Released in 2001, Shrek is an American computer-animated fantasy film that draws inspiration from William Steig’s 1990 fairy tale picture book of the same name. Directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson in their directorial debut, the movie features the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and John Lithgow. Shrek serves as a clever parody of various children’s fantasies, particularly animated Disney films.
The plot revolves around an ogre named Shrek, voiced by Myers, whose peaceful swamp is invaded by fairy tale creatures banished there by the wicked Lord Farquaad, voiced by Lithgow. To reclaim his swamp, Shrek strikes a deal with Farquaad to retrieve a queen in exchange for the deed. Accompanied by a chatty Donkey, voiced by Murphy, Shrek embarks on a journey to find Princess Fiona, voiced by Diaz. As they escort Fiona to Farquaad for marriage, Shrek finds himself developing feelings for her and unravels a surprising secret about the princess.
Originally, the rights to Steig’s book were acquired by Steven Spielberg in 1991 with plans for a traditional animated adaptation. However, the project shifted to DreamWorks in 1994, where it gained momentum under Jeffrey Katzenberg’s guidance after the studio secured the rights in 1995. Notably, the late Chris Farley was initially cast as Shrek, but following his passing in 1997, Mike Myers took over the role and added a Scottish accent to the character’s voice.
Shrek was pivotal in establishing DreamWorks Animation as a major competitor to Pixar in the realm of feature film computer animation. It achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, grossing $484.4 million globally against a $60 million budget. The film’s blend of adult-oriented humor with child-friendly themes earned it the distinction of being the first winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
The film’s triumph led to the creation of sequels, holiday specials, and spin-offs, expanding the Shrek universe. In addition, Shrek’s popularity spawned a range of merchandise, including video games, a stage musical, and a comic book adaptation. The lovable ogre even received his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in May 2010.
