The Original Shrek: What Could Have Been

TLDRLearn about the original version of Shrek, which was tailored to Chris Farley before his untimely passing. Discover how the story and characters evolved, leading to Mike Myers taking over the role. Find out how Shrek became a box office hit and pop culture phenomenon.

Key insights

🎥Shrek was originally designed for Chris Farley, who tragically passed away before recording the role.

🧩The original concept of Shrek was darker and edgier, but it was changed to appeal to a broader audience.

💡Mike Myers brought his own energy and comedic style to the role of Shrek, leading to the iconic character we know today.

🎬Janine Garao was initially cast as Princess Fiona, but was replaced by Cameron Diaz during production.

🌟Shrek became a huge success, winning the first Oscar for Best Animated Feature and spawning multiple sequels and spinoffs.

Q&A

Why was Chris Farley chosen for the role of Shrek?

Chris Farley was known for his comedic talent and unique voice, which was a perfect fit for the character's original design and personality.

Why was Shrek's concept changed?

The initial dark and edgy concept was considered too intense and not marketable to a wide audience. The decision was made to make the film more family-friendly.

Who replaced Chris Farley as the voice of Shrek?

Mike Myers was chosen to replace Chris Farley and brought his own comedic style and energy to the role, making it his own.

Why was Janine Garao replaced as Princess Fiona?

The decision to replace Janine Garao with Cameron Diaz was made to better align the chemistry between the characters of Shrek and Fiona.

What was the impact of Shrek on the film industry?

Shrek revolutionized the animated film industry, combining humor, heart, and modern references. It became a box office success, winning critical acclaim and establishing DreamWorks Animation as a major player.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Shrek, released in 2001, became a massive hit at the box office and a pop culture phenomenon.

00:12Chris Farley, originally cast as Shrek, tragically passed away before recording the role.

05:59The initial concept of Shrek was dark and edgy but was changed to appeal to a broader audience.

06:46Mike Myers was cast as the voice of Shrek and brought his own comedic style to the character.

08:25Shrek's production faced various challenges and changes, including recasting Janine Garao as Princess Fiona.