Shrek is a 2001 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. Serving as a satirical take on various children’s fantasy films, particularly animated Disney movies, the story revolves around an ogre named Shrek (voiced by Myers). He embarks on a journey to reclaim his swamp after it is invaded by fairy tale creatures banished by the sinister Lord Farquaad (voiced by Lithgow). To regain ownership of his swamp, Shrek strikes a deal with Farquaad to bring him a queen. Accompanied by a talking Donkey (voiced by Murphy), Shrek encounters Princess Fiona (voiced by Diaz) and begins to develop feelings for her, eventually uncovering a surprising secret about her.
Originally, Steven Spielberg acquired the rights to Steig’s book in 1991, envisioning a traditionally animated adaptation. However, the project transitioned to DreamWorks in 1994 at the suggestion of John H. Williams, leading to the film’s accelerated development under the leadership of Jeffrey Katzenberg. Following actor Chris Farley’s untimely passing in 1997, Mike Myers was brought in to voice the title character, infusing the role with a Scottish accent. Initially planned as a motion-capture production, the decision to opt for final computer-generated animation by enlisting Pacific Data Images proved to be a pivotal choice.
Debuting as a formidable rival to Pixar, Shrek earned widespread acclaim for blending adult-oriented humor and themes with a kid-friendly storyline. The film grossed $484.4 million worldwide, surpassing its $60 million budget. Notably, it secured the inaugural Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and received nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay. Eddie Murphy’s portrayal of Donkey earned a British Academy of Film and Television Arts accolade for Best Supporting Actor. The film’s popularity led to the creation of sequels, holiday specials, and a successful spin-off. Scheduled as the final installment, a fifth Shrek film faced cancellation in 2009, only to be revived in 2016.
Beyond the big screen, Shrek inspired an array of merchandise, including video games, a stage musical, and a comic book adaptation. In recognition of its cultural impact, the titular character was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2010.
