After the release of the "Shrek 5" trailer, the discussion on social media quickly shifted from the plot to the characters' appearance. Users are writing that Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona look different compared to previous films, and the updated animation evokes a sense of "unnaturalness" and resembles AI-generated graphics. The term "uncanny valley" is actively used online – an effect where a nearly realistic image appears unsettling and "lifeless" to the viewer.
Some of the audience calls the new style "too smooth and sterile," noting that the characters have lost their "distinctiveness." Individual users consider the update a logical step and associate it with the development of animation technologies. Discussions include comparisons to the past scandal surrounding Sonic's redesigned look, when the studio was forced to change the character's appearance after negative audience reactions.
The trailer shows the return of classic DreamWorks heroes – Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona – and hints at a new story involving family conflicts and adventures in the big city. The appearance of Shrek's children and new characters, including a character voiced by Zendaya, has also been confirmed.
As of the news publication, the video has 52,000 likes and 57,000 dislikes after 1.4 million views. Interest in the next installment remains high.