The Shrek That Almost Was: Chris Farley and DreamWorks’ Early Gamble (Ep. 123)

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey catch up on Universal news, from a Wicked celebration at CityWalk to the closure of Po Live in DreamWorks Land. They also look at the international push for Shrek 5 and wonder whether more Shrek could return to Universal’s holiday parade. Then Jim traces DreamWorks Animation’s rocky early years and the version of Shrek that nearly starred Chris Farley, with a very different cast and creative direction.

NEWS

• Halloween Horror Nights’ 35th anniversary brings a commemorative coin to the public, and Jim previews his upcoming Orlando visit.• CityWalk Orlando’s free Oz-tacular Spectacular celebrates Wicked on October 24 with characters, costumes, and a Yellow Brick Road dance party.• Po Live closes in DreamWorks Land, prompting discussion of the area’s future and speculation about Universal’s wider plans.• Universal builds an international campaign for Shrek 5, while Eric asks whether Shrek’s holiday parade presence could make a comeback.

FEATURE

• Jim revisits Antz, The Prince of Egypt, and The Road to El Dorado as DreamWorks searches for its first breakout animated hit.• Jeffrey Katzenberg’s rivalry with Disney helps set the stage for Shrek’s irreverent approach to fairy tales.• Steven Spielberg’s early Shrek plans included hand-drawn animation and a proposed Bill Murray and Steve Martin pairing.• Chris Farley, Eddie Murphy, and Janeane Garofalo form an early Shrek cast before Farley’s death leaves the production facing a painful decision.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com• Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | strongmindedagency.com

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