I Need to See the Original Version of Shrek Before Mike Myers’ Big Change

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When you picture Shrek, Mike Myers’ distinctive Scottish brogue might spontaneously come to mind. The voice and character are so intertwined that it can be challenging to envision Shrek with any other voice. But before Myers perfected the accent, DreamWorks initially conceived a significantly different interpretation of the movie.

It’s interesting to note that Shrek’s voice acting was recorded three times over due to some changes in casting and scripting. Originally, Chris Farley was chosen as the ogre, but before he could finish his lines completely, he unfortunately passed away in 1997. Mike Myers took over the role afterwards, wanting a fresh take on the character by asking for a full rewrite of the script to make Shrek unique to him. However, this initial recording didn’t quite capture the lovable Shrek we came to know and appreciate. It wasn’t until viewing an early version of the movie that Myers decided to re-record his lines once more, this time adopting a distinctive Scottish brogue – which ultimately became the voice of our beloved Shrek.

What We Know About the Lost Versions of Shrek

In the podcast Bad Friends, David Spade mentioned that Chris Farley was recording nearly finished scenes for Shrek when he passed away, just five days remaining. This left the performance untouched and incomplete. Eventually, a sample of Farley’s dialogue from the storyboard found its way online, giving fans a glimpse into his heartfelt and sensitive portrayal of the character. Fans saw parallels between Shrek’s character development and Farley’s own ambition to break free from the stereotypes in Hollywood, but unfortunately, it never came to fruition.

Following his acceptance of the role, Myers conducted numerous trials before finding success. In the DVD commentary, he recalls attempting a “Lothar of the Hill People” voice, which was inspired by an SNL sketch. At first, he kept to his North American accent, and only brief snippets of the early recordings have been discovered. The random spliced fragments lack intensity; watching the established version, it seems as if something essential is omitted. However, it’s difficult to turn away. It would be intriguing beyond belief to view the entire early cut and witness how much the accent influenced the final outcome.

Following Myers’ request to re-record everything using an accent inspired by his mother’s bedtime stories, producer Jeffrey Katzenberg heard a sample and felt it was worth the expense, stating to The Guardian, “It was so impressive we removed $4 million from our animation budget and did it again.” However, Myers later contested the figures, asserting that it merely involved doubling his own recording sessions without any additional compensation. Regardless of the financial details, it was deemed a worthwhile endeavor. As per Myers, the Scottish twist gave the script a fresh dimension. This led to funnier jokes and a more defined rhythm.

It’s intriguing to ponder the numerous alternative versions of Shrek that could have been, as some variations didn’t ultimately make it into the final film. Initially, Steven Spielberg had plans for Bill Murray to voice Shrek back in 1991 when he acquired the book rights. Later on, Nicolas Cage was given the part before Farley, but he declined due to concerns about being forever associated with the swamp creature’s image. Remarkably, DreamWorks ended up choosing the interpretation they did, despite Myers not initially being considered for the role early on.

Did Myers’ Accent Save The Swamp?

Re-phrasing the given text: The missing clips clearly highlight that the Scottish accent used by Myers for the character was brilliantly ingenious. It provided the character with a unique, eccentric identity that seemed exceptionally specific, rustic, and unlike any other Disney hero. Had Shrek spoken with a Canadian accent, he might have been charming, but he wouldn’t have had the same larger-than-life impact. Myers’ version of the character is gruff, sarcastic, cynical, and blunt, making it even more appealing when warmth emerges from under that tough exterior.

The new voice altered the pace of the comedy, allowing Mike Myers to engage with Eddie Murphy’s energetic Donkey through humorous Scottish banter. As a result, Myers played the more reserved character in their duo, offering a balance to Donkey’s unending chatter that could have dominated the film otherwise. The unusual pairing of Donkey’s infectious enthusiasm and Shrek’s gruff accent created an ideal dynamic.

Myers’ decision undeniably gave Shrek an enduring quality. His voice transcends any specific linguistic styles or rhythmic patterns prevalent in the late 90s. Instead, it possesses a unique charm that is both specific and universal, adding a touch of folklore to the storyline which effectively mocks traditional fairy tales. The distinctive Scottish accent of Shrek significantly contributed to its uniqueness, positioning DreamWorks to compete with Disney in terms of box office success.

DreamWorks Without Scottish Shrek

If DreamWorks had kept Mike Myers’ original accent for Shrek in the movie, it might have still been a hit due to its compelling story, stunning animation, and catchy music. However, would it have become an international sensation like it did? Would we still be using quotes from Shrek today, trying to mimic bad Scottish accents? Would it have won the first-ever Academy Award for Animated Feature? Would it have led to three (and possibly four) sequels, a Puss in Boots spin-off series, and theme park attractions? It’s challenging to envision that level of cultural impact without famous one-liners such as “That’ll do, Donkey, that’ll do.

At that point in time, DreamWorks was just finding its unique footing amidst fierce competition from Disney and Pixar. The audience wasn’t as enthused about their offerings. However, the rough-around-the-edges humor of Shrek, particularly its thick Scottish accent, and the style suggested by Mike Myers for a rewrite, significantly shaped DreamWorks’ identity. This tone was something Disney wouldn’t venture into, and it helped DreamWorks establish its position. Perhaps without it, DreamWorks might not have found the same level of success. Essentially, the Scottish accent in Shrek might not only have saved the character but also potentially saved DreamWorks as a studio.

It’s clear that viewing the initial Myers cut would be fascinating, not because it might surpass the final edition, but because it provides a look at a critical juncture where one choice significantly impacted an entire studio’s path. With enough time having passed and the Shrek legacy solidified, fans should have the opportunity to explore an alternate universe in which the lovable ogre originated from a Toronto swamp.

Is it your opinion that Mike Myers’ accent played a crucial role in the success of Shrek, or could the movie have been equally entertaining without it?

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2025-09-09 16:11