Shrek is a movie that’s difficult to dislike, yet Mike Myers, the star of the film, had quite a harsh reaction when he initially learned about it.
Most of us have watched Shrek, and if not, the name probably rings a bell. Shrek is the odorous, bright green ogre who became beloved by families around the world. His tale brought fairy tales to life, showcasing familiar characters before, during, and after their legendary stories.
The main character is voiced by the celebrated actor Mike Myers, who is better known for his roles in the Austin Powers series.
Shrek made its grand entrance in theaters in 2001, featuring a star-studded cast and a plethora of interesting stories about its creation.
Mike frequently talks about the enjoyable experience he had working alongside stars like John Lithgow, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy. However, this positive experience didn’t mean the film was immediately appealing to him.
In a recent interview with Vulture, Myers shared how he first became aware of the film’s production and how the original concept was developed by producer John Williams. Williams discovered the character in one of his child’s books and was so enchanted that he transformed it into the beloved movie we know today.
Myers also recounted being approached after the premiere of Saving Private Ryan, where he was emotionally affected by the film, about whether he’d consider voicing an animated character.
When producer Jeffrey Katzenberg from Dreamworks mentioned the film’s title, Myers’ initial reaction was, ‘Well, that’s the worst f****ng title I’ve ever heard in my life’.
His opinion quickly shifted after watching parts of the film and observing how it ‘turned fairy tales on its head’, prompting him to proceed with recording his lines.
Initially, Chris Farley was set to voice Shrek, but he passed away in 1997 during the film’s pre-production. The role was then given to Myers, who planned to use a Canadian accent.
Unsatisfied with the initial results, Myers offered to re-record his lines for free, opting for a Scottish accent this time.
Studio executives, including Steven Spielberg, praised the change, with Spielberg stating Myers was ‘absolutely right’. This decision contributed to the creation of the cult classic that continues to be cherished across generations.