Shrek has grow to be a cultural touchstone for a number of generations, as viewers of various ages proceed to be charmed by the gruff however lovable ogre’s adventures. Moviegoers could not have identified what to anticipate from the franchise’s inaugural installment from 2001, and that was additionally true of solid member John Lithgow. The veteran actor was certainly impressed when he was pitched his character, Lord Farquaad. Nevertheless it seems the Hollywood heavy hitter had one factor pegged incorrectly in regards to the movie.
John Lithgow’s been busy as of late, selling his 2025 film schedule launch, The Rule of Jenny Pen, following awards season. He’ll additionally stay booked, as he is been solid as Dumbledore in Max’s Harry Potter sequence, . Forward of that, although, the star caught up with Selection (by way of YouTube) to reminisce about his profession highlights, beginning with the villainous ruler of Duloc. And, proper off the bat, he revealed the main false impression he had in regards to the DreamWorks manufacturing:
I believed it was like a Saturday morning cartoon or one thing. Not a giant deal. I learn my dialogue. They confirmed me a maquette of this little character, Lord Farquaad. And so they confirmed me lots of storyboards, animated storyboards. And I believed, nicely, this appears to be like like enjoyable. These writers had been all there, they usually form of pitched what was humorous about this character.
Whereas I believe a Shrek TV present may very well be lots enjoyable, I’m glad it simply exists as a film franchise. It is actually stunning to listen to that Lithgow didn’t assume he was engaged on a film, particularly given the studio concerned. Nonetheless, Lord Farquaad does give off the vibes of a traditional Saturday morning villain. On a aspect be aware, I additionally want I may’ve been a fly on the wall for these pitch conferences.
In fact, in time, John Lithgow realized what he’d grow to be part of. Nevertheless, he nonetheless had a to be taught a factor or two when it got here to being a part of an animated manufacturing. The Outdated Man alum went on to elucidate that he turned considerably overwhelmed by the behind-the-scenes logistics, particularly simply how lengthy the work lasted in complete:
The curious factor was that was, like, 4 years earlier than we ever noticed Shrek. And they might deliver me again in as soon as each eight months or so to report some new materials. And it was like, ‘Oh, I gotta do that Shrek factor once more? What is that this?’
Animated films take some time to provide for quite a lot of causes, equivalent to script rewrites, character design tweaks and extra. Within the case of this movie, Chris Farley initially voiced the titular ogre and recorded strains earlier than his tragic demise in 1997. Mike Myers then stepped in to take the position and, as John Lithgow recalled, Myers needed to find yourself re-recording the whole movie, as a result of the producers most well-liked he use a Scottish accent.
The solid and crew’s work paid off, although, because the franchise remains to be going sturdy over 20 years later. Followers had been only in the near past handled to a Shrek 5 first look, which revealed new character designs for the primary character, Donkey and Princess Fiona. Shrek and Fiona’s now-teenage daughter, Felicia (voiced by Zendaya), additionally appeared within the footage. Followers debated the animation model, with one even “fixing” it and being praised for the tweaks.
It stays unclear as as to if (the deceased) Lord Farquaad will return, although John Lithgow is open to reprising the position. And, ought to Lithgow rejoin the franchise sooner or later, I am certain he’ll be totally conscious he is engaged on a movie — and one that might take years to finish.
Relive all of the Shrek enjoyable by streaming the primary three movies with a Peacock subscription and the fourth with a Max subscription.