This summer, it was confirmed that Shrek 5 is in the works at DreamWorks, and in a recent interview, Mike Myers, the original voice of the green ogre, shared that he’s already started working on it. He also recalled his less-than-ideal first encounter with the project, which happened right after watching Steven Spielberg’s emotional 1998 war drama Saving Private Ryan. Jeffrey Katzenberg, the producer, approached him at an awkward time, which led to a memorable (and not entirely positive) introduction to Shrek.
"I attended the premiere of Saving Private Ryan and was deeply moved; my parents were WWII veterans, so the film really hit me hard. As I stood in the lobby, still emotional, Jeffrey Katzenberg approached me with his daughters, who started reenacting the dance scene from Austin Powers. It was surreal and completely out of place at that moment. I remember thinking, ‘Wow, read the room, people!’" Myers recounted. Katzenberg pressed on, however, pitching Myers a new film project in development titled Shrek.
"My immediate reaction? ‘That’s the f***ing worst title I’ve ever heard,’" Myers admitted, joking that the name reminded him of the sound Canadians make after drinking too much beer. Despite the rough start, Katzenberg convinced Myers to take a closer look at the project. "I watched it and loved how it flipped fairy tales on their head. It was clever and refreshing. Fairy tales are traditionally eurocentric and reinforce class structures, right? This film acknowledged that but innovated with inclusivity, especially casting Eddie Murphy as Donkey."
Initially, Myers voiced Shrek with his own Canadian accent. However, he later decided the ogre should have a Scottish accent. This change was met with resistance from the producers due to the cost of reanimating scenes to fit the new voice. Katzenberg argued that switching to a Scottish accent would add millions to the production budget. Myers, standing firm, bypassed Katzenberg and took his case directly to DreamWorks co-founder Steven Spielberg.
"I told Steven, ‘I want this film to be great. I love its message that beauty isn’t everything—it’s something I relate to as a comedian. I’m not Rob Lowe!’" Myers shared. Spielberg sympathized with Myers’ passion but acknowledged Katzenberg’s concerns about costs. Myers, however, volunteered to re-record without asking for additional pay, convincing the studio to move forward.
"We made the changes, and afterward, I got a letter from Steven Spielberg. It said, ‘Thank you for caring so much about the film.’ I framed it and put it on my wall. Steven admitted, ‘You were absolutely right. You connected with the character 100% better this way.’ Jeffrey eventually warmed to the new accent, and it all worked out great," Myers said.
For Shrek 5, Myers confirmed that while Eddie Murphy (Donkey) and Cameron Diaz (Fiona) are returning, he isn’t working alongside them during voice recordings. "I wish I could take Donkey home with me—I love that character. While I’m sad not to see Eddie, it’s also a bit of a relief. I love Donkey so much I’d probably get overly emotional seeing and hearing him. I’ll catch up with Eddie during the press tour, though, which will be fun. He’s cooler than I’ll ever be." (Source: Variety, Vulture)
