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The Shrek series boasts an impressive ensemble of voice actors, yet it can be effortless to overlook some well-known stars who’ve taken on minor roles throughout its history. To date, four Shrek movies have been released, with the franchise set for a comeback in 2026 with Shrek 5. The initial teaser trailer hints at a significant jump in the Shrek series timeline, implying that there may be numerous new characters and actors introduced as well.

Shrek’s humor frequently turns traditional fairy tale character perceptions on their heads, even when these characters only make brief appearances. The franchise has successfully recruited numerous well-known actors to portray these characters, although it can be challenging to recognize them when they appear. While many fans are aware of prominent supporting actors like John Cleese and Julie Andrews, there are several others who have remained relatively unknown.

7. Vincent Cassel

Monsieur Robin Hood in Shrek

In a unique twist on the classic English tale, the character Robin Hood is portrayed as a suave French outlaw with a knack for theatricality in the movie “Shrek”. Despite being played by renowned French actor Vincent Cassel, his role as Robin Hood might go unnoticed amidst the credits. Notably, he appears only once in a scene where he and his band of Merry Men surprise Shrek and Fiona.

Initially gaining recognition through his role in the 1995 gritty French crime drama “La Haine” set in Paris, Cassel later ventured into English-speaking films during the 2000s. Although he wasn’t well-known in Hollywood when Shrek was released, parts in Ocean’s series, Black Swan, and other productions eventually altered this status. He has also remained active in French cinema, providing voiceovers for French versions of popular American animated movies such as Ice Age and Robots.

6. Maya Rudolph

Rapunzel in Shrek The Third

In the Shrek series, known for its satire of fairy tales and folklore, it was hardly unexpected when a band of princesses appeared in Shrek the Third. While it wasn’t directly mentioned that these fairy tale princesses were all tied together by having their own Disney movies, it’s evident that Rapunzel, Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty were selected for this very reason.

Fans of Shrek might have overlooked some renowned actresses who graced the screen as princesses. Amy Poehler, Amy Sedaris, Cheri Oteri, and Maya Rudolph each had brief roles, with Rudolph portraying Rapunzel. Known for her extensive career in television and film, Rudolph has earned six Emmys and voiced characters in numerous productions such as Big Mouth, The Mitchells vs. the Machines, Big Hero 6, among others. Shrek the Third marked her debut in a feature-length animated movie as a voice actor.

5. Ian McShane

Captain Hook in Shrek The Third

Ian McShane, who’s been active in both film and television since the 1960s, is now arguably more recognized than ever due to his notable performance in the John Wick series. He also starred as Captain Hook, notably playing the piano and urging his men to attack Shrek, Donkey, Puss in Boots, and Arthur, with the intent of taking them to Prince Charming, in the movie Shrek the Third.

Following Shrek the Third, McShane appeared as another iconic pirate character, Blackbeard, in the big-screen adventure Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Known for a limited number of voice roles, his most recognized character is Tai Lung, the antagonist from the initial Kung Fu Panda film. McShane reprised this role in 2024’s Kung Fu Panda 4.

4. Regis Philbin

Mabel The Ugly Stepsister in Shrek The Third & Shrek Forever After

Fans of Shrek might recognize Larry King as Doris the Ugly Stepsister, while Mabel is a more recent addition to the series. Consequently, not all viewers may be familiar with Regis Philbin’s involvement, given that Mabel plays a less significant role in the storyline. For instance, during the scene in Shrek the Third where Doris is imprisoned with the princesses, Mabel does not make an appearance. Given her minor character status, it almost appears as though Mabel was included in the script solely to accommodate Philbin’s role alongside Larry King’s other Ugly Stepsister character.

In a nutshell, Philbin is primarily recognized for his work as a TV host, particularly on shows such as “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” and “Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee.” However, aside from hosting, he has also dabbled in acting. Similar to Larry King, he frequently portrayed himself in various roles, which includes appearances in “Little Nicky,” “Cheaper by the Dozen,” and “Seinfeld.” Notably, Philbin’s role in the Shrek series was an exception as he usually doesn’t take on characters other than himself.

3. Jon Hamm

Brogan The Ogre in Shrek Forever After

Jon Hamm gained significant recognition for his role as Don Draper in “Mad Men,” but he’s also made a lasting impression with various roles in films and television series. One character that might have slipped people’s minds is the one he played – Brogan – in “Shrek Forever After.” In an alternate world where Rumpelstiltskin governs Far Far Away, Brogan is among the ogres who join forces with Fiona in the resistance to combat him.

As a dedicated film enthusiast, I’m not the only recognizable face lending voice to an ogre in “Shrek Forever After.” Joining me are Jane Lynch and Craig Robinson, who may be familiar from their roles on “Glee” and “The Office,” respectively. There’s a possibility that these ogres could reappear in “Shrek 5,” given they make an appearance after Shrek returns to his original timeline. Until further plot details are unveiled, the outcome for these characters remains uncertain.

2. Seth Rogen

Ship Captain in Shrek The Third

Over the past couple of months, Seth Rogen has been garnering a significant amount of recognition for his part in AppleTV+’s witty series titled “The Studio”. This newest accolade is simply another addition to an illustrious career that began with his breakout performance in “Freaks and Geeks” and continued through his collaborations with Judd Apatow. Notably, his brief appearance in “Shrek the Third” seems to have slipped people’s minds.

Though Seth Rogen’s brief appearance as the ship captain who returns Arthur and Shrek to the kingdom of Far Far Away might be quickly forgotten, he has a rich history of notable voice acting roles. He’s lent his voice to characters such as Mantis in the Kung Fu Panda series, BOB in Monsters vs. Aliens, more recently, Pumbaa in the live-action adaptation of The Lion King, and Donkey Kong in The Super Mario Bros. Movie with DreamWorks Animation.

1. John Krasinski

Lancelot in Shrek The Third

Despite initially gaining prominence for his portrayal of Jim in The Office, John Krasinski has made significant efforts to break free from being stereotyped. He’s demonstrated this by directing and starring in A Quiet Place, as well as playing Jack Ryan in Amazon Prime Video’s suspense series, showing that he’s not just limited to comedy. Additionally, his career includes some voice roles, but his performance as Lancelot in Shrek the Third is merely a small part of his extensive portfolio.

In the movie, I made an appearance during Arthur’s initial scene, but my time on screen was short-lived, much like Shrek’s when he learned I wasn’t Arthur. At that stage of my career, taking such a minor role was part of the game. However, if cast in Shrek today, I probably wouldn’t be relegated to such a brief appearance. Interestingly, I’ve recently lent my voice to a character in my own fantasy comedy, IF, which hints that I might be open to more voice roles in the future.

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2025-05-25 16:52