DreamWorks has released the first full-length trailer for the long-awaited Shrek 5. The preview puts Mike Myers’ Shrek and Eddie Murphy’s Donkey front and center. However, Zendaya’s character, Shrek and Fiona’s teenage daughter Felicia, is noticeably absent.
The trailer arrives months after DreamWorks faced criticism over the film’s updated animation style. While some fans have warmed to the new look, others continue to argue that the characters no longer resemble the versions audiences grew up with.
Shrek in the Shrek 5 trailer – Universal Pictures, YouTube
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Though the studio has disabled comments on the YouTube video, that has not stopped users from expressing their opinions online.
Shrek 5 Trailer Focuses on Familiar Faces
In traditional fairytale fashion, the Shrek 5 trailer opens with a storybook.
“Once upon a time, a hideous ogre and a delusional donkey embarked on a journey to the magical city of Further Further Away,” a narrator intones before being interrupted by Donkey.
From there, the Shrek 5 trailer focuses heavily on the main duo. It also features Cameron Diaz’s Fiona and the ogre sons, voiced by Marcello Hernández and Skyler Gisondo. Many other familiar characters from Shrek’s world appear throughout the preview for a series of raunchy gags. There is also a not-so-subtle dig at Disney’s Frozen.
However, aside from having her name listed in the credits, Zendaya’s character is nowhere to be seen. The Euphoria actress was announced as the voice of Shrek and Fiona’s daughter in 2025 and appeared prominently in the film’s first teaser.
Fiona, Shrek, Felicia, and Donkey in the Shrek 5 teaser – Universal Pictures, YouTube
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Her addition to the cast sparked debate among some fans. They feel that Zendaya, who is also part of the Spider-Man and Dune franchises as well as Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, is overexposed. Still, it led many to believe that Felicia would play a major role in the story.
Nolan, Villeneuve, Marvel, HBO, and DreamWorks all calling Zendaya like it’s a group project.
— seiji 💎🌸 (@szaseiji) February 27, 2025
The absence of Felicia from the Shrek 5 trailer, however, was not the only topic dominating discussion online.
Fans Continue Criticizing the Animation
When DreamWorks released the first teaser, many viewers criticized the updated character designs and art direction. Reaction to the animation remains sharply divided. Comparisons were made to the backlash surrounding Paramount’s original Sonic the Hedgehog design, with some fans arguing that the new models lacked the charm of earlier films.
How hard is it to listen to people and go back to the original design? You know what your fans want now deliver or have a major flop of a movie up to you do you wanna make money or do you wanna lose it?
— Therealstevethebeast150 (@Therealsteveth1) June 16, 2026
“How hard is it to listen to people and go back to the original design?” one user commented on X. “You know what your fans want now deliver or have a major flop of a movie up to you do you wanna make money or do you wanna lose it?”
There was something off about the animation but i cant place it.
I know textures and whatnot have come a long way, but idk. Something felt off?
— Savvy ( ˶ˆ꒳ˆ˵ ) (@MadamSavvy) June 16, 2026
Another added, “There was something off about the animation but i cant place it. I know textures and whatnot have come a long way, but idk. Something felt off?”
Shrek’s sons in Shrek 5 – Universal Pictures, YouTube
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Others suggested that it is not just the modernized look causing concern. The franchise’s signature humor also appears to be missing.
That looked horrible. The character design is off and there are almost no laughs. When the best joke is a 48 Hrs reference, you know you’re in trouble.
— AdamInHTownTX (@AdamInHTownTX) June 16, 2026
“That looked horrible,” a user wrote. “The character design is off and there are almost no laughs. When the best joke is a 48 Hrs reference, you know you’re in trouble.”
Can Nostalgia Carry Shrek 5?
Whether DreamWorks can win over skeptical fans remains to be seen. For now, the studio appears to be betting on the enduring popularity of Shrek and Donkey. Based on the latest trailer, nostalgia is clearly leading the marketing campaign—even if some viewers are still waiting to see what role Zendaya’s Felicia will ultimately play in the story.
Does the new look for Shrek 5 put you off seeing the film? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
