Mike Myers has recently revealed that he’d be ecstatic to make even more films to add to the Shrek franchise. The 58-year-old actor may be best known for his Emmy Award-winning work on SNL, along with roles in the Wayne's World and Austin Powers franchises as well. However, aside from all of his previous outstanding work, he has been universally recognized as the voice of the animated, beloved ogre since the release of Shrek back in 2001.
Myers' more recent work includes the brand-new Netflix show The Pentaverate, where he portrays a multitude of different characters, highlighting his incredible range as an actor. Since the inception of DreamWorks' Shrek in 2001, it quickly became one of the highest-grossing films of that year, bringing in $487.9 million at the box office against a $60 million budget. The Shrek franchise has shattered prior expectations that usually go hand in hand with an animated ‘children’s film.’ Myers' infectious adult humor paired with his co-star Eddie Murphy's contagious charm is almost impossible not to fall in love with on-screen. Murphy starred as the sassy yet incredibly loyal donkey while Cameron Diaz portrayed princess Fiona.
Shrek went on to become the first recipient of the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. From there, the franchise continued to expand even further with the release of three more films, along with the spin-off feature Puss in Boots and a couple of short films. The original three stars that make up the adored trio all made a return to reprise their roles for each film as well. Now, during an interview with GQ, Myers has revealed that he is more than willing to return to the Shrek franchise.
He admitted that he has a certain affection for the character of Shrek and that being a part of the franchise was an experience he found truly special, one that he will always cherish. “I loved the idea of taking a fairy tale and turning it on its head, and having it be that all the traditional bad guys are good guys, and all the traditional good guys are bad guys," he stated. "I realized it's a dramatic role. I mean, halfway through I went, 'There's an emotional center here.' You know the old joke, 'I wouldn't want to be a member of a club that would have me as a member?'" I have always felt that way, the concept of going from a self-loathing ogre to a self-accepting ogre was meaningful to me. I love playing Shrek. If I had to do one Shrek a year, I'd be thrilled.”
Myers is absolutely right in that Shrek is not the typical ‘noble prince’ or ‘hero.' His character immediately breaks down the norms that come along with traditional fables and flips them on its head. Shrek tugs at your heartstrings and activates the heart, so it’s understandable why Myers is so eager to return to a character that brings so much love to audiences as well.
Shrek is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Source: GQ/YouTube