Fans of the Shrek series are buzzing with excitement and confusion over the teaser for the upcoming film, although not necessarily for positive reasons.
The Shrek series has endured through the years, remaining popular ever since Dreamworks released the first film in 2001. The franchise has continued to entertain audiences with its humor and charm.
Recently, social media has been abuzz with discussions about a character referred to as the ‘Duloc woman.’
Since the original, three more animated films were released, concluding with Shrek Forever After in 2010. The beloved universe is set to return with a fifth installment, scheduled for release in December next year.
Although fans have to wait a bit for the full film, a teaser released this week has sparked some mixed reactions.
Critics have taken issue with the updated animation style of Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and other characters.
Some have harshly criticized it, describing it as ‘soulless 3D slop.’ They feel Shrek’s appearance has changed too much, reminiscent of plastic surgery, unlike his charming transformation in Shrek 2.
The teaser starts with Eddie Murphy’s Donkey asking the magic mirror: “Who is the fairest of them all?” The mirror responds, “Why, Shrek of course.”
The mirror then shows a series of AI-enhanced images of Shrek, highlighting his muscular appearance.
At the sight of this new Shrek, his daughter, voiced by Zendaya, reacts with ‘ew,’ while Fiona, voiced by Cameron Diaz, playfully comments: “Mama like.”
Mike Myers’ Shrek humorously questions: “Who is making this stuff?”
Fans quickly took to social media to express their dissatisfaction, jokingly suggesting legal action against those responsible.
One frustrated comment detailed: “Rhinoplasty, lip filler, cheek implants, chin implant, jaw shave, brow bone reduction, buccal fat removal, botox and eye lift.”
Another comment noted that the previous animation style seemed more detailed with its use of shadows and wrinkles.
In response to Fiona’s makeover, fans asked: “Are you seeing this.. What did they do to her?”
One fan passionately declared: “My b**** was always FLY, ogre or not.”
Another viewer felt unsettled, saying: “Why do they look like they’re going to eat me alive?”
Another disgruntled viewer commented: “Shrek has had a style and look that hasn’t changed since 2001. Now he’s the Puss in Boots art style, and it triggered everyone’s fight or flight.”
Many fans criticized the change as ‘disrespectful’ to the original art style, calling for a return to the familiar look.
Some, however, defended the animators, noting that the new style reflects the passage of time and aging characters, considering it’s been 15 years since the last movie. They argue that change is acceptable.
A supporter remarked: “[Fiona] is a middle-aged mom, what do you expect.”
Another added: “This literally looks good. A lot of you guys are extremely blindsided by nostalgia.”