The massive success and cultural impact of the beloved animated film Shrek came as an unexpected delight to its creators, according to co-director Vicky Jenson.
In a recent interview, Jenson revealed that the film's production felt intimate and isolated, as much of the work happened away from DreamWorks Animation's main studio in Glendale. The team only began to sense they had created something special when viewing the fully lit sequences and complete screenings.
"This could either work really well or not at all," Jenson recalled thinking during production. The true breakthrough moment came during the film's premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where the team realized they had crafted something extraordinary.
Released in 2001, Shrek became one of the year's highest-grossing films, second only to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The film's success spawned multiple sequels, with a fifth installment currently in development. The franchise's influence extends beyond cinema, inspiring events like the "Shrek Rave" where fans gather to dance to the movie's soundtrack. In 2020, the Library of Congress selected Shrek for preservation alongside films like The Dark Knight.
While her co-director Andrew Adamson continued with the franchise, Jenson moved on to direct Shark Tale, another DreamWorks animation featuring an all-star cast including Will Smith and Robert De Niro. She considers Shark Tale "a bit underrated" despite its lower profile compared to Shrek.
Currently, Jenson has no plans to return for Shrek 5, but maintains optimism about the franchise's future. "The spirit of the original is still there in these Shreks," she noted, comparing watching the series evolve to seeing a child grow up and forge their own path.
Jenson's latest directorial project, Spellbound, released on Netflix on November 22, continuing her journey in family animation.
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