Before Mike Myers was Shrek, it was Chris Farley
Before Mike Myers became the voice of Shrek 25 years ago, the role was originally intended for fellow Saturday Night Live alumnus Chris Farley. However, Farley’s death in 1997 forced DreamWorks Animation to recast the character, ultimately leading to Myers delivering the Scottish-accented performance that defined the blockbuster franchise.
The original vision for the character differed from what audiences eventually experienced in theaters. While Shrek was always conceived as a big, green ogre voiced by an SNL veteran, the character was not originally intended to have a Scottish accent. Farley’s unexpected passing years before the film’s production advanced significantly created an opportunity for the studio to reimagine the role.
The decision to cast Myers proved successful, as Shrek became a major commercial and cultural phenomenon, spawning multiple sequels, spinoffs, and extensive merchandising opportunities. The franchise’s success has endured for more than two decades. As the film approaches its 25th anniversary, the question of what Farley’s version of the character might have brought to the role remains a subject of speculation among fans and industry observers alike.