Shrek vs. Shrek 5: A comparison of character designs. Fans not happy with new versions of beloved characters

The revelation about the upcoming Shrek 5, slated for release in 2026, has sparked a range of feelings among Shrek and his companions’ enthusiasts. Mostly, these sentiments lean towards negativity, as many supporters of DreamWorks Animation find it hard to accept the character design changes that the studio opted for years ago.

As a dedicated gamer, I’m diving into a comparison between the characters of Shrek in the fifth installment of the series and their appearances in the very first one. Since the daughter character is brand new, let’s focus on the four familiar faces: Shrek, Donkey, Fiona, and Pinocchio. Let’s see how they’ve evolved over time!

In the fifth installment of Shrek, the characters have undergone significant transformations compared to their appearances in the original and subsequent films. For instance, Shrek now has a more streamlined face with greater expressiveness, Donkey sports a denser coat of fur, Fiona’s face appears rounder, and Pinocchio seems both younger at heart yet older in appearance – quite surprising for a puppet character. It’s worth noting that all characters seem to have aged, which is an inevitable part of their growth. Our beloved childhood heroes, much like us, grow older over time, and this evolution is best illustrated by the transformation of Shrek and Fiona’s child, who was once an infant but now appears as a teenager or young adult. This change might be intentionally emphasized to highlight the passage of time, with their daughter serving as a focal point in the preview.

As a gamer, I can confidently say that the improvements we see today are a direct result of technological advancements. Back then, our studio was limited in what it could achieve, but now, with modern tech at our disposal, we’re able to refine details even on Donkey’s coat. Our artistic style has evolved too, and this is clearly visible in the latest Puss in Boots movie where even the Cat looks slightly different compared to his appearances in Shrek movies.

On the internet, fans of the movie Shrek are voicing their discontent regarding these modifications, as evident in comments such as those below the announcement post on X. This situation is reminiscent of Sonic the Hedgehog, where the initial character design for the new film series also faced criticism – ultimately resulting in changes that made Sonic look more like his game counterpart.

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2025-02-28 14:33