In a world where a green ogre has become the comfort character for millennials, it is hard to imagine that in 1995, DreamWorks nearly canned Shrek.
Animation Test Leads to Crew Dismissal
In 2001, DreamWorks Animation released Shrek, a quirky fairy tale parody that became a global hit. However, its success was far from guaranteed, and at one point, the film almost never came to be.
Back in 1995, DreamWorks produced a one-minute test footage of Shrek, but the results were a disaster. The characters were unsettling and strange, far from the charm that would eventually define the movie. The animation felt off-putting, and the production manager was horrified by what he saw. With little confidence in the project, DreamWorks immediately halted production and dismissed the 40-person animation crew involved.
Despite having already invested millions, the studio faced a critical decision: scrap the project or attempt a last-ditch effort to save it. Rather than abandon the film, they transferred it to a CGI studio in Northern California.
This new team gave Shrek a much-needed makeover, opting for more polished and appealing character designs. The reworked style captured the balance between fairy tale whimsy and a modern, relatable look.
Even with its new direction, Shrek was not seen as a priority. Within DreamWorks, the project earned the derogatory nickname “the Gulag.” It became a place where animators were sent if they struggled on other films, particularly The Prince of Egypt, a project DreamWorks had higher hopes for. Being “Shreked” was a common phrase among employees, indicating that Shrek was viewed as little more than a backup assignment for animators who hadn’t hit their mark elsewhere.
Ironically, while The Prince of Egypt didn’t meet box office expectations, Shrek went on to surpass all odds. Upon its release in 2001, it grossed nearly $500 million worldwide, becoming one of the top-grossing films of the year. Its witty spin on classic fairy tales, sharp humor, and cutting-edge CGI struck a chord with audiences.
Historic Vids shared an interesting look into Shrek’s history on X.
“In 1995, DreamWorks produced a one-minute test footage of Shrek. When the production manager saw it, he was horrified-the characters appeared unsettling and bizarre. Production was halted immediately, and the 40-person crew was dismissed. The studio had already spent millions with little to show for it. The project was then transferred to a CGI studio in Northern California, which gave Shrek a more realistic appearance. Before its 2001 release, Shrek was considered by DreamWorks to be a low-priority project, often seen as a place where animators were sent after failing on other films. It was nicknamed “the Gulag.” If an artist didn’t succeed on The Prince of Egypt (a film that later underperformed), they were reassigned to Shrek, a process employees referred to as being “Shreked.”
In 1995, DreamWorks produced a one-minute test footage of Shrek. When the production manager saw it, he was horrified-the characters appeared unsettling and bizarre. Production was halted immediately, and the 40-person crew was dismissed.
The studio had already spent millions… pic.twitter.com/HBlyzk5Kuq
— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) October 13, 2024
The film wasn’t just a financial success; it was critically acclaimed, winning the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Shrek sparked a successful franchise, leading to sequels, spin-offs like Puss in Boots, holiday specials, and even a Broadway adaptation. Iconic performances from Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz made characters like Shrek, Donkey, and Princess Fiona household names.
Shrek 5 Production and Release Updates
Despite the animation test fiasco, DreamWorks has confirmed that production on Shrek 5 has not been completely halted. The studio has outlined a production timeline to recover from this setback, emphasizing their commitment to delivering a high-quality product. The anticipated release date has been officially set for July 1, 2026, positioning the film as a summer blockbuster.
Industry insiders speculate that DreamWorks is banking on a strong box office performance, given the nostalgia and fanfare surrounding the Shrek franchise. The success of the previous films, including recent spin-offs like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, has rekindled excitement in the franchise, encouraging studio executives to stay the course.
With a robust marketing strategy planned and the involvement of original cast members, there remains optimism about Shrek 5 achieving substantial box office revenues. Yet, there is a palpable concern that any further setbacks in production could jeopardize these financial forecasts.
Returning Cast Expectations
In a bid to maintain continuity and quality, DreamWorks has confirmed that the original main cast members—Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz—are set to reprise their iconic roles in Shrek 5. Their return is crucial, as it promises to resonate with fans who grew up with the franchise.
Furthermore, there are discussions about potential newcomers joining the voice cast. DreamWorks has not disclosed specific names, but the introduction of new characters could serve to refresh the narrative while still preserving the chemistry that made the original trio so beloved.
The expectation surrounding the chemistry among the returning cast members is significant. The previous films benefited from their dynamic interplay, making it a priority for DreamWorks to recapture that essence. Any further casting decisions will hinge on complementary roles that align with the established characters.
Future of the Shrek Franchise
The Shrek franchise extends beyond the fifth installment, as spin-off projects are reportedly in development, including a potential new Donkey-centric movie. The franchise has significantly evolved since the original release in 2001, consistently challenging animation norms and storytelling conventions.
With over two decades of history, Shrek has made a long-term impact on the animated film landscape, pushing boundaries with its distinctive humor and social commentary. DreamWorks aims to capitalize on this legacy while moving forward, indicating that there are more stories yet to be told in the world of Far, Far Away.
In conclusion, while the recent crew dismissals present challenges, the overall trajectory of the Shrek franchise appears promising. The enthusiasm surrounding Shrek 5 and the potential for additional spin-offs indicate that DreamWorks is eager to engage with its audience while innovating within the animated space. With the right steps taken, the franchise may very well maintain its momentum well into the future.
Did you know that Shrek was nearly cut from DreamWorks for good?
