As a movie enthusiast who grew up with the magical world of DreamWorks Animation, the revelation that Mike Myers’ iconic character Shrek almost had a different comedic voice is truly mind-boggling! It’s like discovering that Forrest Gump was nearly played by Jim Carrey or Indiana Jones by Dan Aykroyd. The thought of Chris Farley, another comedy giant from the hallowed halls of Saturday Night Live, embodying the swamp-dwelling ogre is almost too much to fathom!
As a film enthusiast, can you imagine that one of Mike Myers’ most iconic characters almost landed in the hands of a different comedic actor? In an intriguing interview, Myers revealed his surprise upon learning that his esteemed former Saturday Night Live castmate, Chris Farley, was initially slated for Shrek. The enchanting animated fairy tale series, brimming with hidden adult humor, has captivated audiences of all ages, earning a cherished spot in our hearts. Recalling the excitement surrounding potential news about Shrek 5, Myers shared memories of his shock upon discovering the original choice for the role that eventually became synonymous with him.
During an interview with Vulture, Myers revealed that he landed the voice acting job for the ogre after attending the screening of Saving Private Ryan. Upon accepting the role in Shrek, producers showed him the progress at the studio where they had created clay figurines of Shrek’s design. These figurines reminded Myers strikingly of a well-known comedian who had recently passed away – Chris Farley, who tragically died in December 1997. Myers shared with Vulture that he believed the iconic role was initially intended for Farley.
At my third gathering, I noticed they had crafted a small clay statue of all the characters, remarkably resembling Chris Farley as Shrek. I asked if it had been given to him before his demise, and everyone seemed to avoid eye contact. After a pause, they confirmed it hadn’t been, but I sensed some hesitation. As I left the parking lot, I expressed my suspicion that it belonged to Farley. To my surprise, they later confirmed I was correct, although they didn’t initially share this information with me.
Indeed, Farley had already recorded most of his Shrek voiceovers before he sadly passed away. A few years back, some animated storyboards with Farley’s voiceover in a scene alongside Eddie Murphy’s Donkey character appeared online, offering fans a sneak peek into what Farley’s portrayal of Shrek could have been.
Mike Myers is Already Working on ‘Shrek 5’
As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel the sting of Chris Farley’s untimely demise, knowing he was set to voice the cherished character. However, Eddie Murphy’s portrayal in Shrek was nothing short of brilliant and did justice to the comedian’s spirit. The animated take on fairy tales has been a hit since its debut in 2001, and with a new sequel due in 2026, it seems the big green ogre is more popular than ever. Even Al Pacino, an icon himself, has expressed his affection for these quirky fairy tale characters.
In conversation with Vulture, Myers has disclosed that he is currently engaged in the production of Shrek 5. Interestingly, Shrek isn’t the sole legendary figure making a comeback for this sequel. Eddie Murphy’s beloved waffle-munching donkey character, who is everyone’s favorite ass, will also be back for the much-anticipated sequel. Additionally, there are plans for a Donkey spin-off. When inquired about any collaboration with Murphy, Myers expressed his fondness for the four-legged character.
“I currently possess them, but I won’t get to spend time with them until later. Donkey is a character I adore immensely. I long for Donkey to become a permanent resident in my home. This character holds a special place in my heart, and while Eddie is undeniably funny, kind, and generous, I secretly prefer not encountering him. However, when I do see Eddie at events like press junkets, it’s always a delight. He’s an amazing individual.
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2024-12-05 00:01