What you need to know:
In 1995, a test animation for Shrek was created. And yes, the ogre looks nothing like we know him today.
Although his story hit the screens 22 years ago, it’s not a lie to say that Shrek marked a before and after in the world of cartoons and fairy tales as we knew them. It’s no wonder he’s still one of our favorite characters two decades later.
Shrek became known in the world of cartoon characters for his great teachings because of his story reminds us that people love us beyond our looks and our value as a person lies in something greater than just physical appearance.
“Shrek” is one of the most popular animated films. Photo: Dreamworks Animation
“Shrek” is one of the most popular animated films. Photo: Dreamworks AnimationShrek is one of the most famous cartoon characters
Although it’s a great life lesson, it’s true Shrek became famous for his green appearance and his colloquial wardrobe consisting of a white long-sleeved shirt, a brown fur vest, brown trousers and short brown boots.
In fact, the image of the ogre is so familiar to us that For many of us, it is unthinkable to imagine Shrek in any other form and/or clothing. (except, of course, the one he had when he became human in the second film). And if you are one of them then you must watch the following video:
His image became popular 20 years ago
It turns out that The 1995 test animation “Shrek” went viral on social networks and where we can see that the original idea of the ogre, based on the character of the same name by American author William Steig, was completely different.
Unlike the Shrek we know, The image of the ogre we see in DreamWorks’ test animation appears a little rougher and scarier. Just like the ogres we see in movies like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (which was more of a troll, but you get the point).
Shrek test animation photo. Photo: Special
Shrek test animation photo. Photo: SpecialThe test animation for Shrek was different than what we know
Although The ogre in the animation test gives us some clues like the pointy, roll-shaped ears that Shrek had in his final version, We can say that the animated image does not bear much resemblance to that of the beloved green ogre. Something that may seem strange to many.
Anyway, In the end, DreamWorks worked for several years to ensure that in 2001 we could see the image of Shrek that we had seen for the last 20 years and that has been recreated in paraphernalia and even Halloween costumes and even television shows (just ask Bad Bunny).
Bad Bunny dressed as Shrek. Photo: SNL
Bad Bunny dressed as Shrek. Photo: SNLWhat would Fiona and Donkey look like in the Shrek test animation?
¿Can you imagine what Shrek’s story would have looked like if DreamWorks had kept that first test animation? Would we still love the swamp ogre? What did Fiona, Donkey, Gingerbread and other characters look like at the beginning?
Lots of questions that I hope to find answers to one day. In the meantime, We stick with the versions of said characters that we already know from the films and also others that users do with the help of AI…