The Untold Story of 'Shrek': Farley's Recordings and Myers's Creative Rebirth

Chris Farley was originally cast as Shrek and had recorded the majority of his lines for the film before his untimely death. In fact, Farley had completed around 85% of his dialogue prior to passing away in December 1997. There was initial discussion about having someone impersonate Farley to voice the remaining 15%, but ultimately, the producers decided to bring in Mike Myers to perform his own version of the character.

The studio faced a challenging year trying to find a solution, with many considering various options until Mike Myers joined the project. As director Andrew Adamson explained:

“We spent a year banging our heads against the wall until Mike Myers came on board. Chris’s Shrek and Mike’s Shrek are really two completely different characters, as much as Chris and Mike are two entirely different people.”

Myers requested that the script be entirely rewritten so that he would not be starring in what would have been Chris Farley’s version of the film.

This decision ultimately shaped the iconic character we know today. Myers’s involvement brought a new energy and personality to Shrek, transforming him into a beloved figure in animation history. The story highlights how unforeseen circumstances can dramatically alter a film’s development, yet also lead to creative breakthroughs.

Despite the tragic loss of Farley, his initial recordings remain a testament to his talent and potential. His work on Shrek is remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike, serving as a poignant reminder of what might have been.