"Shrek 5's New Style Sparks Debate, Even Sonic Weighs In"

Shrek 5 has unveiled its all-new cast with a brand-new teaser trailer, and even Movie Sonic's not sure what to make of Shrek's new look. In a self-deprecating video posted to TikTok, the Sonic Movie account offered "advice for green ogres," showcasing Movie Sonic's transformation from his infamous original live-action design to the revised one shared several months later.

@sonicmovie Take notes! #sonicmovie #sonic ♬ original sound - sonicmovie

IGN had the exclusive first look at the live-action Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie back in 2018, and the feedback was, to put it mildly, mixed. Fans were particularly fascinated by the character's teeth, physique, tiny eyes, and strangely human fingers. Following the backlash, director Jeff Fowler decided to change the controversial design of the iconic character, promising a more authentic look. The redesign was much better received.

While the feedback on Shrek's new look isn't as polarizing as Sonic's initial live-action outing, Sonic's cheeky response has amused fans nonetheless. "You know it's bad when you see the Sonic Movie account giving Shrek 5 advice," one commenter posted, while another said, "No way they actually posted this" with a crying emoji.

The fifth Shrek movie was originally announced in 2016 but went quiet for years until Chris Meledandri, CEO of animation studio Illumination, announced its active development in 2023 alongside hopes for a Donkey spin-off. Universal Pictures delayed Shrek 5's release by a few months to December 23, 2026, while putting the Despicable 3 spin-off Minions 3 in its original slot.