14 things you probably didn't know about 'Shrek'

Christina DambrosioJun 18, 2020, 02:36 IST

"Shrek" was released in 2001.Dreamwork Animation

Following its 2001 release, "Shrek," and its sequels, earned a large fan base.
"Shrek 2" (2004) is still among the top-grossing animated films, and it's the only non-Disney film in the top five.
"Shrek" is based on a children's book from 1990 called "Shrek!"
Fans of "Shrek" may also be surprised to learn that some of the main characters were recast throughout production.

When DreamWorks released "Shrek" (2001), the film found a large fan base who admired its twist on stereotypical fairy-tale tropes.

Since its release, "Shrek" has continued to maintain popularity in the age of the internet. But even die-hard fans might not know about everything that went into the making of the film.

Here are some surprising fun facts about "Shrek."

"Shrek" is actually based on a children's book from 1990.

William Steig wrote the book in 1990. Amazon

Some of the film's writers had previous experience in animation.

Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio helped write Disney's "Aladdin." Disney

"Saturday Night Live" legend Chris Farley originally voiced the ogre.

Chris Farley died in 1997 before finishing the film. Steve.Granitz/Getty Images

Shrek almost had a different accent because of Myers.

Mike Myers was the voice of Shrek. Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Nicolas Cage said he turned down the role of Shrek because of how children would see him.

Nicolas Cage was also asked to voice Shrek. Jason Kempin / Staff / Getty Images

Cameron Diaz wasn't the original voice for Princess Fiona.

Fiona was originally voiced by Janeane Garofalo. DreamWorks

"Shrek" saved DreamWorks Animation, according to the studio's cofounder.

"Shrek" brought in a lot of money at DreamWorks. DreamWorks

Actor John Lithgow went against his usual standards to voice Lord Farquaad.

John Lithgow voiced Lord Farquaad in "Shrek." Taylor Jewell/Invision/AP

"Shrek" won the first Academy Award for best animated feature.

"Shrek" won an Oscar for best animated feature film. DreamWork Animations

Shrek's name stems from the Yiddish word for "terrible."

Shrek is meant to be pretty terrible throughout the film. DreamWorks Animation

"Shrek" has been adapted into a stage musical.

Brian d'Arcy James as Shrek posing backstage with Mike Myers. Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic

The "Shrek" franchise still has a large community of fans online.

People still seem to love "Shrek." DreamWork Pictures

"Shrek 2" was the highest-grossing film worldwide in 2004, and it's still one of the top-five highest-grossing animated films.

"Shrek 2" is still one of the top-grossing animated films. DreamWork Pictures

In 2016, Universal screenwriter Michael McCullers confirmed a fifth "Shrek" movie is in the works, but there's no news of its release yet.

Universal is working on "Shrek 5." DreamWorks Animation

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