You'd Never Guess How DreamWorks Once Used a Now-Beloved Classic as Punishment for Animators
DreamWorks Animation began as a powerhouse in the film industry, releasing major titles like Mimi Leder's 1997 action film "The Peacemaker" and quickly following up with Oscar-contender "Amistad" and the family favorite "Mouse Hunt." But where DreamWorks truly made its mark was in animation—launching hits like "Antz" and the biblical epic "The Prince of Egypt" by the late 1990s. By 2000, the studio had cemented its reputation with "The Road to El Dorado" and the beloved Aardman collaboration, "Chicken Run."
Then came "Shrek" in 2001—a film that would redefine animated satire and become a cultural phenomenon. Based on William Steig’s picture book, "Shrek" was a bold, irreverent parody of fairy tales, packed with humor that audiences adored. It wasn’t just a box office smash; it spawned a franchise so massive that even Disney took notes, borrowing some of its self-aware tone for films like "Frozen."
But here’s the shocking twist: Before "Shrek" became a global sensation, it was actually used as a punishment at DreamWorks. According to Nicole LaPorte’s book "The Men Who Would Be King," animators who underperformed on the prestigious "The Prince of Egypt" were reassigned to "Shrek" as a disciplinary measure. Yes, you read that right—working on what would become one of the most profitable animated films of all time was once considered a demotion.
And this is the part most people miss: "The Prince of Egypt" was DreamWorks’ prestige project—a star-studded, musical retelling of Exodus featuring A-listers like Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, and Sandra Bullock. It was meant to challenge Disney’s animation dominance and even won an Oscar for Best Original Song. Meanwhile, "Shrek" was seen as the lesser project—a crude comedy about an ogre living in a swamp. Animators reportedly called it "the Gulag," dreading the assignment.
But why was "Shrek" so despised internally? For starters, it was originally conceived as far grosser than the final product. Early drafts leaned heavily into disgusting humor, with Shrek being the most revolting creature imaginable—something many animators found unappealing. Plus, being a CGI film (still a relatively new medium at the time), traditional animators viewed it as beneath their craft.
Even after toning down some of its more extreme elements, "Shrek" still pushed boundaries. The opening scene alone—featuring Shrek farting in a swamp—was considered a gamble. Co-director Vicky Jenson recalled the anxiety of premiering it at Cannes, wondering if the audience would walk out in disgust. DreamWorks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg admitted fearing a full-blown backlash at the premiere.
Instead, the opposite happened. "Shrek" became a runaway success, spawning sequels, spin-offs (like "Puss in Boots"), a Broadway musical, and even theme park attractions. The ogre who was once too gross for animators became a beloved family icon.
So here’s a thought to debate: Did DreamWorks accidentally stumble into gold by forcing animators onto a project they didn’t believe in? Or was "Shrek" always destined for greatness, just misunderstood at first? Share your take in the comments—do you think creative risks like this pay off precisely because they defy expectations?
