Inspiration:
* William Steig's Book: The foundation of Shrek was William Steig's 1990 children's book "Shrek!". Steig's book features a grumpy, green ogre who lives in a swamp and is visited by a talking donkey. This established the character's core personality and setting.
* Fairytale Parodies: The film's creators were inspired by the growing trend of fairytale parodies, like "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." They aimed to subvert traditional fairy tale tropes and create a fresh, humorous take.
* Modern Comedy: The team wanted to inject modern humor into the classic fairytale format. They drew inspiration from comedic duos like Abbott and Costello and the witty, satirical nature of films like "Airplane!"
Collaboration:
* DreamWorks' Formation: Shrek was created during the early days of DreamWorks Animation. The studio was known for its ambition and willingness to push boundaries in animation.
* Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson's Vision: Directors Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, along with screenwriter Ted Elliott, had a clear vision for Shrek's character and story. They wanted him to be both humorous and relatable, a misunderstood creature with a heart of gold.
* Voice Acting: Mike Myers' iconic voice acting as Shrek was instrumental in defining the character. Myers' comedic timing and ability to play both grumpy and vulnerable made Shrek instantly recognizable.
Happy Accidents:
* Shrek's Design: Shrek's initial design was a more traditionally grotesque ogre. However, during the animation process, the artists accidentally gave him large ears, which ended up adding to his charm and made him more approachable.
* The Donkey: The character of Donkey wasn't originally planned. He was added as a way to provide comedic relief and to give Shrek someone to interact with. Eddie Murphy's energetic voice acting made Donkey a major fan favorite.
Shrek's Evolution:
Shrek became a cultural phenomenon and sparked a franchise. The character evolved over the course of the films, showcasing his softer side and developing his relationship with Princess Fiona. However, his core personality – grumpy yet lovable – remained consistent, ensuring his enduring appeal.
In summary, Shrek's creation involved a blend of inspiration, collaboration, and happy accidents, resulting in a unique and beloved character that continues to resonate with audiences today.