Originally Slated To Voice Shrek: Surprising Casting Notes
The actor originally supposed to voice Shrek was Chris Farley, who was cast in the role before his death in 1997. DreamWorks later recast the character with Mike Myers, whose performance became the version audiences know today.
The original casting
Chris Farley was the first actor attached to Shrek, and the role was reportedly developed with him in mind. Available reporting says he had already recorded a large share of the dialogue before the production changed course after his death. That makes the answer to the question "who was supposed to voice Shrek" simple on the surface, even though the behind-the-scenes story is more complicated.
Farley's version is often described as a different creative lane for the film, with a more straightforward comedic tone and a voice closer to his own persona. When fans ask about the Shrek voice that almost happened, they are usually referring to this unreleased early version that was replaced before the final movie was completed.
Why the role changed
The key reason for the recast was Farley's death at age 33 in December 1997, well before the 2001 release of Shrek. After that, Mike Myers stepped in and reshaped the part, ultimately giving Shrek the Scottish accent that became iconic. The final performance changed the character's rhythm, humor, and cultural footprint in a major way.
That change matters because animation voice casting can alter a character as much as design or scripting can. In Shrek's case, the switch from Farley to Myers became one of the most famous recasting stories in modern animation, and it helped define the movie's tone for an entire franchise.
What the early version was like
Reports over the years have said Farley had recorded a substantial amount of material, though estimates vary by source. Some coverage has claimed he had completed most of the dialogue, while later stories have suggested an audio trail existed that showed how different the character could have sounded. The broad historical point is clear: Farley's Shrek got far enough into production to leave a meaningful creative footprint.
"Before Mike Myers took on the role of big green ogre Shrek, funnyman Chris Farley was set to voice the character."
That quote captures the central fact, but it also reflects how much the film's identity changed when the production pivoted. The final Shrek franchise owes part of its tone to that change, because Myers's delivery gave the character more irony, more bite, and a more distinct regional identity.
Timeline of events
The simplest way to understand the casting history is to place the major milestones in order. This timeline shows how the project moved from one voice to another before audiences ever saw the finished film.
- Chris Farley is cast as Shrek during early development.
- Farley records a significant portion of the dialogue.
- Farley dies in 1997, leaving the role unfinished.
- Mike Myers is brought in to replace him.
- Myers later re-records the part with a Scottish accent.
- Shrek is released in 2001 and becomes a major hit.
Voice comparison
The contrast between the two versions is one reason this story still attracts attention. Farley was associated with a broader, more physical comedic style, while Myers brought a layered, slightly world-weary energy to the ogre. The final film's voice became inseparable from the character's personality.
| Version | Actor | Status | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early cast | Chris Farley | Original choice | Recorded a large amount of dialogue |
| Final cast | Mike Myers | Released performance | Scottish accent and reworked delivery |
| Supporting role | Eddie Murphy | Released performance | Voiced Donkey, helping define the film's comedy |
Why fans still care
This question remains popular because it sits at the intersection of celebrity history, film production, and "what if" entertainment lore. Fans are not only asking who was supposed to voice Shrek; they are asking how different the movie might have felt if the original casting had survived intact. The answer is important because the final performance is so recognizable that it now feels inevitable.
There is also a broader industry lesson here. In animation, a voice can guide character animation, timing, and writing decisions, which means a recast is never just a one-line substitution. The original voice can shape a project's first identity, while the replacement can define its legacy.
Context in animation history
Shrek's casting history is one of the better-known examples of how production changes can influence a film's final form. Although many animated films evolve during development, few have a backstory as emotionally charged as this one. The combination of a tragic loss and a hugely successful recast turned a routine studio decision into lasting pop-culture trivia.
As a result, the question "who was supposed to voice Shrek" now has a clear answer with a much larger story behind it. Farley was the intended voice, Myers became the definitive voice, and the final character emerged from that transition.
Frequently asked questions
Why the answer matters
The short answer is that Chris Farley was supposed to voice Shrek, but the longer answer explains why the finished character belongs to Mike Myers in the public imagination. That shift is part of what makes Shrek such an unusual case study in casting history, because the role changed hands before the movie became a cultural phenomenon.
For readers, the most useful takeaway is simple: if you are asking who was supposed to voice Shrek, the answer is Chris Farley. If you are asking who made the role famous, the answer is Mike Myers.
Helpful tips and tricks for Originally Slated To Voice Shrek Surprising Casting Notes
Who was originally cast as Shrek?
Chris Farley was originally cast to voice Shrek, and he had reportedly recorded a significant amount of material before the role was recast after his death.
Who voiced Shrek in the final movie?
Mike Myers voiced Shrek in the released 2001 film, and his Scottish accent became one of the character's most recognizable traits.
Did Chris Farley finish all of his lines?
No, he did not finish the role before the production changed direction, although reports indicate he recorded a substantial portion of the dialogue.
Why did Mike Myers replace him?
Mike Myers replaced Chris Farley after Farley died in 1997, which forced the studio to recast the role during production.
Was Shrek always meant to sound Scottish?
No, the Scottish accent was Mike Myers's creative choice later in production, and it was not part of the original Farley version.