Mike Myers recently recounted the surprising and somewhat surreal circumstances under which he was offered the role of Shrek. In an interview with Vulture, the actor revealed how the opportunity arose during an emotionally charged moment following the world premiere of Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan.
According to Mike Myers, DreamWorks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg approached him in the theater lobby immediately after the powerful film’s conclusion. “I was in tears because my parents were in World War II, and the movie hit close to home,” Mike Myers shared. Still processing the heavy emotions, he was caught off guard when Katzenberg introduced his daughters, who performed the dance sequence from Austin Powers right there in the lobby. “It was so out of place,” Myers recalled with a laugh. “I was thinking, ‘Read the room!’”
Amid this unexpected moment, Katzenberg proposed an animated film project. Mike Myers expressed interest but balked when Katzenberg revealed the title: Shrek. “I told him, ‘That’s the worst title I’ve ever heard. It sounds like the noise you make after too many Molson Canadians!’” Myers joked.
Despite his initial skepticism, Katzenberg convinced him to take a closer look. When Myers previewed the project, his perspective shifted. He was drawn to the film’s unique approach to storytelling. “I loved how it flipped fairy tales on their heads,” he explained. “Fairy tales are traditionally Eurocentric and tied to ideas of class. Shrek was irreverent, inclusive, and inventive. Plus, casting Eddie Murphy as Donkey brought a fresh dynamic that I thought was brilliant.”
Myers ultimately agreed to voice the titular ogre, bringing a mix of humor, heart, and relatability to the role. Shrek went on to become a cultural phenomenon, earning critical and commercial acclaim and spawning a beloved franchise. Myers’ portrayal of the grumpy but lovable ogre remains one of his most iconic performances.
Reflecting on the experience, Myers marveled at the unexpected path that led him to Shrek. “It was such a strange moment, but I’m glad I took the leap,” he said.