Released in 2001, Shrek is an American computer-animated fantasy film loosely based on William Steig’s 1990 fairy tale picture book of the same name. The movie was directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, marking their directorial debut. Featuring the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and John Lithgow, Shrek serves as a clever parody of various children’s fantasy films, especially animated Disney movies.
The story centers around an ogre named Shrek, voiced by Myers, whose peaceful swamp is invaded by fairy tale creatures banished there by the villainous Lord Farquaad, voiced by Lithgow. To reclaim his swamp, Shrek strikes a deal with Farquaad to bring him a queen in exchange for the deed to his land. Accompanied by a chatty Donkey, voiced by Murphy, Shrek embarks on a journey and encounters Princess Fiona, voiced by Diaz. As they escort Fiona to Farquaad for marriage, Shrek finds himself developing feelings for the princess and uncovers a surprising secret about her.
Initially, Steven Spielberg acquired the rights to Steig’s book in 1991 with the intention of creating a traditional animated adaptation. However, the project eventually landed at DreamWorks in 1994, where it gained momentum under the direction of Jeffrey Katzenberg. Originally voiced by Chris Farley, Shrek’s character was later taken over by Mike Myers after Farley’s untimely passing in 1997. Myers opted for a Scottish accent for Shrek, deviating from the initial plan of motion-capture animation for the film.
Shrek proved to be a breakthrough for DreamWorks Animation, positioning the studio as a major competitor to Pixar in computer-generated feature films. The movie received critical acclaim for its blend of adult-oriented humor and themes accessible to both children and adults. It grossed over $484 million worldwide against a $60 million production budget and won the inaugural Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
The success of Shrek led to the development of three sequels, two holiday specials, and a spin-off film. Additionally, the franchise expanded into merchandise, video games, a stage musical, and a comic book adaptation. In recognition of the titular character’s iconic status, Shrek was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in May 2010.
