Shrek (Mike Myers)
A grumpy ogre who discovers that true friendship and love are better than solitude in the swamp.
Shrek is a large, green-skinned ogre who initially lives in isolation within his swamp, seeking solitude away from the fear of humans. In the 2001 film, an embittered ogre named Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) finds his home in the swamp overrun by fairy tale creatures banished by the obsessive ruler Lord Farquaad. With the help of Donkey (Eddie Murphy), Shrek makes a pact with Farquaad to rescue Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) in exchange for regaining control of his swamp. Shrek parodies other fairy tale adaptations, primarily Disney animated films.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Andrew Adamson; Vicky Jenson
- Writer
- Ted Elliott
- Terry Rossio
- Joe Stillman
- Roger S. H. Schulman
- Based on
- Shrek!, William Steig
- Producer
- Aron Warner
- John H. Williams
- Jeffrey Katzenberg
- Starring
- Mike Myers
- Eddie Murphy
- Cameron Diaz
- John Lithgow
- Editing
- Sim Evan-Jones
- Music
- Harry Gregson-Williams; John Powell
- Production companies
- DreamWorks Animation; PDI/DreamWorks
Lore & Background
Shrek is an asocial ogre who loves the solitude of his swamp and enjoys fending off mobs and intruders. One day, his life is interrupted after he inadvertently saves a talkative Donkey from some soldiers, prompting Donkey to forcibly stay with him. Donkey is one of many fairy tale creatures that are being exiled by the dwarfish Lord Farquaad of Duloc to beautify his land. However, the creatures inadvertently end up in the swamp. Angered by the intrusion, Shrek resolves to visit Farquaad and demand that he move the creatures elsewhere, reluctantly allowing Donkey to accompany him as he is the only one who knows where Duloc is. Shrek admits to Donkey that he is asocial because he grew frustrated over being constantly judged for his appearance.
Reader's Guide
Shrek presents as grumpy and defensive, often using his intimidating size to keep people at a safe distance. However, beneath the tough exterior lies a gentle soul who deeply craves genuine connection without judgment. His journey transforms him from a lonely outcast into a loving husband who embraces his identity. Key relationships include Donkey, his loyal best friend who teaches him about companionship, and Fiona, his wife who accepts him fully. Mike Myers provided the iconic voice performance, giving Shrek his characteristic Scottish accent. Chris Farley was cast as the voice of the title character, recording most of the required dialogue, but died in 1997 before his work on the film was completed; Myers was hired to replace him.
Did You Know?
- Shrek was the first animated film since The Missing Link (1980) to compete for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
- Shrek won the inaugural Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2002.
- The United States Library of Congress selected Shrek for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2020, making it the first animated film of the 21st century to be preserved.
- Donkey was modeled after Pericles (born 1994; died 2025; also known as Perry), a real miniature donkey from Barron Park in Palo Alto, California.
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