The Shrek film franchise was one of the biggest CGI animated properties in the early 2000s. Aside from the occasional spin-off including the Puss in Boots films, however, the main storyline was largely concluded with Shrek Forever After in 2010. Now, as you can see in the first look below, the characters are being reintroduced with new designs for the all-new follow-up titled Shrek 5.
We’ve seen changes in the franchise’s art style in the past. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish was a stylistic departure from previous films, and it was a risk that paid off, with the film having succeeded both critically and at the box office. It wasn’t long after that Shrek 5 became imminent, but as you can see in the teaser below, it looks like it will introduce yet another art style to the franchise.
The footage is quite brief and merely introduces some of our returning key players including Mike Myers as Shrek, Cameron Diaz as Fiona, and Eddie Murphy as Donkey. The clip also introduces Zendaya as Shrek’s daughter, Felicia, who was last seen as an infant during the events of Shrek Forever After. It’s clear that quite some time has passed between films, but other than that, story details are still being kept under wraps.
Here’s the Shrek 5 first look:
While the clip does contain some changes in the characters’ designs, it does provide some continuity with past installments by including so many returning voice actors. If Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is any indication, then the new style might be worth giving a chance. Of course, with so much time until the film hits theaters, it’s possible that these designs are far from final.
Shrek 5 is currently scheduled to hit theaters on December 23, 2026. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates regarding the long-awaited Shrek follow-up as we have them. Times have certainly changed since the last Shrek installment was released, so fans will no doubt have more than a few changes to accept when seeing this new entry on the big screen.