In 2001,Shrekbecame a phenomenon. It was a huge blockbuster that putDreamWorks Animationon the map. And it proved that animated family films could be just as fun for adults as children, if not more so. AndMike Myerswas championed for his Scottish brogue as the title character. We almost can’t image anyone else bringing this big greenfriendly monsterto life. But it almost didn’t happen that way. One ofMike Myers’Saturday Night Liveco-stars was originally supposed to play the role. And now we get a taste of just how different it may have been.
Before his untimely death at the tender age of 33 years-old in December of 1997, comedian and movie starChris Farleywas chosen as the original voice of the Ogre Shrek in DreamWorks Animations upcoming family comedy adventure. The film was loosely based on William Steig’s 1990 fairy tale picture book, andChris Farleyseemed like the perfect boisterous, yet childlike and playful persona to inhabit the swamp-dwelling do-gooder who was seen as a monster by most. And it would have been the role of a lifetime for him, as we get to see in a newly discovered story reel, where he actually lends his voice to the character for the first time.
Most people don’t know thatChris Farleywas cast as Shrek. Perhaps even lesser known is the fact that he completed a majority of his dialogue. It may have been easy to move forward, with the film serving as a final testament to the man’s career, putting a final climax on his legacy. But DreamWorks Animation decided to recastChris Farley. They brought inMike Myersto replace him, who gave Shrek a very different dialect and persona. The rest, as they say, is history.
At the time, DreamWorks Animation certainly didn’t know what a humongous hit it had on its hand. In hindsight, replacingChris Farleymakes total sense. Shrek has spawned three sequels with afourth on the way. There have been many animated shorts featuring the character, and even an amusement park ride. All of which featureMike Myersproviding the voice. HadChris Farleybeen used in the first movie, it would have cause a problem for future installments, as a sound-alike would have been brought in for such an iconic role. And it just wouldn’t of had the same weight it does today.
ReplacingChris Farleyshouldn’t be seen as a blight on the actor. Though, once you see the story reel, and hear what he was doing with Shrek, you may agree thatMike Myerswas the right choice all along. Shrek’s development producer John Garbett uploaded thisstory reel, which has been shared across the Internet this morning. Even though it is from the very early days of production, you’ll also get to hearEddie Murphyas Donkey, who’s voice for the character hasn’t changed since 1997.
Farley’s involvement in Shrek can be see in in the new documentaryI Am Chris Farley, which was released last week. Shrek finally arrived in May 2001 and went onto gross $480 million. It also took home the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It’s three sequels and thePuss in Bootsspinoff have brought in grosses topping over $3.5 billion at the global box office. Take a look at this story reel, and hear how history could have been changed.
[EMBED_VIMEO]https://player.vimeo.com/video/65988366[/EMBED_VIMEO]
