Shrek is a 2001 American computer-animated fantasy film that draws loosely from William Steig’s 1990 fairy tale picture book of the same name. It was directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, marking their debut as feature film directors. The movie features the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and John Lithgow, and serves as a satirical parody of other adaptations of children’s fairy tales, especially animated Disney classics.
The story centers on an ogre named Shrek (voiced by Myers), whose swamp is invaded by fairy tale creatures banished there by the villainous Lord Farquaad (voiced by Lithgow). To reclaim his home, Shrek strikes a deal with Farquaad: he will bring him a princess to marry in exchange for the deed to his swamp. Accompanied by a talkative Donkey (voiced by Murphy), Shrek embarks on his quest and discovers Princess Fiona (voiced by Diaz). Although he aims to deliver Fiona to Farquaad, Shrek gradually falls in love with her and uncovers a surprising secret about her.
The rights to Steig’s book were originally acquired by Steven Spielberg in 1991, before DreamWorks was founded, as he was contemplating a traditionally animated adaptation. In 1994, entrepreneur John H. Williams persuaded Spielberg to bring the project to DreamWorks, which was officially launched that same year. Jeffrey Katzenberg expedited development after DreamWorks acquired the rights in 1995. Initially, Chris Farley was cast to voice Shrek, recording approximately 80–90% of his dialogue. Unfortunately, Farley passed away in 1997 before completing the role, leading Mike Myers to take over. Myers, after recording some lines, chose to give Shrek a Scottish accent.
Originally, the film was intended to utilize motion capture technology, but due to unsatisfactory results, DreamWorks enlisted Pacific Data Images to assist in perfecting Shrek’s computer-generated animation. The film cemented DreamWorks Animation’s position as a major competitor to Pixar, grossing $484.4 million worldwide against a $60 million production budget. Critics praised it as an animated film that appealed to adults through humor and themes, while maintaining a simple plot accessible to children.
Shrek made history as the first animated feature to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay. It received six BAFTA nominations, including one for Eddie Murphy’s supporting voice role as Donkey, which earned the film the BAFTA Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
The film’s overwhelming success led to three sequels—*Shrek 2* (2004), *Shrek the Third* (2007), and *Shrek Forever After* (2010)—as well as two holiday specials, *Shrek the Halls* (2007) and *Scared Shrekless* (2010). Additionally, a spin-off featuring Puss in Boots was released in 2011. Although a fifth film was initially announced as the finale of the series, its development was canceled in 2009. However, in 2016, plans for a fifth installment were revived with a tentative release date set for 2019 or 2020.
The franchise’s success extended beyond films, inspiring merchandise such as video games, a stage musical, and a comic book series by Dark Horse Comics. To honor its iconic titular character, he was awarded his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in May 2010.
