The animation style for Shrek 5 is giving some people Ugly Sonic flashbacks.
The fifth Shrek movie will be released in United States theaters in 2026. The voice cast of the movie includes Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona, and Zendaya as Shrek’s daughter.
On Thursday, February 27, 2025, Universal Pictures put out the first teaser video for Shrek 5, which has resulted in much controversy. Many fans are complaining about the animation style of the movie, especially when compared to the previous sequels, and are now asking Universal and Dreamworks to change it before the movie is released.
View the Shrek 5 teaser video below:
Why are people comparing Shrek 5 to Sonic the Hedgehog?
Notably, Paramount Pictures found itself in a similar situation a couple of years ago. The original trailer for 2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog featured a design for the titular character that’s now been dubbed ‘Ugly Sonic.’ Many fans complained about the look of Sonic after that first trailer was released, which ultimately resulted in the original design being scrapped and then changed for the final cut.
The 2022 Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers movie poked fun at this, as Tim Robinson voiced Ugly Sonic in that film.
Here’s what people are saying about Shrek 5 in regards to Sonic the Hedgehog:
Plot details for Shrek 5 remain under wraps at this time. This will be the first Shrek movie in the main film series since 2010’s Shrek Forever After. The film is directed by Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon, while Brad Ableson serves as a co-director. Gina Shay and Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri serve as producers.
Shrek 5 will be released in United States theaters on December 23, 2026, from Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation.
