Mike Myers on getting casted as ‘Shrek’
Mike Myers recounted on the virtually unbelievable timing of getting provided the position of Shrek.
In a latest interview with Vulture, the actor shared the amusing and surprising circumstances below which he was pitched the position of voicing the titular inexperienced ogre.
The chance got here from DreamWorks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg, who approached Myers instantly after the emotional world premiere of Steven Spielberg’s Saving Personal Ryan.
“I went to the premiere of Saving Private Ryan, and Jeffrey Katzenberg comes up to me afterward in the lobby and brings his daughters, who then do the dance sequence from Austin Powers,” Myers recalled.
“This was after such a heavy movie, and I was in tears because my parents were in World War II. I was shell-shocked, and then they’re doing the dance, and I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s great. Read a room!’”
Katzenberg seized the second to ask Myers if he’d ever contemplate doing an animated movie. Myers agreed, however when Katzenberg talked about the undertaking was known as Shrek, the actor’s first response was lower than enthusiastic.
“Well, that’s the worst f–king title I’ve ever heard in my life,” Myers advised Katzenberg with out hesitation. “It’s the sound you make after drinking too many Molson Canadians. ‘Agh! Shreck!’”
Regardless of his preliminary response, Katzenberg satisfied Myers to provide the idea an opportunity. “He said, ‘Just come down and see it,’” Myers shared. After previewing the thought, the actor’s perspective shifted.
“I saw it and I liked that it turned fairy tales on its head. I thought that was really, really smart,” Myers defined.
“The fairy tale is a Eurocentric form, dealing with class, right? To say, ‘Yes, we know it’s Eurocentric, but it can be more inventive and inclusive.’ And to have an African American voice in Donkey in it, I thought it was brilliant.”
Shrek finally grew to become a world hit, incomes widespread acclaim and cementing its place as probably the most beloved animated franchises. Myers’ portrayal of the grumpy but endearing ogre stays considered one of his most iconic roles.