As individuals deeply influenced by the culturally significant Shrek franchise, we are compelled to raise our voices against the current manifestation of Shrek 5. The proposed version is a travesty that veers drastically from its original root. Emerging from an era where animation was finding its footing, the Shrek series brought people together with its unique humor and uncanny ability to bridge generational gaps. Indeed, Shrek broke the mold and set a new standard for animated cinema. Given this glorious legacy, we find the recent announcement, with its modern memes and misplaced teenage references, a shameful detour from what made us fall in love with Shrek. When we think of Shrek, the crude humor, the satirical blend of fairy tales, and most importantly, the original animation style comes to mind, not a desperate attempt at garnering relevance. The proposed involvement of Zendaya’s character, in particular, irks us as it does not resonate with the original sentiment bestowed by the franchise. 

The case of the Sonic movie is a good reminder that the audience's voice matters. The movie, initially booed for its horrific design, underwent a complete rehaul post backlash and emerged victorious with a global collection of over $300M, according to Box Office Mojo. This was a resounding testament to the power of loyal fans and the integrity of a franchise, both values we believe the Shrek series deserve. Thus, we implore the creators to return Shrek to its original charm and dignity, respect its legacy, and refrain from modernizing its signature style for the sake of relevance.

Let us preserve the legacy of the Shrek that we know and love for generations to come, as opposed to witnessing a beloved piece of pop culture being reduced to a convenience for memes. Sign this petition to demand a revamp of Shrek 5 that holds true to the spirit of the original series.