Shrek Deep Dive LIVE!

Summary

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Fantasy Fangirls: Shrek Deep Dive LIVE!

Episode Date: August 25, 2025
Hosts: Nicole and Lexi
Podcast Series: Fantasy Fangirls
Episode Focus: A deep dive into the movie "Shrek" – its story, characters, lore, themes, and cultural impact.
NOTE: Spoilers for Shrek (2001) and light references to its sequels.

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Episode Overview

In their first-ever live deep dive, sisters Nicole and Lexi turn their signature analytical, fun, and candid approach―typically applied to fantasy novels―to “Shrek,” the cult classic DreamWorks film. Throughout the hour, they explore the film’s themes, twist on fairy tale stereotypes, lore, and behind-the-scenes trivia, weaving in plenty of humor, personal anecdotes, and a true appreciation of all things ogre.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why “Shrek” Matters: The Anti-Fairytale

[16:43] – [18:22]

• Shrek revolutionized the fantasy genre by flipping stereotypes and challenging the status quo, especially in a landscape still dominated by traditional Disney fairy tales prior to 2001.
• Instead of a perfect prince, we get an ugly, introverted ogre; instead of a damsel, we get a princess with a major secret and fighting skills.

Lexi: "It twists the classic tropes and stereotypes on their head in a really unique and fun way that challenges the status quo and societal norms." [17:13]

• The movie’s theme: Finding your own happily ever after, not the one prescribed by classic narratives.

Nicole: "Being perfect was associated with Lord Farquaad. And embracing your weirdness and who you truly are, that is when you found true love. What a beautiful message." [17:39]

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2. Reverse Stereotypes & Character Analysis

[18:38] – [21:20]

• Shrek as Antihero: An introvert whose isolation is his “armor.” He leans fully into the monstrous image imposed on him by society for self-protection, but underneath, craves acceptance.

Lexi: "He’s a big scary ogre... he has embraced this stereotype and made it his armor. Fine. If they already think this of him, he’ll live in his isolation." [19:10]

• Lord Farquaad: Designed as the anti-Prince Charming—short, egotistical, obsessed with a "perfect" kingdom.

  • Fun fact: His name and kingdom "Duloc" reference the University of Notre Dame du Lac; also, "Farquaad" is a joking reference to "far quad," the distant quad on campus.
  • Character partly inspired by a Disney executive (a nod to DreamWorks-Disney rivalry).

• Notable Stereotype Flips:

  • Shrek is the “monster” savior.
  • Fiona is not the helpless princess.
  • The villain (Farquaad) is obsessed with perfection and order.

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3. Donkey: Lore, Theories & Literary Origins

[21:20] – [25:26]

• They explore fan theories about Donkey’s origins, including the Reddit theory that he’s Lampwick from Disney’s Pinocchio (transformed into a donkey on Pleasure Island but escaped because he could still talk).
• Lexi draws connections to the Brothers Grimm story “The Donkey” and the original "Shrek" book.
• The Shrek movie likely synthesizes inspirations from these older fairy tales.
• Donkey's identity is further complicated by his being a talking animal with a mysterious past.

Nicole: "Reddit has a theory... Donkey is actually Lampwick." [21:06]
Lexi: "Donkey even goes out into the ‘wide world’... And in this, the donkey and his faithful companion go to another kingdom." [22:08]

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4. Fairy Tale References: Easter Eggs & Cameos

[25:44] – [29:17]

• The hosts break down the absurd number of cameo fairy-tale creatures and references:
  • Seven Dwarves, Snow White, Papa/Baby Bear, Pinocchio, Tinkerbell, Peter Pan, Three Little Pigs, Big Bad Wolf, Three Blind Mice, Old Woman in the Shoe, Pied Piper, and more.
  • Notable dark detail: Mama Bear’s hide ends up as a rug in Farquaad’s bedroom—a dig at the darker undertones hidden in fairy tales.
• Duloc is a satirical version of Disneyland, including long wait times, the Disney-esque font, and "Duloc Song" as a jab at “It’s a Small World.”

Lexi: "They crammed in every possible dig at Disneyland Disney World that they possibly could." [29:10]

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5. The Hero’s (or Antihero’s) Quest Structure

[32:02] – [33:38]

• Shrek's journey isn't about love or glory—he simply wants his swamp (his peace and privacy).
• Farquaad’s deal with Shrek is a win-win for himself: either Shrek dies or he brings back the princess.

Lexi: "The scary monster leaves his home not to conquer, but to negotiate for peace and privacy." [32:23]

• Donkey represents unconditional acceptance and persistence—even when Shrek resists connection.

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6. Fiona: Deconstructing the Princess

[35:00] – [41:55]

• At first, Fiona follows her "fairy tale rescue" script but soon proves to be anything but typical:
  • She fights, has gross-out contests with Shrek, and even kills birds with her princess song for breakfast.
  • Her curse (turning into an ogre at night) is a metaphor for hiding one’s "unacceptable" self.

Nicole: "She's not a delicate person. She and Shrek have burping contests for crying out loud." [39:48]

• The hosts discuss the tragedy and trauma of Fiona growing up in isolation, required to hide her true self, and conditioned to believe she’s unworthy (“Princesses and ugly don't go together” [49:29]).

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7. Mature Themes and Adult Humor: “Shrek” as an R-Rated Kids’ Movie

• The hosts highlight (and revel in) the movie’s many subtle and not-so-subtle adult jokes, sexual innuendos, and bodily humor.
• Lord Farquaad’s name, the compensation joke, peeks under the covers, and plentiful double entendres all get a mention.

Nicole: "After all, we're all onions who have layers. Fiona gets to be who she is at her core... When she is happiest, she gets to be her true self." [59:08]

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8. The Miscommunication Trope

[49:29] – [54:57]

• The classic fairytale "true love’s kiss" is subverted by miscommunication: Shrek overhears Fiona calling herself an “ugly beast” and believes she’s rejecting him.
• Donkey ultimately steps in to set the record straight, leading to the climactic emotional rescue.

Lexi: "Donkey lets Shrek know that Fiona wasn't talking about him. She was talking about someone else when she said that hideous, ugly beast." [54:35]

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9. Themes: Acceptance, Authenticity, Love as Transformation

[58:19] – [59:50]

• The curse’s "love’s true form" twist is discussed: Fiona does not become "beautiful," but remains an ogre because that’s who she is when loved as herself.

Nicole: "That’s love. ...Shrek and Fiona live ugly ever after. Because ugly in this case is a good thing. It stands for being your authentic self." [59:08]

• Final message: Real, lasting happiness comes from self-acceptance and loving the messy, weird parts of yourself rather than fitting into a prescribed, "perfect" form.

---

10. The Making of “Shrek”: Production Lore & Trivia

[60:21] – [65:01]

• Shrek’s production background:
  • Based on William Steig’s book, produced by DreamWorks.
  • The project initially considered "punishment" for underperforming animators: “the Gulag.”
  • Chris Farley was the original voice of Shrek, with most lines recorded before his death; Mike Myers re-recorded them, ultimately choosing a Scottish accent.
  • Mike Myers’ insistence on the accent cost $4 million and delayed production.
  • The film pioneered celebrity voice casting, improvisation, and 3D animation for human characters.
  • DreamWorks vs. Disney rivalry played out both on-screen and in business.

Lexi: "It was known as the Gulag. If you failed on Prince of Egypt, you were sent to the dungeons to work on Shrek." [62:04]

• Shrek grossed nearly $490 million, won the first Oscar for Best Animated Feature, and defined DreamWorks’ identity going forward.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Shrek’s appeal:

"We’d really never seen something to the degree of an ogre falling in love on the screen. ...Embracing your weirdness and who you truly are, that is when you found true love."
—Nicole [17:39]

• On Donkey’s possible origins:

"Reddit has a theory… Donkey is actually Lampwick."
—Nicole [21:06]

• On Fiona:

"She may be a princess but around Shrek, Fiona can be her unfiltered, unpolished version of herself."
—Lexi [41:07]

• On real love and authenticity:

"There is no such thing as the right love. Only true love. Real love, where both people can fully be themselves… Just for loving all of them."
—Lexi [56:17]

• Foreshadowing detail:

"…the page that he rips out is where true love’s first kiss happens. And then the next page that is shown is they get married and they celebrated their wedding day. ...Hello, foreshadowing."
—Nicole [65:57]

• On soundtrack nostalgia:

"Just the famous line, and in the morning, I'm making waffles."
—Lexi [65:59]

---

Favorite Shrek Moments (Rapid Fire)

[65:26] – [71:37]

• Shrek using the storybook page as toilet paper (and the foreshadowing of happily ever after).
• The “I’m making waffles” line and its meme status.
• The gingerbread torture scene (“Not the gumdrop buttons!”)
• “The Muffin Man” dialogue and bachelorette game show for princess selection.
• Disney and Disneyland parodies throughout Duloc.
• Blood Knock the Flatulent constellation while stargazing.
• Fiona’s unprincess-like behavior (burping contests, fighting Monsieur Hood).
• The “Bad Reputation” song and overall soundtrack love.
• The recurring “L” for Lord Farquaad whenever he gets outsmarted or shows villainy.
• The closing karaoke party and "I Like Big Butts" number.
• Shrek and Fiona's onion carriage—direct sequel tie-in.

---

Lore Corner: The DULOC Library

[60:21] – [65:20]

• Deep dive into how Shrek was made, the many real-life inspirations, technical innovations, and behind-the-scenes drama.
• DreamWorks’ risk-taking, initial pessimism about the film, and ultimate industry impact.

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Conclusion: Shrek’s Legacy

The episode finishes as a love letter not only to the film but to the idea of embracing one's uniqueness and finding happiness outside conventional boundaries. The sisters’ lively banter, knowledge, and enthusiasm make the deep dive both entertaining and illuminating for new and old fans alike.

---

For Further Engagement

• The Fantasy Fangirls announce more fantasy deep dives, trivia events, and encourage listeners to join them on upcoming episodes and social media.

---

End of summary – It’s all ogre now!

Transcript

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[Lexi]

I'm Lexi, older sister and fantasy lore nerd.

[Nicole]

And I'm Nicole, younger sister and romantic at heart.

[Lexi]

And we obviously are the fantasy fan girls. And today's live show is all about deep diving Shrek the movie.

[Nicole]

And we are doing something we have never done before.

[Lexi]

Yay.

[Nicole]

We are doing our first ever live show as a deep dive. We have never done a deep dive live because normally there's six hours of recording. This will not be six hours, we promise.

[Lexi]

Oh man. But in case you're new to Fantasy Fangirls, we are known for our book deep dives like Empyrean and Acotar and such. So like always, we do have to do our due diligence with spoiler warnings. So spoilers for the movie Shrek. We will sprinkle in a little bit here and there from the sequels, but for the most part we are going to be focusing on the original here again we only have one hour today.

[Nicole]

You've had 24 years to watch this movie, so if you have not watched it by now, you get to experience Shrek for the first time by the fantasy fangirls. You get to decide if that's a good or a bad thing.

[Lexi]

Next. We a fantasy fan. Girls are adults who say adult things about. Well, usually adult books, but today maybe not so much. It is still going to be an R rated podcast. It's us after all.

[Nicole]

If you haven't watched Shrek in a while, there's many a dirty joke and I am pulling out every single one of them. So please be mindful of those little listening ears. And now it is time to peel back the layers of the onion of the movie Shrek.

[Lexi]

Who is ready for Nicole to do us the honor of summarizing this movie? So gather round friends, because it's story time.

[Nicole]

I got so nervous all of a sudden. Oh God. Once upon a time, in a land filled with fairy tales and smash mouth, there lived an ogre named Shrek who took pride in being feared and left alone in his swamp. Until one day, Lord Farquaad, a wannabe king obsessed with making Dulac the perfect place, rounds up all the fairy tale creatures. But who's this? Enter a talking donkey. He can talk. He can talk and he sticks to Shrek like glue. After Lord Farquaad has these fairy tale creatures dumped in Shrek's peaceful swamp, Rude Shrek heads to dulac to demand they leave his swamp so he can have his quiet empty space back. But of course, Donkey decides to join this here quest. In duloc, Shrek accidentally interrupts a sacrifice that flies Farquhar Quad is willing to make, AKA a tournament where the knights are battling WWE style for the honor of rescuing the Princess Fiona from a tower guarded by a far legged, breathing, fire breathing dragon. Not four legged breathing dragon. That'd be weird. After Farquaad sees Shrek the overwhelming power that he has to offer, he strikes a deal. If Shrek rescues the princess, the lord will give Shrek his swamp back exactly the way it was. Fairy tale creature free. Reluctantly agreeing, Shrek and Donkey set off on their dangerous mission. Navigating a crumbling bridge over a canyon moat that is literally lava and an enormous flirtatious dragon who may or may not have taken the light to a certain donkey. Does that make her an ass lover.

[Lexi]

Just like our guy Zaden?

[Nicole]

After successfully rescuing the princess, an elated and smitten Fiona demands to see the face of her perfect knight in shining armor. AKA her too love. But then she sees his face.

[Lexi]

Da da da da da.

[Nicole]

Oh, no. He's an ogre.

[Lexi]

Da da da da da.

[Nicole]

Can I do it right? That was the thing I was most nervous about for this whole live show. During their long journey back to duloc, Fiona insists they only travel by day. One can never be too safe, right? Right. Wrong. Princess Fiona is hiding a secret. At night, she evolves Pokemon style into an ogre. And her only true love's kiss can break the curse. Man, it's a good thing she's about to get married, right? Shrek and Fiona begin to connect, bonding over crude jokes, her epic fighting skills, Shrek's delicious rat that is not a euphemism. And of course, the start to every romance. Burping contests. As their banter turns into real feelings, Shrek begins to hope that somebody can finally see past the monster that he is. But somebody never told him the world was gonna roll him. And eavesdropping never ends well. Shrek overhears Fiona calling herself an ugly beast, but he believes she's talking about him. Not the miscommunication trope so bitterly. Shrek delivers Fiona to her soon to be husband and returns alone to his swamp, heartbroken. Aw, but. But thank goodness we have a talking donkey who confronts Shrek and calls him out for pushing people away. Feelings? Onions don't have feelings.

[Lexi]

Parfaits do.

[Nicole]

I don't know what kind of parfaits you've been eating in your life. Realizing he royally messed up, Shrek rushes to Dulac to stop that wedding, making it just in time to crash the ceremony. The sun sets, and Fiona's secret is exposed. A hot new bombshell has transformed in the villa, so surprise. Shrek, Shrek and Fiona confess their love. And when they kiss, the curse lifts, transforming. Transforming her permanently into an ogre. Which is a good thing, because I'm pretty sure Shrek's rat would have ripped her human self in half. That was a euphemism.

[Lexi]

I told you this was rated R. Jesus.

[Nicole]

Shrek and Fiona may have thought love was only true in fairy tales, but it turns out it was meant for them to. The two ogres marry in the swamp, surrounded by fairytale creatures, dancing. And of course, Donkey being a believer. The end. You know the simple joys of life. Well, I have another saying I use the simple inconveniences of life. And one of those inconveniences is weekly meal prep. It can be really hard to make sure I prepare a healthy, balanced menu for myself especially especially when things get busy.

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[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

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[Lexi]

That was amazing as always, Nicole. All right friends, it is time to find our own happily ever afters where we unravel key insights, character analysis, lore, theories, and oh so much more from the movie Shrek. I just want to start by saying I know a lot of us remember when this movie first came out. I personally was 10 years old at the time and this never before seen satirical take on fairy tales was seriously the coolest thing ever. I'm pretty sure I'm going to say the coolest thing ever multiple times in.

[Nicole]

This live show here.

[Lexi]

It twists the classic tropes and stereotypes on their head in a really unique and fun way that challenges the status quo and societal norms. And then there's this big theme of the movie, reverse stereotypes. The anti fairy tale. And that each of our and that each of our happily ever afters, they look different. I mean, the movie literally opens with a traditional, you know, normal fairy tale book story and shrep rips it out and uses it as toilet paper.

[Nicole]

Cute. One of the biggest reasons I feel like this movie has such a cultural impact is because it is a all about embracing that unlikely hero. Think about it. This movie came out in 2001. Before that we were so used to the Disney classics like Cinderella, Little Mermaid, Snow White, where the beautiful damsel in distress is rescued by Prince Charming. But the truth is, while those movies have a very nostalgic place in our hearts, we'd really never seen something to the degree of an ogre falling in love on the screen. And then Shrek came out and suddenly being perfect was associated with Lord Fauquad. And embracing your weirdness and who you truly are, that is when you found true love. What a beautiful message.

[Lexi]

What a great theme for this whole convention. I love it.

[Nicole]

Yes, as the Great Smash mouth once said, only shooting stars break the. And this movie reminds us that we all have a shooting star within us.

[Lexi]

And Shrek himself is of course the biggest representation of this as he is the story's unlikely hero. He's the anti hero. We open up seeing Shrek enjoying life while living alone on a swamp and terrifying the people going after him with their pitchforks. I almost brought a little fork, but I forgot. We open up seeing Shrek. I already said that. He's a big scary ogre who is ostracized from society and he leans into that predefined identity. Also, Shrek is derived from the German word Shrek, which means fear and terror.

[Nicole]

The more I'm older and raise your hand if you agree with this. Do you resonate with Shrek more? Because he loves the quiet. He's an introvert, if you will. He loves a bath. Maybe I like mine a little less muddy. Thank you. Yes, absolutely.

[Lexi]

He also loves, like, you know, lighting candles.

[Nicole]

I love a candle bath.

[Lexi]

And as an ogre, he is deemed bad, full stop. This is all society has ever viewed him and he has embraced this stereotype and made it his armor. Fine. If they already think this of him, he'll live in his isolation. He'll be the frightening and hateful monster that he is already labeled as. But you know what? While he may be fully leaning into that monster stereotype, Shrek is enjoying who he is able to be. His isolation is his safe zone where he's built a life away from judgment, where no one can reject him and he can be his gross self. He is smiling throughout that whole intro because he loves being able to be who he is.

[Nicole]

Let's check in a few miles down the road though, because around the land, all the fairy tale creatures are wanted and being turned in for a reward, that is.

[Lexi]

Usually, Hayden edits this stuff for us, but we're live so you get to.

[Nicole]

Hear our flip flip ups. Yep. Why do you ask that they're being turned into furious? Because Lord Farquaad, ruler of Dulac, believes that the fairy tale creatures are undesirable and they disrupt his vision of a perfect society, which is how Donkey enters our story. An unnamed woman takes Donkey to this line of fairy tale creatures that are being turned in. And in this line we have witches, Tinkerbell, puppets, pigs, the seven dwarves, and more. So what's a donkey doing here? Well, you see, he's a talking donkey and this woman is trying to pass him off as a fairy tale creature. Or is that the full story. Because as always, Reddit has a theory. Back in 2008, T. Young Triple Zero speculated that Donkey is in Shrek. He is actually Lampwick. Limp Lampwick.

[Lexi]

So it's very confusing as we read this in the outline, because usually we say a different word that sounds like this, but Lampwick.

[Nicole]

Lamp dick is what I want to say. Thank you. Yes, absolutely. In case you don't know what Lamp Wick is from, he is from the 1940s. Disney's Pinocchio. Neither. We didn't remember either. Don't worry. Yeah.

[Lexi]

Again, for those of you who don't remember, like us, on Pleasure island, where both Pinocchio and Lamp Wick go, children are lured here only to be turned into donkeys. And once they were deemed donkey enough, they were sent into slavery. And to be donkey enough, you can't still be able to talk. So we are thinking that donkey, our donkey here in Shrek, had to have escaped Pleasure island because he is a donkey, but he can still talk. So he's not quite that donkey enough to be unfortunately sent into slavery. What a sad backstory for our donkey.

[Nicole]

That's some dark shit right there, is what that is. To top it all off, though, in our story in Shrek was what I mean, who is Donkey standing behind in line as he goes to, like, you know, turn himself in as a creature? Pinocchio. I am convinced.

[Lexi]

I am also convinced. But I have more to add. The brothers and grim fairy tale that many of the Disney classic fairy tales are based on has a story called the Donkey. And I learned this from the the film theories on YouTube. So Pinocchio is not based on the story. Pinocchio is not based on one of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales here. So how this donkey story goes is a rich king and queen, they unfortunately cannot have a son. But then one day, they are blessed with one. But unfortunately, the son is born a donkey, and the queen wants to kill their donkey baby. But the king says, no, they are going to raise this donkey as their son. And so they teach him, as they raise him, to speak English and have manners and such. And the donkey loves music and he even teaches himself to sing. Doesn't that sound a little familiar, friends? And also really random. But who's the only character in Shrek who knows where? Dulac. The royal kingdom is Donkey. Almost as if he has his own royal backstory. So in this Brothers Grimm's fairy tale, the donkey even goes out into the quote, wide world and only took with him one faithful companion. And in this, the donkey and his faithful companion go to another kingdom, become friends with the king, and then the donkey marries the king's daughter. But then that night, before they, you know, bang, bang, he takes his skin off and reveals himself to be a real boy. A man. A real man. And the story goes on. It gets even weirder and it's not really relevant to today's conversation, but bottom line, the donkey ends up being the king of two kingdoms and he has a wife.

[Nicole]

Hold on. Can you imagine? You're about to bangity bang and someone just unzips their skin.

[Lexi]

Considering it would be a donkey, I guess I'd be a little bit relieved since it wouldn't be a donkey.

[Nicole]

We have very different priorities anyway, so.

[Lexi]

But scratch all of that, because.

[Nicole]

Shrek.

[Lexi]

Is based off of a book, and in this book, there's a talking donkey. So according to a witch. In this book, I told you, we deep dive books. Donkey must. Okay, so in this book here, will you hold my mic for me, please? Thank you. Okay, so in this, Shrek has. According to a witch, Shrek has to go find this donkey and say the magic word. Apple strudel. I promise, that is right here in the text here. And then the donkey is going to help him go and find the knight. And to find the knight, he has to fight the knight. And then after he kills the knight, then he can marry the ugly princess. See, look. Ta da. The end. Okay, why am I sharing all of this? I am thinking that the Shrek book right there took inspiration for the talking donkey from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. And it swapped the characters of who marries the princess. There is a faithful companion there. Somebody marries the princess, and I think they just swapped it. And the movie Shrek takes that and then adds its own Disney flair.

[Nicole]

Wow. Back to our story. Donkey escapes from the evil people trying to round him up, and he runs straight into Shrek. Who else does Shrek run to run into? Every other fairy tale creature in his swamp.

[Lexi]

So with so many fairy tale creatures in this first stretch of the movie, let's share ones that we've been able to find so far. So we have the seven dwarves and even Snow White, which pause because she is one of the three bachelorette princesses that Lord Farquaad is thinking of becoming his bride. So imagine if it had been Snow White and Shrek had to go on this quest. He literally would have gone back to his swamp, to his dining room table. And there's the movie. But he didn't choose her. Fiona's so much cooler Anyway. And then we, of course, have Papa Bear and Baby Bear. I'm so sorry for what I'm about to say. Mama Bear was seen earlier with them. Though very sadly, her hide will end up in Lord Farquaad's bedroom, so. Boo. L for you, Lord Farquaad.

[Nicole]

Cowbow. L. That's a mighty L. Yeah.

[Lexi]

I will say, though, in later shows, Shrek, I think it's mentioned in once in another film and in the video games, Mama Bear does make another appearance. So let's just imagine that it all worked out anyway, and then Pinocchio is another one. Don't worry, we're not gonna get into all that again. Tinkerbell, Peter Pan, the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf, the Three Blind Mice, the Old Woman in the Shoe and Her Children, the Pied. Pied Piper and the three good fairies from Sleeping Beauty. I also saw a wizard, a witch, and an elf, so maybe we got some Lord of the Rings in there, too. I don't know.

[Nicole]

Yeah, you see, Lord Farquaad has sent all of these fairy tale creatures to Shrek's swamp in the hopes of getting rid of them forever. Didn't work out for him, though, did it? Oh, no, it did not. It did not.

[Lexi]

And this just won't do for Shrek, who clings to his isolation because it's his established comfort zone. This invasion of fairy tale creatures is not by his choice. And his space is using. Is being used as a dumping ground, and it's not being treated as someone's property.

[Nicole]

So it is time to go see the dude who started all of this. To Dula. Fun fact. I was very curious about where the heck the name Duloc came from. And it turns out it's an homage to the creator's alma mater. They all went to the University of Notre Dame, which, if you didn't know, like I didn't know until two days ago, the full name of University of Notre Dame is University of Notre Dame du Lac. And coincidentally, they also lived near a section of the school that was informally called the Farquad. Like the quad that is far away. Really? Really.

[Lexi]

So there is kind of a running joke that Farquaad sounds like Fuckquad and the creators did. Yeah, see, if you didn't hear that now, now you will. But apparently the creators denied that that was originally the intention, but later on, they were kind of like, yeah, that does.

[Nicole]

Actually, it worked out really nicely in their favor. But alas, the town of Duloc is eerily quiet, which gives Shrek and Donkey a moment to look around the grand place. This place is massive. So Shrek decides to compare Farquaad to maybe possibly compensating for something.

[Lexi]

His penis, in case you didn't know.

[Nicole]

Thank you. Which is ironic coming from Shrek, who I assume is not compensating for anything. Yes, yes, his penis. If you thought the town of Duloc had a familiar vibe, you are right. They crammed in every possible dig at Disneyland Disney World that they possibly could. From Shrek and Donkey walking through the Lancelot parking lot to the sign that says a 45 minute wait time. Remember, this is 2001. 45 minutes was a long wait time at Disney.

[Lexi]

Now it's like, yay.

[Nicole]

It's only 45 minutes. It's under an hour. There's also the F on all the posters that looks a hell of a lot like the OG Disney font. And of course, our personal favorite, the duloc song. Because it's the perfect place, which is such an annoying little dig at It's a Small World because it gets just stuck in your head just as much. We will not sing it, don't worry. But it's probably stuck in your head right now.

[Lexi]

I remember as a kid, the part was like, oh, oh, yeah. Sing it, sing it.

[Nicole]

You're singing it with me.

[Lexi]

Okay, fine.

[Nicole]

But you start it, Diz. Dula Dulock is the perfect place.

[Lexi]

I remember as a kid, like the part that goes, you know, shine your shoes, wipe your your face and like. And I was. It's like it's ass. Okay, now of course we do have to talk about Lord Farquaad, the villain of our story because the reverse stereotypes continue. Instead of Prince Charming in shining armor to rescue the princess, what if the prince is driven by gaining more power and he is selfish, cruel, obsessed with creating his perfect kingdom, which does not include fairy tale creatures and is on a mission to becoming king. Sorry, that was just really real right there. And what if he's really, really short? Fun fact, John Lithgow. Yeah, he voiced Lord Farquaad. And this actor is known for his tall height. He's from third Rock from the Sun. Arthur, the villain in Dexter season four, best villain. And he is in also How I Met yout Mother. And I just love the irony of him playing a four foot tall character. And this character was based off Disney executive because DreamWorks head honcho had a long standing rivalry with Disney's. Another fun fact. We're so full of them. This episode here. Lord Farquaad was one of the first fully 3D animated human characters. On screen. And he was extra difficult to make for realism.

[Nicole]

So it looks like Lord Farquaad is having a tournament. Because Lord Farquaad wants to become King Farquaad. He knows he needs to to marry a princess. That's how it works, right? And he needs someone to go get said princess for him to go marry, because he's not going to get her himself. So the tournament rules are simple, especially now that Shrek has arrived. Whoever kills the ogre first wins the right to go get the princess. But it's too bad that Shrek is a WWE master. Literally. This scene was inspired by WWE matches all the way down to the woman saying, use the chair. Needless to say, Shrek wins. And Farquaad strikes a deal with our ogre. Go get the princess for me and I will clear out your swamp so it is your own again. Deal.

[Lexi]

So with Shrek already being on his own quest to go back to his lonesome ways, here we get the anti hero's journey. He is not a handsome and noble prince saving the princess because he gives a two shits about her. He's an ugly ogre who prefers to be alone. And his space has been wrongfully invaded. So fine, he'll be a delivery boy for Lord Farquaad. And how frustrating for him that the only way to get what he wants is to play by the rules of the humans who already fear and reject him. But hey, there's also some irony here too. The scary monster leaves his home not to conquer, but to negotiate for peace and privacy. Also, let's be real. Lord Farquaad gave himself a win win situation. If Shrek does not succeed, the ogre dies. Which. Hooray. That's what he originally intended.

[Nicole]

Boo. Yeah, boo.

[Lexi]

Or Shrek uses that ogre strength to retrieve the princess and Farquaad has his bride so they can be king and queen. So, off to rescue the princess, Shrek and Donkey go. This is where I have my clippity clop, clippity clop.

[Nicole]

Because I forgot that you forgot your coconuts.

[Lexi]

No, no, they're upstairs in the hotel room. Don't worry, I will still bring them out though. This weekend.

[Nicole]

Thank goodness.

[Lexi]

Okay. Yes. Because Donkey still continues to force his companionship on Shrek, he does not view him as an ogre. And despite Shrek continually trying to push him away with his usual tactics because he just needs a TikTok after all, right? Donkey does not look at him as a monster. And deep down, even in this beginning, where they're just kind of starting to get to Know each other and such. Shrek is warming up to Donkey because for once he is being treated as someone not something so quick.

[Nicole]

Fun fact number two or Shrek? Shrek number two is from the movie. Has anyone seen Shrek 2?

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Nicole]

Okay, cool. So it's during this year travel montage as Shrek and Donkey are going to the castle that in Far Far Away King Harold has just sent Prince Charming off on these same looks like Jamie land he'll look just like Jamie Lannister. So Harold has sent Jaime Lannister off on this little travel Far far away. But because his montage is much longer than Shrek and Donkey's montage, he does not get there in time. Little fun fact for you.

[Lexi]

Very nice.

[Nicole]

After arriving in the dragon's keep and crossing the questionable at best rope bridge, the two travelers separate. Shrek goes to handle the dragon and Donkey goes to find the staircases ready to make them his bitch nest to Archeron style. Well, on his way to the stairs, Donkey ends face to eye with a dragon who's ready for a classic fantasy fangirls battle walkthrough. Donkey panics seeing the giant beast as it begins to chase him through the castle. Oh no. Shrek tries to distract the four legged dragon by yanking her tail.

[Lexi]

Only to be flung through the air.

[Nicole]

And conveniently crashing into Fiona's bedroom.

[Lexi]

Well, so Fiona is elated. Her knight in shining armor is finally here. So she plays asleep and waits for true love's first kiss. But Shrek does not have time for this. He jolts her awake and hoists her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Not petunias.

[Nicole]

Side note, who here has seen Shrek the Musical?

[Lexi]

Not me.

[Nicole]

The few people. Did you also hear I know it's today when you watch the scene. Thank you. See?

[Lexi]

I'm sorry.

[Nicole]

On first watch you see Fiona's readiness for her knight in shining armor. Her vocabulary is super duper fairy taley. And she's exactly what you'd expect to see from a fairy tale princess. But what I love is that only on a rewrite watch you're able to see her eagerness for the night to kiss her. It's because she wants the curse to break.

[Lexi]

But there's still a dragon chasing Donkey.

[Nicole]

Oh no.

[Lexi]

These two four legged creatures come face to face with each other at last. And Donkey tries to talk himself out of danger. And he does it a little too well.

[Nicole]

With the batting of her lashes, the dragon gently whisks him away to her lair, utterly smitten and bank. Just kidding. It's a children's movie. Instead, she takes him and tries to kiss him, only for Shrek to literally swoop in, taking Donkey and land so that the dragon kisses Shrek's ass. That was a choice. Dreamworks again.

[Lexi]

My 10 year old self thought this was the most funny thing I was. Thought I was so cool watching this movie.

[Nicole]

You're like, I get the joke, I get the joke. So it's out of the crumbling hallways, down and around the castle and back over the bridge. All the while, the dragon is wrapping her own chains around and around, making it harder for her to continue the chase. And when they finally crest over the little mound of Mount Doom, basically the dragon is unable to pursue her prey. They save the princess.

[Lexi]

But once they make it to safety, and Princess Fiona makes Shrek take off his helmet, she learns the truth that he is an ogre. And she's not very happy about it. Fiona has been literally locked away, waiting for her knight in shining armor, complete with a script of how her rescue will go.

[Nicole]

And as we learn from the second movie, Fiona grew up believing that she would marry Prince Charming. Not Jamie Lannister necessarily, but a Prince Charming. And it's one of the reasons she hated her curse so much. She felt like she was unworthy of this beautiful man she was supposed to marry someday. So in the moment, she is realizing that everything in her life that she was taught and thus believe and thus held as this insane expectation over and over again while she was waiting in her tower singing I know it's today over and over again, that's not happening. It's sad.

[Lexi]

It is when her entire worldview is being shaken. After all, her belief of a happily ever after, it has rules. Which again, is one of the big things that this movie challenges. Fiona's reaction highlights how ingrained these fairy tale formulas are, even in the people living inside them. So just like Shrek hiding behind the big scary ogre in fear of rejection, Fiona hides behind the princess image because she fears rejection over her curse. And as we'll learn, she turns into an ogre herself. So him being an ogre is extra, I'll say. Triggering for her.

[Nicole]

I have a feeling in her mind she's just thinking like, universe fucking, really.

[Lexi]

By the way, I have some major lore questions about how a princess waiting up in a tower works. Like assuming that she's not in a coma, like some of them are. How does she get food? And does she have books to read? Like, how does she go to the bathroom?

[Nicole]

If you watched the musical, you would know she has books read.

[Lexi]

Okay, well what about food?

[Nicole]

Instacart baby.

[Lexi]

So like the drag, maybe the dragon and her have a truce and it's like, okay, the dragon will bring her food because the dragon needs her to stay alive to keep her job.

[Nicole]

That is some employment benefit. She's just like carrying a little grocery bag from like Safeway or Costco in her hand. She's just like doo doo doo. She's flying through the air. All of that was getting the princess though. Now we have to get the princess back to duloc. Like any good enemies to lovers, which we all know and love. Shrek and Fiona, they get off on the wrong foot. But there is a theme that we keep coming back to and that is the reverse stereotype. And Fiona is no different. I'm going to hold off on the curse and the ogreness because you know, it's only at night. And also because that's really only a part of how. She is not the typical princess in fairy tales. She's not a delicate person. She and Shrek have burping contests for crying out loud.

[Lexi]

So another fun fact. Did you know that Fiona's burp was not scripted? Cameron Diaz actually did burp into the mic and they ended up using it. Hayden, don't get any ideas. Be known for doing that during our recordings.

[Nicole]

Another fun fact about fantasy fangirls is that somewhere in a deep, dark, locked away video file, there is like three hours of Lexi just burping off air. But back to Fiona. She is not a damsel in distress as we're so used to in fairy tales. She takes a spider web and fills it with flies and then wraps it up and makes an ogre cotton candy. This is my nightmare is what that is. She also takes out all of Monsieur Hood and his band of merry mai single handedly. Get it girl. Right?

[Lexi]

I just always love the matrix reference where she kicks the two guys in midair and you know, can't forget how she fixes her hair at the same time. Also another lore question. When did she learn how to fight like one of our beloved Romanasy FMCs while in her tower? I guess like she did have a lot of time on her hands, but who taught her?

[Nicole]

I would just imagine her in her. In her hotel room is what I almost said.

[Lexi]

That's her, Nicole.

[Nicole]

That's not what that was. In her tower room. And she's like doing sit ups and she's like. For Nesta. For Nesta. For the Valkyries, For Cassian.

[Lexi]

She may be a princess but around Shrek, Fiona can be her unfiltered, unpolished version of herself. Again, that reverse stereotype. Yes, she sings like a traditional princess, but she does it to kill a bird for breakfast instead of befriend the bird. And through their children travels, Shrek is learning that his assumptions and judgment of her was quick and maybe not so true. It's exactly what he has been upset about with other people doing to him for so, so long. Fiona overheard him the the first night sharing to Donkey how upsetting it is that the world judges him. And Fiona realizes that she was quick to judge him herself. So she leans into and as she leans into the ogre lifestyle, because it's who she is also, at heart, he warms up to her and finds a connection that Shrek has never had with someone.

[Nicole]

Oh gosh, we need one of those signs. The more time Fiona spends with Shrek and Donkey, the more she allows herself to be herself. And Shrek likes it, y'. All. He it makes sense. These two are so similar. On the outside, he's an ogre, she's an ogre at night. And while on the inside side, their mannerisms are very similar too. There's then that deeper level. Shrek has found himself in comfortable solitude in his swamp because he knows the world does not accept him. Fiona was in solitude her entire upbringing because her parents put her in a tower. They both know what it feels like to be kept away from the outside world because of how others perceive him. So naturally, some crushes start to bloom. Nobody wants to pay rent. It's one of those adulting tasks that's truly never fun. But Bilt makes it worth it. BILT is revolutionizing how millions think about paying rent by rewarding their members with points and exclusive benefits around their neighborhood every single month.

[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

I just got my Panoxil a few days ago and I'm so excited to keep using it. It's such a great feeling to that quickly applying panoxyl kills 99% of acne causing bacteria in just 15 seconds. I already feel like myself again, tackling each day with just a bit more confidence.

[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

Can I make my site firmer? Can we sleep cooler?

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[Lexi]

But then on the last night before they go back to Duloc when Docy is inside the windmill and Shrek does remain outside. Donkey finds out Fiona's daughter deep dark secret. She's an ogre too. Dun dun dun. Quick pause because how did this happen? All we can confirm is that a witch cursed Fiona when she was young, and she cast a spell that turns Fiona into an ogre at night. When Fiona is young, she doesn't understand why she can't have a slumber party with her friends because she isn't allowed after out after sunset. And she initially believed as a child that she was was to be sent to a tower and it was going to be more like finishing school. Well, I don't believe we ever find out the full backstory. There is strong speculation that it is the Fairy Godmother from Shrek 2 who cast this on her. Since Fiona is locked away in a tower, it would be the Fairy Godmother's son, Prince Charming, AKA Jaime Lannister, who rescued her. But back to the present. Yes, Donkey is initially confused because his ogre appearance is certainly not what he ever has seen her looking like before. But then, once he understands, he views her as the person that she truly is, no matter her appearance. Just like how he did with with Shrek. And by not reacting with horror like Fiona has been conditioned to think, Donkey validates her worth. Which will ultimately help her step toward accepting her ogre side.

[Nicole]

Shrek is ready to confess all of his deep, deep feelings for Fiona. So, with a sunflower in hand and all which. Pause. You all know I cannot resist a plant. Watch. So, sunflowers symbolize adoration and are often associated with the sun itself. What? I know. Oh my God. And it's very sweet, also considering Shrek has only seen Fiona in the sunlight, so there's nice little symbolism right there. Oh, how nice. Yeah. So Shrek marches up to Fiona's door, so speech at the ready until he overhears Fiona say, quote. I mean, really, who ever would love a beast so hideous and ugly? Princesses and ugly don't go together. That's why I can't stay here with Shrek. Yeah. Bad timing. This is bad timing. She obviously is talking about herself and how she has to hurry and marry Lord Farquaad so that she can get true love's first kiss and her curse can break. But Shrek, not knowing Fiona's secret, immediately thinks that she is talking about him, which. Ow. That would hurt. Shrek has believed his entire life that he is undeserving of love because he's an ogre. And now he thinks he found companionship with Someone who accepted him for who he is at his core. And again, he believes. Now overhearing this. Well, crap. She actually doesn't love me after all. I am truly that unlovable.

[Lexi]

Is there such thing as, like, the poor timing trope?

[Nicole]

I think that's a miscommunication trope. Wait, it's a poll, actually. Who thinks that there's such a thing as a poor timing trope? Yeah. Five of you. Who thinks that it's actually just the miscommunication trope?

[Lexi]

Yeah. Okay, Hayden, stop clapping like that.

[Nicole]

The next morning, an angry Shrek comes back to their Campsite with Lord 4 quad Farquad in tow. Fiona, it's time to meet your true love. This is the moment Fiona has been waiting for. It's the perfect charming match. He's strolling up on his noble steed, yet Fiona is hesitant. This is wrong. She doesn't want perfect anymore. But Shrek, he's too mad. And he will not listen to anything she has to say.

[Lexi]

Even though she's trying to tell him the truth. But he throws in her face the words that she said last night. Who could ever love a hideous, ugly beast? And here she is thinking that he knows she was talking about herself and he didn't want to be with her because she is an ogre too. Okay, yes, that is definitely the miscommunication trope. Yes.

[Nicole]

Yes. I was on this stage today, years old, when I realized that's what she was inferring. What?

[Lexi]

We have done two run throughs of this.

[Nicole]

I have watched this movie so many times in prep for this deep dive. I am turning into a beat. Oh, dear. So he leaves Fiona to go make wedding plans. Like, I need to leave and go under this table.

[Lexi]

Well, Lord Farquaad, he is cutting her off. He is not paying attention to Fiona, but rather what he is about to get. She is his prize and that's all he cares about.

[Nicole]

Boo. Smiting.

[Lexi]

L, L, Capital L, Capital L, capital.

[Nicole]

L. Okay, but today's the wedding day and there's too much to do. Pause. Can you imagine planning a wedding? It's not even in a day. It's like in a matter of hours. Yes. It makes me break out in hives.

[Lexi]

And they do have the entire royal kingdom at their disposal here, so it's possible.

[Nicole]

Sure. Yeah.

[Lexi]

Like Shrek initially planned, he's ready to build a wall around his swap to keep everyone out, including Donkey. And he can keep himself separated from them because everyone else has such a problem with him. And again, Shrek has no idea that Donkey and Fiona were talking about her.

[Nicole]

Why are you looking at me?

[Lexi]

You apparently need to hear this more than anyone. He thinks they were both talking about him. Two people, especially Donkey, who he has come to let down his guard with and connect with. That would be so hurtful. I would be really hurt, too. But the truth of the matter is, Shrek is in love with Fiona. He has been since they were traveling together for the whole two days. Right. But the thing is, he's an ogre and she's a princess. And like she said, princesses and ogres, they don't go together. It would never work out.

[Nicole]

Luckily, we have a Donkey who is quite persistent. Friends forgive each other. And even when they're nothing but mean. Because Donkey knows Shrek better than this. For all three days that they've known each other, he has seen his vulnerable side. Now, after all. And here, Donkey is challenging Shrek to admit your feelings for Fiona. There was so. That's so scary.

[Lexi]

And Donkey lets Shrek know that Fiona wasn't talking about him. She was talking about someone else when she said that hideous, ugly beast. And Donkey points out that Shrek obviously loves her and he should do something about it. Like Nicole just aggressively said. Which changes everything for Shrek, because.

[Nicole]

What?

[Lexi]

She wasn't talking about him. With this in mind, Shrek recognizes that he has to put his heart out there. Which is huge for a character who built his entire life around protecting his emotions. Yay for emotional maturity here. And yes, we have the reverse stereotype again of the monster being the one to perform the romance. The romantic. The romantic rescue on Donkey's dragon.

[Nicole]

We fly. Are we in a Taylor Swift album? Because it's the life of a sh. Just kidding. Shrek speaks now.

[Lexi]

I can't wait for that.

[Nicole]

I'm so excited. Oh, my God. Yes. Running into the wedding, Shrek stops them just in time before they seal the marriage with a kiss. Only to be laughed at by Farquaad and the audience for having feelings for the princess. L. For you, Lord Farquaad. Yes. Yes. If there's anything I have learned in therapy, it is that emotions are beautiful. And I need that reminder every week.

[Lexi]

Another fun fact. During the part when Shrek tells Fiona that he loves her, Mike Myers recorded the lines of with his real wife. Real wife standing right there. So the lines sounded extra authentic, which bring out our sign. Aww. Yes, exactly.

[Nicole]

Aw.

[Lexi]

There is no such thing as the right love. Only true love. Real love, where both people can fully be themselves. And what's more, be loved by that Other person for being themselves. Just for loving all of them.

[Nicole]

But Lord Farquaad will not stand for this. This is his chance to be king, damn it.

[Lexi]

And an ogre's. And an ogre wife does not fit his perfect kingdom vision. So guards, take her and lock her away in her tower for the rest of her days.

[Nicole]

Smiting L.

[Lexi]

By the way. For those of you who don't know, L means loss. It's what we give characters who we're.

[Nicole]

Mad at, in case you didn't know this.

[Lexi]

That way he can have order and power and perfection.

[Nicole]

But thank goodness Donkey so good at flirting. Because in bursts dragon who bends down and eats Lord Farquaad in a single bite. Good riddance. With Lord Farquaad out of the way, Shrek finally has the opening he's been waiting for. And he confesses his loves for the loves that he has for the princess. It's a good thing Fiona feels the same.

[Lexi]

And they kiss.

[Nicole]

But wait, doesn't she turn back into a human?

[Lexi]

She doesn't.

[Nicole]

That is because the curse states. And I quote, until you find love. I quote again. Until you find true love's first kiss. And then love takes. I'm gonna try this a third time. You can do it. I can do it. Quote. Until you find true love's first kiss and then takes love's true form. There, I am sweating. Stress me out. So, question from this here curse. Does this mean she takes the form that she was in when the kiss happened? Or does she take her love's true form? Or love's true form was an ogre?

[Lexi]

Love's true form. Her, like.

[Nicole]

No, that's what I'm trying to clarify.

[Lexi]

Yes, I know. So, okay, so whoever her true love is and his form, that is the form that she will take. And I'm guessing that it's. It's because.

[Nicole]

Sorry, 2001. Yeah. Regardless, we will not have another moat boat situation on this stage. Regardless. This surprises Fiona. She's been waiting her whole life to have this curse lifted. And to be at last beautiful again. She was locked away in a tower by her parents because of this curse. The trauma that this poor girl has been under. And here, her one true love is saying how beautiful she is. And he loves her regardless of what she looks like. That's love.

[Lexi]

Yes. And so Shrek and Fiona live ugly ever after. Because ugly in this case, in all those cases, is a good thing. It stands for being your authentic self. Who may be imperfect, but it's real, it's worthwhile, it's beautiful. And after all, we're all onions who have layers. Fiona gets to be who she is at her core. When she is happiest, she gets to be her true self. And Shrek doesn't have to fit into the human world. Instead, he finds someone who loves himself because of the things others rejected. Which brings us to the message. A happy ending is not about fixing yourself to match an ideal. It's about finding joy in your real, messy, weird self.

[Nicole]

Yes, Lexi.

[Lexi]

Yes.

[Nicole]

Do you know the Muffin Man?

[Lexi]

The Muffin Man?

[Nicole]

The Muffin Man.

[Lexi]

I do know the Muffin Man.

[Nicole]

Wonderful. Because I hear he's got quite the backstory about the making of this movie. So it is time to enter the DULOC library, where each episode, Lexi helps us deepen our understanding of how this classic movie came to be.

[Lexi]

The movie Shrek debuted in theaters on April 22nd in 2001. And oh boy, it had no idea the cultural feature phenomenon it was about to be. Shrek is inspired by and based on the book by the same name by William Stein. This guy and he was a cartoonist for the New Yorker. It's produced by PDI DreamWorks, which also created Ants and the Madagascar series. My children are obsessed with Madagascar right now. Yes. Shrek was only the fourth film ever made using the animation techniques required to create the the film. At the time Shrek was animated, it was one of the most cutting edge movies. This came out again in 2001 when most animated movies were still being drawn in 2D and not many studios had made the jump to 3D yet. Shrek took a team of nearly 300 artists and technicians over four years to create the film we all know and love. In 1995, when Shrek began production, DreamWorks was working on their first first big film, the Prince of Egypt. Who remembers that movie? Love that movie.

[Nicole]

Yes.

[Lexi]

The problem with Shrek is that DreamWorks EX executives believed that Shrek was gonna be a flop. They believed that the Prince of Egypt was going to be a smash hit due to it being closer to the popular Disney style at the time. So this led Shrek to become like a punishment for DreamWorks for animators who were underperforming while working on the product Prince of Egypt. So in the book Men who Would Be King, an almost epic tale of Mongols, mute movies, and a company called DreamWorks. That is quite the title there. An animator is quoted saying, quote, it was known as the Gulag. If you failed on Prince of Egypt, you were sent to the dungeons to work on Shrek.

[Nicole]

Oh no, not the gumdrop Buttons.

[Lexi]

This punishment even had a nickname to be Shrek. Sounds really dirty now. But anyway, all right. Donkey was particular particularly hard to animate. And they studied donkey movements a whole lot. Then Eddie Murphy came along and was extra enthusiastic, so they had to exaggerate the movements even more so. And Shrek's animated design was revised quite a few times to be more human and approachable because he was originally designed to be a little too monstrosterous Montastru. Anyway, Mike Myers was not the original Shrek actor, beloved actor on snl. Chris Farley was. And the Shrek character was more like Chris, where he was a humble bumble, humble bumbling, innocent guy. And so Chris recorded 80 to 95% of Shrek's dialogue. Though Chris sadly and suddenly passed away in 1997. Rip and Mike Myers took the role. Mike Myers decided to take it because of his own memories of fairy tales that his mother used to tell him. He had very fond memories. He also originally recorded Shrek in a Canadian accent, much like how Mike Myers himself speaks. But after hearing the playback, he was like, nope, we have to re record it. And he re recorded it in Scottish. This significantly delayed the film's production and added $4 million to the budget.

[Nicole]

That was in 2001.

[Lexi]

Yes, Shrek paved the way for a list actors to be in feature animation films because it was among the first to have that kind of cast. And a lot of the dialogue was improvised. With so much Disney parody, it's no surprise that several of Schuck's creators used to work for Disney. Jeff Katzenberg used to be the head of Disney Animation, but he left because of bad blood with Disney's CEO, who Lord Farquaad is based on. Like I mentioned earlier. So Jeffrey Co founded DreamWorks. Others from Disney also worked on Shrek 2 in including two of the main two of the two of the four main writers for Aladdin. And as you can imagine, Disney was not happy like Fiona Style seeing Shrek when he takes off his helmet style after Shrek released. And so for example, Disney would not align itself on any Shrek promotion. So who here remembers Radio Disney? Oh, yes. So they were not allowed to do any ads for Shrek. And finally they did end up airing the soundtrack just because it was so popular and like kind of had to there. So Shrek would end up earning $490 million worldwide. And it went on to be the first film to take home the award in this category at the Academy Awards, winning out Nickelodeon's Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius and Pixar's Monsters, Inc. Before Shrek came along, DreamWorks was really struggling to find its identity as a studio, and Shrek's mix of humor, parody, and pop culture references made it famous. It's been referred to as the Monty Python for Kids. I think I made multiple of those jokes in this.

[Nicole]

You didn't have your coconuts.

[Lexi]

I did not have my coconuts. I know. And it helped DreamWorks really thrive and make more films with the same mix of fantasy and comedy that we all just love so much, including how to Train youn Dragon, Nicole's absolute favorite movie, and Kung Fu Panda.

[Nicole]

And that's everything you need to know about the making of Shrek. Yes. Sorry, I'm booking that. Yes.

[Lexi]

Yes.

[Nicole]

Yay. Lexi. Let us close out this episode with oh, merry man. And discussion. Our favorite moments from this movie. The whole movie. The whole movie. Buckle up. In the opening scene where Shrek is reading the fairy tale and he rips out a page to use it as toilet paper. It's the page that he rips out is where true love's first kiss happens. And then the next page that is shown is they get married and they celebrated their wedding day.

[Lexi]

Hello.

[Nicole]

Foreshadowing.

[Lexi]

Just the famous line, and in the morning, I'm making waffles. So, fun fact. My husband was like, so you're having lots of waffles this weekend, right? I was like, it wasn't part of my menu, but sure, of course. So is anybody here. He specifically asked me to ask you all this. Is anybody planning on having waffles because of this line here this weekend, or.

[Nicole]

Are they now planning on having waffles?

[Lexi]

There we go. Okay, I'll take that back to him.

[Nicole]

Everything about the gingerbread torture scene, Gingy saying, eat me or not, the gumdrop buttons. Or my personal favorite that I had to make an entire bit out of.

[Lexi]

The Muffin man, the magic mirror doing the Meet the Bachelorette spit, and just how he describes Sleeping Beauty in Snow White. It's just so creative and fun. And then the guard who's like, pick number three, my Lord. Pick number three. So, you know, if you think about it, this guard who needs a math lesson, he's probably the whole reason for this entire franchise because he's the one who convinced Lord Farquaad to pick number three.

[Nicole]

So, fun fact. This is more of an FFG Fun fact. The Smash Mouth song. Somebody once told me that one was actually the song I walked down the aisle to at my wedding. I made made a, like, very pal. I made very pals canon version of it. And it was combined with Sweet Victory from spongebob. Sor. That's right. And it was awesome.

[Lexi]

You're going to have to find a video. I don't have it with me. I. We will find that at some point.

[Nicole]

We will find it at some point.

[Lexi]

Speaking of songs, just the song I don't give a damn about Bad reputation again, my 10 year old self. Of course I had the soundtrack. Did anybody else get the soundtrack?

[Nicole]

Yes.

[Lexi]

Okay. Yes.

[Nicole]

I don't know why I raised my hand. I lived with you. I was like, yeah, I got it too.

[Lexi]

Yeah, it was mine. I just felt like such a baddie. My 10 year old self listening to it and singing along to that song.

[Nicole]

Okay. Was I the only one who giggled when Shrek was walking up to the castle and he said that it smelled like brimstone? Because I only think of like quicksilver and brimstone and then I think of kingfisher and that does not belong in this movie. Talk about an R rated podcast. The constellation that Shrek and Donkey are looking up while they're stargazing is Blood Knock the Flatulent, an ogre who was known for his farts.

[Lexi]

Okay, so if Shrek's farts are not legendary. I can't believe we're talking about this right now. If Shrek's farts are not legendary with the way, you know, like he kills. Kills the fish at the beginning with, you know, and how he warns Donkey not to walk behind him because he would be dead, then I would be terrified, absolutely terrified to be in the line of fire for Blood Knock the flatulence. You know, Crop dusting.

[Nicole]

Crop dusting. Stop. Think you're a witch casting a spell. Crop dust. Lord Farquaad. Lord Farquaad. Speaking of Lord Farquaad, while he is in bed watching Fiona on the mirror, which first weird. He then looks under the covers and smiles. That's weird.

[Lexi]

I did not notice that until I.

[Nicole]

Watched this movie for the deep end.

[Lexi]

But also, I just love how he is the martini. Like, it's so on brand.

[Nicole]

Three smiting Ls? Is that what we got? Four. Did anyone keep count?

[Lexi]

No, we had two smiting Ls and one capital L. I accept that.

[Nicole]

All right. During the Hallelujah Sad times montage, there is a moment where a knight is looking at Fiona wearing the same helmet that Shrek wore in the Saving the Princess scene. He like, gives her a little thumbs up, then it fades and Shrek is standing in the exact same position as the knight. Nice little cinematic nod. That Shrek is actually the knight in shining armor that Fiona has been waiting for.

[Lexi]

And then how, you know, like showing that they belong on the same table when they're both eating on opposite ends of different tables in the fading. Yes, yes, indeed.

[Nicole]

Yes, yes, yes.

[Lexi]

And also just during that montage there when Fiona pushes down the man on the cake to represent Lord Farquaad and just always get a little chuckle.

[Nicole]

So far, quad has always, always has a man holding a sign. Things like applause, like we've been doing this entire time. He has it, like, with applause and cheer and revered silence. Revered, revered, revered silence. But at the wedding, when Shrek and Fiona finally confess their feelings, the man has to to handwrite an aw sign, which one is very sweet. And secondly, they're at a wedding. Why was there not already an awe sign written?

[Lexi]

That is so Lord Farquaad.

[Nicole]

It is so on brand.

[Lexi]

Revered silence. But not aw. Like, yeah, yeah, I like you all.

[Nicole]

Followed the revered silence. By the. You all went. Yes, Lexi, I am so sad. We don't. We need to go find a revered silence. Will hold.

[Lexi]

Yeah, just everything about the final scene with that karaoke just again, what a cultural moment for this generation. That was like, I like big butts and I cannot lie.

[Nicole]

And last but not least, Shrek and Fiona's getaway car at their wedding is an onion carriage, which is the same onion carriage that they use to travel to far far away in movie two.

[Lexi]

Okay, I have a question.

[Nicole]

Yes, Lexi?

[Lexi]

They're not crying in the the onion. Like, can you imagine just the tears.

[Nicole]

Streaming down your face. I'm so happy to marry you. I wonder if because they are ogres, they're like, immune to the onion. What? The onion perfumes.

[Lexi]

What about the carriage guy having to drive them around?

[Nicole]

Yeah, he's up.

[Lexi]

You all. This has been an absolute dream come true to talk about Shrek with you. Like, again, I loved this movie since it came out. And who would have ever thought we'd be on a stage deep diving it? And just. Thank you so much for being here.

[Nicole]

Can we take a moment to give it up for the incredible people over here at Enchanticon? Let's give it up for this amazing team.

[Lexi]

If you are new to fantasy fangirls, we are available on every podcasting platform we have covered. Fourth Wing, Iron Wing, Flame, Onyx Storm, all of the acotar books that took us 11 months. Friends, please go listen to those. It took us a long time, and we are finishing up the Kindred's Curse saga before we move into Quicksilver by Cali Hart.

[Nicole]

Ah yeah.

[Lexi]

This October we are hosting multi Fandom Trivia tonight at Game Night in Midway Suite 5. And yes, Shrek is one of the fandoms.

[Nicole]

So you all have been studying. Exactly. Yes. Hope you all were paying attention because those are some of the hardest questions.

[Lexi]

And we are doing a session on Tropes tomorrow where we'll be talking about all our favorite fantasy tropes and books to go along with them.

[Nicole]

Thank you as always to our top duloc scholar, AKA our content researcher Brooke. And of course, yes, yes, give it up for Brooke. We love Brooke. And of course our executive executive producer AKA our sanity manager Hayden.

[Lexi]

Who is host Bobby who's our bop bubby who.

[Nicole]

Is hosting his own panel on Sunday at 11:15 teaching you all the one on 101s about Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere. Yeah, all right.

[Lexi]

As you can see by this handy dandy icons right there, we are on Instagram, Instagram and Slash or TikTok at Fantasy Fangirls Pod. Please go ahead and give us a follow if you aren't already. And with that friends, it's all ogre.

[Nicole]

Now.

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[Nicole]

You don't?

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[Lexi]

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