Many remember Chris Farley as a sketch comedian who played over-the-top characters on SNL. Before his death, he broke out into films which are now considered cult classics, such as Tommy Boy and Black Sheep .
What many people don’t know is that prior to his death, Farley was originally cast as the voice of Shrek in the popular franchise of the same name. Chris Farley had finished most, if not all, of the recordings, but Mike Myers was cast to redo the recordings. It’s said the character was drastically changed to fit Myers comedic stylings.
This news has been circling the internet for years as a bit of fan trivia, and we could only imagine what Chris Farley would have brought to the role — that is, until now. As T MZ has reported , Farley’s audio recordings as the title character were leaked.
Now, for the first time, fans of the late comedian can hear him voice the ogre. Although it’s just a two minute clip, you can hear just how different Farley’s Shrek sounds. Put to the storyboards featuring Shrek and Donkey, Farley’s Shrek and Eddie Murphy’s Donkey are heard having a very touching conversation.
Hear Chris Farley as the original voice of Shrek in a new, leaked video: http://t.co/CNRuf2AJGF pic.twitter.com/3bPAXriefa
— Brow Beat (@browbeat) August 6, 2015
In this version of Shrek, he wants to belong, but more importantly he wants to be a “good ogre” and do good, and is open about wanting to meet someone special, despite everything thinking he’s a big ugly ogre. For the first time, as an actor, Farley shows his vulnerable side. For someone who was known for his physical comedy, it’s a delight to hear what Chris could have done with a character that was a little more grounded than the rest of his work.
Fans of already started to react to hearing Chris Farley voice Shrek.
@TMZ Wow! Is that eerie. It almost sounds as if Farley wasn’t acting.
— Rick Medina (@kaijudude3) August 6, 2015
This is really awesome: the original Christ Farley as Shrek: @vulture @muskrat_john #ChrisFarley #shreck http://t.co/Mi0yqydyNc
— Miguel Esquirol (@miguelesquirol)
Shrek is great, and Mike Myers did a nice job. But Chris Farley would have been amazing.
— Dustin Morley (@DustinMorley) August 6, 2015
9292861591126017″>August 6, 2015
Sad now bc Chris Farley would’ve been a great Shrek
— Mack (@babyjew_) August 6, 2015
[Photo by Paramount Pictures]