with memes and criticism over the movie’s animation style and tone.
The cast of Shrek 5 – YouTube, Universal Pictures
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The online response has been overwhelmingly negative, with many arguing that the film doesn’t capture the charm of the original movies. Some are even comparing it to infamous animation missteps in Hollywood’s past. Others have pointed out that the trailer features an unnecessary reference to inappropriate fan-created content, which has raised eyebrows given that Shrek 5 is meant for younger audiences.
The Dangers of Nostalgia Marketing
This situation highlights the risks companies take when banking on nostalgia. Fans of Shrek have grown up with the franchise, and any significant departures from its signature look and feel can be jarring. Studies have shown that people develop strong emotional attachments to childhood media, and when those memories are challenged by a reimagined version that doesn’t meet expectations, backlash is almost inevitable.
The cast of Shrek 5. – YouTube, Universal Pictures
Universal and DreamWorks likely aimed to tap into long-standing fan loyalty, but if the execution is off, audiences can turn against the very thing they were meant to embrace. Social media has become an outlet for that frustration, with fans turning disappointment into humor through memes and online discussions.
What’s Next for Shrek 5?
Despite the uproar over its trailer, Shrek 5 is still set for a Christmas 2026 release, with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz all returning to voice their iconic characters. The film also introduces a new character, played by Zendaya (for some reason…), as Shrek’s daughter.
Zendaya as Chani in Dune: Part Two (2024), Warner Bros. Pictures
Whether the backlash will impact the final product remains to be seen. Studios have occasionally made adjustments in response to public outcry—most notably in cases like Sonic the Hedgehog, where fan backlash over the design led to a complete overhaul before release.
As it stands, Shrek 5 is in a precarious position. Will Universal listen to the overwhelming criticism and make changes, or will the studio stick to its vision? Time will tell. Until then, expect the internet—and possibly even Donkey himself—to keep the jokes coming.
How do you feel about Donkey making jokes about the Shrek 5 trailer at Universal Studios Orlando? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
If any character was going to rip that trailer, it would have to be “Donkay.” It looked horrible and none of the actors really sounded like their established characters in it, either. I honestly thought it was an LLM creation the first time I saw it. But if Universal is going to include Zendaya Coleman, they had better get that CGI looking great. I don’t have anything against her (yet) but I’m so tired of seeing and now hearing her everywhere.
The actor sounds like somebody on his last day at work. As for the movie itself – I refuse to watch anything with Zendaya in it.
I thought it was funny as hell lol. But I’m not a Shrek fan myself. Do you remember when they used to make fun of the unlimited sequels in Hollywood. You know, the cameo of Rocky 600 or Rambo 250 on a billboard in the background of a movie. And now all we get are perpetual sequels. Where is the New Stuff? New stories, new visions, new ideas… I crave something original and new.
Hollywood, aggressively forced out the white male talent. Because DEI. And, guess what? The movies it makes, these days, are appallingly bad. The trailer was fugly, and pure, trying-to-be-cool, cringe. Zero charm.