Shrek, released in 2001, is an American computer-animated fantasy film that draws loose inspiration from William Steig’s 1990 fairy tale picture book of the same title. Directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson in their directorial debut, the film boasts a star-studded cast including Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and John Lithgow. It cleverly parodies various children’s fantasy stories, particularly those from Disney. The story follows Shrek, an ogre voiced by Myers, whose swamp is invaded by fairy tale creatures banished there by the villainous Lord Farquaad, portrayed by Lithgow. Shrek strikes a deal with Farquaad to retrieve a queen in exchange for regaining his swamp. Accompanied by a chatty Donkey (voiced by Murphy), Shrek encounters Princess Fiona (voiced by Diaz), leading to unexpected twists and revelations.
Initially, Steven Spielberg acquired the rights to Steig’s book in 1991 with the intention of creating a traditional animated film. However, the project was later moved to DreamWorks in 1994, where it gained traction under the direction of Jeffrey Katzenberg. Originally, Chris Farley was set to voice Shrek but was replaced by Mike Myers following Farley’s untimely passing. To enhance the film’s visual appeal, Pacific Data Images was enlisted to assist with its computer-animated design after initial attempts at motion capture fell short.
Shrek not only propelled DreamWorks Animation as a formidable contender to Pixar in computer-animated features but also garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, generating $484.4 million worldwide against a $60 million budget. The film’s blend of adult-oriented humor and themes with a simple yet engaging plot appealed to audiences of all ages. It even clinched the inaugural Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and received several BAFTA nominations.
The film’s triumph led to the creation of sequels, holiday specials, and a spin-off, all contributing to its enduring legacy. Shrek’s popularity also spawned a range of merchandise, including video games, a stage musical, and a comic book adaptation. In recognition of his iconic status, the titular character was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2010.
