Michael Myers was not the original actor selected for the role of Shrek in the beloved animated film. In fact, the initial choice, Chris Farley, had already recorded approximately “85 per cent” of his lines prior to Myers being brought on board later in the production process.
Chris Farley, an iconic comedian celebrated for his energetic performances on Saturday Night Live, had a distinctive comedic style and a unique voice that made him a favorite among fans.
However, his battle with substance abuse loomed over his career. Tragically, Farley passed away in 1997 at the young age of 33 after overdosing on a combination of cocaine and morphine, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and unforgettable characters.
Before his untimely death, Farley had begun working on Shrek, and his portrayal of the title character was notably different from that of Myers.
While Myers ultimately delivered a performance characterized by a faux-Scottish accent that has since become iconic, Farley’s interpretation leaned closer to his natural voice, infusing the character with his own brand of humor and warmth.
This alternate approach would have given audiences a distinctly different take on the beloved ogre, showcasing Farley’s comedic talent in a new light.
There exists a fascinating piece of test footage that features partially drawn scenes of the character that Chris Farley originally voiced, alongside Eddie Murphy’s iconic role.
This material offers a glimpse into the early development of the beloved animated film and serves as a poignant reminder of what could have been had Farley’s untimely passing not occurred.
Years later, Mike Myers opened up about stepping into the role after Farley, revealing an intriguing aspect of the casting process.
In an interview with Vulture, he candidly shared that he was completely unaware that he was brought in as a replacement for Farley.
During one of his meetings regarding the project, he noticed a striking maquette, or miniature statue, crafted from clay that depicted all the characters. What particularly stood out to him was that the character of Shrek bore an uncanny resemblance to Chris Farley.
Curious about the origins of this character design, Myers asked the team, “Guys, was this offered to Chris Farley and then he died?”
The room fell into an uncomfortable silence as everyone avoided his gaze, staring down at their shoes. Myers pressed on, seeking clarification: “No, but seriously?”
After a tense pause, he received a straightforward response, “No.” This exchange left him with a bittersweet understanding as he realised the profound impact Farley could have had on the role and the film itself.
“I get in the parking lot, and I go, ‘I think this was Farley’s.’ It was! I was right, but they didn’t tell me.”
Farley’s brother John was offered by the studio to complete his lines, as he apparently only had five days left of filming. He stated that he just wasn’t able to do it however, and the role was recast.