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

Shrek 5 has unveiled its all-new cast with a brand-new teaser trailer, sparking a mix of reactions, including from an unexpected source: Movie Sonic, who seems unsure about Shrek's new look.

In a playful video shared on TikTok, the Sonic Movie account offered "advice for green ogres," humorously showcasing Movie Sonic's own transformation from his initial, much-criticized live-action design to the improved version released later. The video, captioned "Take notes! #sonicmovie #sonic," playfully suggests that Shrek might want to take a page out of Sonic's book when it comes to redesigns.

@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 initial reaction was mixed. Fans were particularly vocal about Sonic's teeth, physique, small eyes, and human-like fingers.

Responding to the widespread criticism, director Jeff Fowler decided to revise the controversial design, promising fans a more authentic representation of the iconic character. The redesign was much better received by the audience.

While the feedback on Shrek's new look isn't as divisive as Sonic's initial live-action appearance, Sonic's humorous response has certainly entertained fans. "You know it's bad when you see the Sonic Movie account giving Shrek 5 advice," remarked one commenter, while another expressed disbelief with, "No way they actually posted this," accompanied by a crying emoji.

The fifth installment of the Shrek franchise was first announced in 2016 but saw little progress until Chris Meledandri, CEO of Illumination, announced in 2023 that the film was actively being developed. Alongside this news, hopes for a Donkey spin-off were also shared. Universal Pictures later adjusted the release schedule, moving Shrek 5's release to December 23, 2026, and placing the Despicable Me 3 spin-off, Minions 3, in its previously planned slot.