He’s completely bald, so green it hurts, has tiny horns for ears and can often be found wallowing in the most swampy of swamps. At first glance, it’s fair to say that the most notorious inhabitant of the Kingdom of Far Far Away doesn’t have a lot going for him. There is, of course, the fact that his first two big-screen outings have amassed a global-conquering $1.4 million at the box office and everybody from the age of six knows his name. Yes, since his cinematic debut in 2001, verdant, ogre-extraordinaire Shrek hasn’t done badly for himself. This is largely down to the friendly Scottish burr of Mike Myers, who tonight is leading Shrek The Third’s cast down the green (clever stuff) carpet at the UK premiere of Dreamworks’ latest animated adventure.
“I think there’s a little bit of ogre in all of us”, said Dreamworks’ head-honcho and Shrek Godfather Jeffrey Katzenberg, “and I think that’s one of the reasons these movies have been so successful. Everyone can relate to Shrek’s journey”. Rupert Everett, who returns in Shrek The Third as the evil, dastardly Prince Charming, was equally enthusiastic about his role in the fairytale franchise: “Playing the villain is always the most fun, because you get to do a lot of different things…a lot of very, very naughty things. It’s just great, because these movies appeal to both the kids and their parents”. His theory is proved correct tonight, as a host of minor UK celebs fly down the green carpet with their children/grand-children in tow.
But wait…what’s all the commotion near the silver people-carrier? Why the incessant screaming from the hordes of pen-wielding girls? It can only mean one thing – yes, ladies and gentlemen, Timmy Mallett has arrived. Oh, and here’s Justin Timberlake, who reveals that he thinks this evening’s premiere is “massive”. And hello Cameron Diaz, who arrives in Leicester Square resplendent in Chanel and grinning like only Cameron Diaz can: “The best thing about this third movie is that it stands alone as a great film, but also works with the other two. Everyone involved in the Shrek movies loves these characters so much, they just really want to do right by them.” Antonio ‘Puss In Boots’ Banderas added, “It’s actually something I’d never thought I do in my whole life – I arrived in America and couldn’t even speak English, so voicing these movies is a very surreal, satisfying experience for me”.
Unfortunately, as the dark clouds begin to form over central London, Mike Myers is swooped into the cinema so the audience can take their seats. So, does this mark the end of the ogre’s escapades? Quite simply, the answer is…no. Alongside a Christmas TV special, Shrek The Halls, Katzenberg has already revealed that Shrek 4 and 5 are in the works and after the success of this first trilogy, the key cast members will no doubt be more than happy to lend their larynxes to even more hours of animated antics. So, Empire will see you back here in 2010 for another peek inside the Shrek juggernaut – I bet Timmy Mallett can’t wait.