Shrek’s father almost ate him several times, and he was sent to bed covered in barbecue sauce with an apple in his mouth!
Shrek, the green ogre, is the main character of the popular Dreamworks franchise. The first film, also titled Shrek, was released in 2001, and the character has since become one of the most beloved figures in the world.
The franchise has produced three successful sequels (Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, and Shrek Forever After) and two specials (Shrek the Halls and Scared Shrekless). Additionally, there have been video games, and one of the supporting characters, Puss in Boots, even received his own film. The Shrek franchise is currently the highest-grossing animated series ever.
The Birth of a Movie Star Ogre
The first Shrek film was based on a 1990 William Steig picture book about a green ogre who leaves home to explore the world. Interestingly, the name Shrek comes from German and Yiddish words meaning “fear” and “terror.”
The character is voiced by Canadian actor and comedian Mike Myers, known for his roles in Austin Powers and the Wayne’s World series. Shrek speaks with a distinct Scottish accent.
Shrek’s Modest Abode
Shrek lives in a swamp filled with insects, where he enjoys making candles from his own earwax and posting “KEEP OUT” signs. Despite his incredible strength, Shrek only fights when necessary and prefers to intimidate human villagers by threatening to “squeeze the jelly” from their eyes (which he believes would be “quite good on toast”).
An Introverted Ogre Finds Love!
Initially, Shrek preferred to live alone, but throughout the course of the stories, he finds himself living with others. He eventually falls in love with Princess Fiona, who becomes an ogre like him, and they have three children: Farkle, Fergus, and Felicia.
Although he initially thought he was a bad father, his children come to love him deeply. This may be due to his strained relationship with his own father, who tried to eat him multiple times. As a child, Shrek was bathed in barbecue sauce and put to bed with an apple in his mouth.
Friends and Foes
Shrek has made many enemies during his travels, including Lord Farquaad (in Duloc), Prince Charming and his mother, the Fairy Godmother, and the con artist Rumpelstiltskin (in Far Far Away).
However, he also has many new friends, including the talkative Donkey, his wife’s Dragon, the former assassin Puss in Boots, the Three Blind Mice, the Three Little Pigs, the Gingerbread Man, Big Bad Wolf, and Pinocchio.
Shrek’s Hidden Talent
Shrek the Musical premiered on Broadway in 2008 before moving to London’s West End. The show received excellent reviews, and millions of fans of the original movie enjoyed learning more about Shrek’s backstory.
According to the musical, Shrek left home at the age of seven to explore the world, a common trait among ogre families.
As soon as he appeared on the street, people immediately disliked him, except for a young Princess Fiona who greeted him before being quickly taken away by her overprotective parents, King Harold and Queen Lillian. Afterward, he found his way back to his swamp home, where his adventure truly began.
FAQ
What inspired the creation of Shrek?
Shrek was inspired by a children’s book written by William Steig, which was published in 1990. The book tells the story of an ogre who leaves his swamp to explore the world and ends up saving a princess. The book was not initially intended to be adapted into a movie, but DreamWorks Animation saw potential in the character and acquired the rights to it.
Who voices Shrek in the movies?
Shrek is voiced by actor Mike Myers in all four movies. Myers is known for his roles in the Austin Powers movies and Wayne’s World. He initially turned down the role of Shrek, but changed his mind after the movie’s original voice actor, Chris Farley, passed away.
What is Donkey’s breed?
Donkey is a fictional character and does not have a specific breed. However, the filmmakers have said that he was inspired by a miniature donkey named Perry who lived on the ranch where the movie was being made. Perry was known for his loud and enthusiastic braying, which inspired the character’s personality.
What is the name of the dragon in Shrek?
The dragon in Shrek is named Dragon and is voiced by actress and singer, Eddie Murphy. In the first movie, Dragon is depicted as a fierce and powerful creature who guards Princess Fiona’s tower. However, in later movies, she becomes a love interest for Donkey and is shown to have a softer side.
Zayn Anderson is a prolific writer with a passion for uncovering the world’s intriguing facts. Armed with an insatiable curiosity, he delves into various subjects, from history and science to nature and technology.