Zendaya has joined the cast of Shrek 5, one of the most beloved animated families. The Challengers star is playing Shrek and Fiona’s teenage daughter, Felicia, in the upcoming film. Die-hard fans will remember that the couple had triplets in Shrek 3 in 2007.
But it seems that DreamWorks, the production company behind the franchise, has tweaked the animation style, and die-hard fans are not happy.
“Shrek 5 animation looks a [expletive] mess,” NAESlNTERLUDE writes on X.
So why does the Shrek family look so different? The upcoming film uses a new animation engine called MoonRay, which was first used in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish in 2022. MoonRay produces smoother textures, more detailed features and physically accurate lighting.
Animation needs updating and considering how old their daughter looks I think they’ve aged the characters pretty well. I feel like we’re holding on to nostalgia when this progression makes sense for how long it’s been. We should be open to seeing more of it first!#Shrek5 pic.twitter.com/UNLP40225Z
— MilkyyMelodies
♪ (@MilkyyMelodies) February 28, 2025
Not everyone is upset over the changes. MilkyyMelodies noted, “Animation needs updating and considering how old their daughter looks, I think they’ve aged the characters pretty well. I feel like we’re holding on to nostalgia when this progression makes sense for how long it’s been. We should be open to seeing more of it first!”
The ongoing debate highlights fans’ passionate connection to the franchise. Adding Zendaya showcases how performers of color can extend their reach and audiences. And she’s not the only one. Rihanna stars as Smurfette in the upcoming Smurfs movie this July, and Danielle Brooks, Craig Robinson and Zazie Beetz in The Bad Guys 2, out this October.
