The Shrek movies are among the most beloved animated franchises and highest-grossing films. It includes Shrek, Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, and Shrek Forever After and has numerous shorts and a Puss in Boots spin-off. The ogre-centered storyline receives applause for its realistic take on fairy tales.
Shrek and Shrek 2 received critical acclaim for their holistic storylines while Shrek the Third has been widely shunned by critics and fans alike. Some of its reception, both positive and otherwise, can be attributed to voice actors. Characters have been voiced by some of the most iconic actors. Many voice actors brought a new life to their roles, but some failed to make their characters memorable.
10 Fell Short: Eric Idle As Merlin Was Not Helped By The Plot
Save for a Donkey and Puss body switch, fans hardly remember Merlin being in Shrek the Third. The third installment—as well as its numerous protagonists—is largely seen as a black sheep. Eric Idle succeeds in making some well-timed jokes but mostly falls short.
The plot does not help in making Merlin memorable as he has very few lines and a weak background story. However, this role gives Merlin a never-before-seen comedic element, and Idle does better than expected at various points.
9 Nailed It: Vincent Cassel As Monsieur Hood Sang Well & Sounded Arrogant
Though Monsieur Hood is only a speaking character for less than two minutes, he has quite an impact. Even a passing observer of the Shrek franchise remembers his appearance. Cassel dedicates himself to this role in a cameo as a sleazy Robin Hood.
His singing accompanies realistic vocal effects like kissing to punctuate his performance. The delivery and intonation of “oh Merryyy Mennn” is a testament to his vocal work abilities. Though the highlight is supposed to be Fiona’s fighting abilities, the “that’s bad, that’s bad” refrain is still ringing in fans’ ears.
8 Fell Short: Rupert Everett Has Limited Vocal Range As Prince Charming
In Shrek 2, Charming’s voice is particularly relevant when he is pretending to be Shrek to Fiona. Though the performance was not intended to be convincing, Everett does an over-the-top impression to show the difference, and it misses its mark. There are other opportunities for Everett to show his vocal range in the franchise, but he is not able to do so.
The Fairy Godmother's son, Prince Charming, receives mixed reviews. Charming’s mother completely overshadows him in Shrek 2. However, in Shrek the Third, Arthur’s lack of popularity and the fact that he is avenging his mother gains him some fans.
7 Nailed It: John Lithgow As Lord Farquaad Has Excellent Comedic Timing
One of the most memorable villains in the Shrek franchise, Lord Farquaad is the first antagonist in Shrek. Despite his short stature, Farquaad is larger than life with John Lithgow's voice work. Fans remember his memorable “some of you may die, but it is a sacrifice I am willing to make” quip.
Notable for his interaction with fairytale creatures and his cruelty in killing Mama Bear, Lithgow manages to retain comedic timing. An example of this is the delivery of the line “run, run as fast you can” to Gingy. It takes incredible talent for a cartoonishly evil character to not be written off by fans.
6 Fell Short: John Cleese Makes King Harold Forgettable
Until present day, some fans know nothing about the actor behind King Harold, Fiona’s father. Cleese is a well-known actor who falls under the radar with his role in Shrek. He does not capture the range of the character’s background. His lack of chemistry with Julie Andrews as Queen Lillian is evident.
Harold is presented as the frog from Princess and the Frog. His human form is one who owes to the Fairy Godmother yet his interactions with her are not memorable. Cleese sounds similar whether he is in danger or spending time with the love of his life.
5 Nailed It: Antonio Banderas Makes Puss In Boots An Easy Addition To The Duo
Shrek’s Puss in Boots is such a beloved character that he now has a spin-off. The assassin-turned-companion has come a long way and Antonio Banderas can take credit for that. The voice work of Zorro-esque Puss in Boots shows an investment in the role.
Banderas goes with a deeper voice register than his speaking voice with no sign of strain. Though Puss does not have as much dialogue as Shrek or Donkey, he blends into the team. His well-delivered lines and chemistry with Eddie Murphy prove Antonio Banderas’ abilities. The popular duo becomes a trio with no complaints, save for Donkey's grumbling.
4 Fell Short: Mike Myers As Shrek Is Remembered More For His Actions Than The Expensive Voice Work
Mike Myers is certainly loved as Shrek due to his departure from slapstick comedy. He offers nuance in the role. However, Shrek’s appeal to the fan base has nothing to do with his voice and more to do with his actions.
No doubt that Myers does good voice work, but he falls short. This is especially interesting because DreamWorks spent about $4 million because of Myers’ request to change the accent from Canadian to Scottish. Shrek the ogre is not exactly remembered for his over the pond intonation.
3 Nailed It: Jennifer Saunders As The Fairy Godmother Gave A Villain A Fan-Base
The Fairy Godmother is one of the most iconic villains in animation. This is largely because of Saunders’ dedication and acting abilities. Even non-fans of Shrek remember her incredible singing performance of “Holding Out for a Hero.”
As Charming's mother, she does evil things like threatening Fiona’s father and attempting to manipulate feelings of love. However, fans still do not dismiss her human qualities because of the warmness of her voice. Jennifer Saunders succeeds in creating a likable character even in a villain.
2 Fell Short: Justin Timberlake As Arthur Pendragon/Artie Is Uninvested & Too Whiny
Shrek the Third is known for not living up to the other installments in the franchise. Part of the reason is its star-studded cast has less than stellar voice actors. Arthur fails to even slightly endear fans due to the lack of comedic timing by Justin Timberlake.
Though Artie is meant to be a protagonist, fans are so uninspired by his scenes that they look to lesser characters who put more life into their roles. Timberlake’s voicing abilities fall short as more annoying characters have had fan bases due to their voice actors.
1 Nailed It: Eddie Murphy As Donkey Is One of the Most Remembered Voices In Animation
Donkey from Shrek is one of the most memorable main characters. His popularity is not just from being Shrek’s plus-one but from cultivating a fan base by himself. Eddy Murphy endears fans to a character that can be easily written off as an annoying sidekick.
Everyone agrees Donkey is annoying but they love him. This is mostly due to Eddy Murphy’s stellar voice work and comedic timing. Particularly notable is his partnership with Dragon who is non-verbal. If Murphy did not possess such talent as a voice actor, such a union would be a low and uninteresting point for Shrek.