Do Shrek and Donkey look different in the new Shrek 5 teaser?

Shrek 5 teaser has just dropped online and it comes with its share of surprises. One of the biggest changes is its animation style. So, the fans might be wondering whether Shrek and Donkey will look different in the new film. The teaser hints at perhaps a subtle but noticeable change in how they look and feel in this brief clip. To help you understand it, let's do a brief recap of Shrek's past.

The first Shrek film was released back in 2001 when we had just entered a new millennium. If we look back at this film, it will feel characteristically 'old-school' even if it has only been about two decades since its release. The technology has vastly advanced in the films, which is reflected in the subsequent films. The second Shrek film from 2004 also looks similar to the first one. However, from the third and the fourth films look strikingly different even to a casual viewer's eyes.

A lot of it has to do with the stylistic changes in the animation landscape across those years. The prevalent animation styles and available technologies were different from 2001 to 2010. So, what looked like a sketch-like style once eventually developed into a much smoother and cleaner rendition of the same characters. To better understand, have a look at a clip from 2010's Shrek Forever After, aka Shrek 4.

Now, fast forward to 15 years later and see even sharper-looking versions of these characters. Here's the new teaser for Shrek 5 to understand the difference.

They look less flat, for the lack of a better word! Whether it is Shrek, Donkey, or Fiona, they look more rounded and closer to the current state of animation with a considerable change in lighting. You can also notice more minute details from their clothes or hair than you could have in the past.

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Shrek 5: What does the teaser reveal about this upcoming Shrek film?

DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures are bringing the latest chapter of Shrek titled Shrek 5 to the screens, reportedly on Christmas 2026. The newly released teaser offers a glimpse into the same.

The voice cast will still have Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz reprising their roles. However, there's a new addition this time around. It is Challengers and Dune star Zendaya, who will voice the character of the daughter, according to the latest reports.

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Also read: Shrek 5 moved to December 2026; Minions 3 to July: Reports