Discover in this animated fairytale about the development of Shrek’s legendary ensemble and their ongoing legacy.
Can an ogre define a fairytale?
Usually avoiding dark swamps and eccentric comedy, fairy tales also avoid these things. Shrek breaks every cliche however.
Starting in 2001, these animated parodies show us Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers), an anti-social monster who enjoys his alone in his swamp.
Everything changes, however, when the little Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) drives a whole group of fairytale characters to make up camp directly in Shrek’s cherished house.
What results from worlds colliding?
Shrek sets on an improbable mission to save Lord Farquaad’s bride from a terrifying, fire-breathing dragon when his placid existence is suddenly overtaken by dwarfs, unicorns, and other magical creatures.
Along with three follow-up films—Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, and Shrek Forever After—this wacky idea became an immediate hit with two spinoffs emphasizing the endearing feline sidekick, Puss in Boots.
Does the mythology have more to offer than first greets the eye?
The Shrek legacy keeps developing. Eddie Murphy, the always vibrant voice of Donkey, hinted for a fifth film during an interview with Collider in 2024.
Not too long thereafter, Universal Pictures verified the speculation by releasing a cast announcement video in February 2025.
Along with bringing a fresh talent—Zendaya, who will voice Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s daughter—the new film reunites iconic talents such Myers, Murphy, and Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona).
December 23, 2026 is Shrek 5’s projected theatrical release date.
The legendary voices guiding the magic are who?
Already a comic from his days on Saturday Night Live and his cult masterpieces like Wayne’s World and Austin Powers, Mike Myers brought Shrek to life with an obvious charm.
Myers returned in movies like Terminal and Bohemian Rhapsody after a little break following Shrek Forever After in 2010.
Especially, he told GQ in 2022 his affection for the character and that he would be happy to play the part again if given the opportunity.
Myers still honors family life with wife Kelly Tisdale and their three children while juggling his on-screen legacy.
Can the supporting actors help to preserve the magic?
Eddie Murphy, whose vibrant enthusiasm as Donkey started the Shrek franchise, already had a varied career having starred in Beverly Hills Cop, The Nutty Professor, and even serious parts in Dreamgirls and Mr. Church.
Cameron Diaz, who starred in The Mask and My Best Friend’s Wedding, gave Princess Fiona heart and comedy.
Later on, she broadened her portfolio with health and wellness books and spends her life loving and laughing with husband Benji Maddens and their two kids.
Reminding us that his career goes far beyond the cartoon feline, Spanish actor Antonio Banderas, who gave the character Puss in Boots his elegant appeal, has built an interesting route with films from Interview with a Vampire to Pain and Glory.
Who else helped to create this phenomena of fairy-tails?
John Lithgow, who portrayed the little but unforgettable Lord Farquaad in the original movie, has an illustrious career in theater, movies, and television, having won Emmys and Tonys among other honors.
From Mary Poppins to narrating Bridgerton, the great Julie Andrews—whose performance as Queen Lillian enhanced the far-flung country of Far Far Away—has mesmerized viewers.
While Rupert Everett’s performance as the suve Prince Charming contributed to the film’s magnetic appeal, comedy masterpieces like John Cleese (Fiona’s dad) and Jennifer Saunders (the crafty Fairy Godmother) injected their own spice to the series.
From ground-breaking newbies to award-winning veterans, every actor has made sure Shrek is a cherished pillar in the realm of animated fairytales.
Quick Facts: Shrek Original Cast & Legacy
- Starting a series with spinoffs and sequelues redefining fairytales, Shrek (2001)
- Setting the vocal legacy were Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz.
- Arriving December 23, 2026, new talent Zendaya joins as Felicia in Shrek 5.
- From John Lithgow, Julie Andrews, John Cleese, and Jennifer Saunders, iconic performances.
- The plot of Shrek gently questions accepted fairytale clichés.