Back after 17 years at last! The first “Shrek 5” trailer is here, with Zendaya joining the voice cast and setting off a buzz

When it comes to the most iconic animated characters of the 2000s, “Shrek” definitely makes the list. Since the first film premiered in 2001, the green ogre who lives in a swamp and is grumpy yet charming has become a classic character in animation history. Now, 17 years after “Shrek Forever After” was released in 2010, DreamWorks has finally unveiled the first trailer for “Shrek 5,” announcing a new chapter for the fairy-tale universe that grew up alongside countless viewers.

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The original cast returns, with Zendaya joining the Shrek universe

“Shrek 5” will see Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy return to voice Shrek, Princess Fiona, and the fan-favorite Donkey, respectively.

The biggest surprise is Zendaya’s confirmed addition to the voice cast as Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s daughter. As one of today’s most influential young actors, Zendaya’s involvement has also drawn a new generation of viewers to this classic animated franchise. From “Euphoria” and the “Dune” series to “Challengers,” she has continued to wield major influence across film, television, and fashion. Now that she has joined the “Shrek” universe, many fans are eager to see what new charm she will bring to the character.

The new designs have unexpectedly sparked divided reactions

Since the trailer was released, the new character designs in “Shrek 5” have also become a hot topic online. The footage shows Shrek and his family entering a new stage of life, with the children now grown up. Many viewers quickly noticed that the characters’ facial expressions, eye proportions, and overall animation style differ from those in the earlier films. Some feel the newer animation technology makes the characters more detailed and expressive, while others think it lacks the roughness and humor that made the early films unique. Some commenters even said outright, “This isn’t the Shrek I remember!”

Why is “Shrek” still so unforgettable?

“Shrek” became a legend in animation history not only because of its distinctive characters, but because it completely upended traditional fairy-tale storytelling. The prince is no longer the protagonist, the princess does not need to wait to be rescued, and the story is full of humorous deconstructions and satire of classic fairy-tale characters, making it a film that adults and children can enjoy alike. Even after all these years, the moment “All Star” begins to play, it can instantly bring back childhood memories for many people. The return of “Shrek 5” is more than a sequel; it feels like a collective dose of nostalgia for millennials.

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