A few years ago a story reel went up online depicting a very different version of Shrek. Mike Myers’ famous Shrek voice was gone, replaced by someone else. The reason for that is Chris Farley was actually first cast in the lead role, with Myers only taking Farley’s place after his death in 1997. This story reel, that went largely unnoticed at the time, plays a recording that Farley had done for Shrek before he died.
It’s easy to see how Farley’s voice lent a much different tone to the character of Shrek. While Myers’ take is still reflective at times, it’s in a very Hulk kind of way, with seething rage just under the surface. From what this clip shows, Farley’s Shrek would have been much gentler, and not reliant on a weird accent to keep your attention.
The reason this reel is circling the web once again is because of the new documentary – I Am Chris Farley – that is playing in limited theaters currently. The documentary gives an in depth look to Farley’s life, and includes interviews with other actors who knew him well, such as David Spade, and Adam Sandler. It also contains even more recordings that Farley did for Shrek before his passing. I Am Chris Farley will premiere on Spike Monday, August 10th at 9pm ET/PT, with VOD, DVD, blu-ray, and digital downloads of it available the following day (August 11, 2015).
[IGN] & [I Am Chris Farley]
