12 Ridiculous Early Concept Designs Of Iconic Characters

The ogre had to go through quite a few changes before becoming the meme he is today. First, the actor playing him had to change. With Chris Farley passing away before the film could be completed, Dreamworks poached Mike Myers for the role that would eventually endure longer than any of his other signature characters.

The script was rewritten, going an entirely different direction than the reluctant teenage ogre that Farley was reportedly portraying. In his place was a bitter cynical hero who just wanted everyone out of his swamp. This change in character called for a redesign. Out went the garish wardrobe and pointed head, more reminiscent of the children's book the movie was based on; in was a simple broad shouldered tough looking bruiser with edamame colored skin.

The whole package would not be completed until after the film had already been recorded, with Myers souring on the staunchly Canadian voice he originally employed, instead coming to favor his signature Scottish accent which had already been made famous from his All Things Scottish sketch in Saturday Night Live, and Fat Bastard from Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.

Without all these changes taking place, Shrek could have been just another forgotten family movie, rather than the cultural touchstone it is today. Shrek is love. Shrek is life.