Tyla

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Not now
OK
Advert
Advert
Advert

Shrek Was Supposed To Have A Different Accent And Our Minds Are Blown

Mary-Jane Wiltsher

Published 
| Last updated 

Shrek Was Supposed To Have A Different Accent And Our Minds Are Blown

Featured Image Credit: DreamWorks

Shrek is so cemented in the movie hall of fame that it's impossible to imagine it being done any differently.

So, naturally, our minds were blown when we discovered that the loveable green ogre, whose voice is an earthy-but-gentle variety of Scottish, was originally meant to have an entirely different accent.

Intrigued? We thought so.

Originally, the late comedian Chris Farley was set to voice the title role of Shrek, but tragically died of a heart attack before production on the film was wound up.

Advert
Shrek's Scottish accent was originally intended to be something rather different (Credit: DreamWorks)
Shrek's Scottish accent was originally intended to be something rather different (Credit: DreamWorks)

Mike Myers then stepped in as Chris' replacement, re-recording every line of dialogue.

With the dialogue finished in 1999, by 2000 Mike was able to view an initial edit of the movie, which threw up a big problem: the actor wasn't a fan of Shrek's accent.

With Mike hailing from Scarborough, Canada, the central ogre had a Canadian accent.

Advert

The Canadian tones were an evolution from the New York accent that Chris Farley had used for the title part.

CBR reports that, at the eleventh hour, Mike asked to re-record all of Shrek's dialogue in a Scottish timbre.

The actor's logic was that Shrek should have a more 'working class' accent, in direct contrast with the villainous Lord Farquaad, who has a cut-glass English accent.

Loading…

Advert

Mike also reasoned that a Scottish accent would make the lead ogre seem more vulnerable - and therefore relatable.

The substantial edit reportedly cost producers in the region of $4 and $5 million.

Luckily, Shrek was a box office smash and more than made up for it, taking home over $24 million and spawning an entire franchise.

It's incredible to think that the Shrek we know and love was originally something entirely different - voice-wise, at least.

Advert

Shrek with a Canadian accent? It's about as easy to imagine as Eddie Murphy's Donkey being voiced by Dot Cotton.

Topics: TV and Film

Mary-Jane Wiltsher
More like this
Advert
Advert
Advert

Chosen for YouChosen for You

Life

Conjoined twin Abby Hensel is now married

32 minutes ago

Most Read StoriesMost Read

Conjoined twin Abby Hensel is now married

32 minutes ago