Shrek film series
The "Shrek" film series is a popular animated franchise based on William Steig's children's book, centering on a gruff yet kind-hearted ogre named Shrek. The franchise began with the release of the first film in 2001, which follows Shrek as he embarks on an unexpected adventure in the Kingdom of Far, Far Away, meeting characters like Donkey and Princess Fiona along the way. The film was a commercial success, grossing nearly $268 million domestically and winning the inaugural Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Due to its popularity, "Shrek" spawned several sequels, including "Shrek 2" (2004), which became the highest-grossing animated film at the time, and "Shrek the Third" (2007), which continued to attract audiences despite mixed reviews. The final installment, "Shrek Forever After," was released in 2010. The series is notable for its cultural impact, having redefined the animated genre and inspired various spinoffs and merchandise, including a Broadway musical that received multiple Tony Award nominations. Overall, the "Shrek" franchise is celebrated for its humor, memorable characters, and significant contributions to animated film history.
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Shrek film series
Executive Producer: Jeffrey Katzenberg (b. 1950)
Date: Released on May 18, 2001; May 19, 2004; May 18, 2007; May 21, 2010
Based on the children’s book by William Steig, the Shrek film franchise follows the many adventures of a gruff yet kindhearted ogre named Shrek. The popular series spawned several sequels and spinoffs and was one of the highest-grossing film franchises of the decade.
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg purchased the rights to William Steig’s book Shrek! in1991. Chris Farley was to star as the ogre, but he died during production of the first movie in the series, Shrek. Comedian Mike Myers took his place, giving the character his signature Scottish brogue. Cameron Diaz voiced Princess Fiona, while Eddie Murphy voiced Donkey. Production of the first film was completed in 2001.
Shrek, a reclusive ogre in the Kingdom of Far, Far Away, unwillingly embarks on an adventure because of an unjust mandate against magical beings. Along the way, he meets Donkey and the beautiful Princess Fiona, and he discovers the importance of love and friendship. Shrek made more than $40 million in its opening weekend and grossed almost $268 million domestically. The film also won an Academy Award for best animated feature.
After the success of the first film, the original cast returned for Shrek 2, released in 2004. In the second installment, Shrek competes with a handsome prince for the love of Princess Fiona. The film made more than $100 million in its opening weekend and grossed nearly $437 million domestically and more than $919 million worldwide. Shrek 2 won four People’s Choice Awards and earned an Academy Award nomination for best animated feature.
Following Shrek 2’s success, two more Shrek films, with all the main actors attached, were announced. In Shrek the Third (2007), Shrek’s marriage to Princess Fiona puts him in line for the throne after the king’s death. Despite mixed reviews, audiences responded favorably and the film out-grossed Shrek 2’s opening weekend, generating more than $121 million. The film earned an impressive $800 million overall. The fourth feature-length film in the franchise, Shrek Forever After, opened on May 21, 2010.
Impact
Shrek was the first film to receive an animated feature Oscar, an award that has given new meaning and heft to animated entertainment. The series went on to become the highest-grossing animated movie franchise in history. Its popularity continued to attract moviegoers, and several movie spinoffs were produced, as well as animated television specials. The Shrek story was developed as a Broadway musical in 2008, earning eight Tony Award nominations.
Bibliography
“Box Office / Business for Shrek.” IMDb. IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 7 Dec. 2012.
“Box Office / Business for Shrek the Third.” IMDb. IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 7 Dec. 2012.
“The Highest Grossing Movie Franchises of All Time.” CNBC. CNBC LLC, n.d. Web. 7 Dec. 2012.
“Shrek 2 Awards.” IMDb. IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 7 Dec. 2012.