Shrek is re-imagined as a dark fantasy adventure in a new batch of AI-generated images. Released in 2001, Shrek is directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, with Mike Myers voicing the titular ogre. The film was a hit critically and commercially, and Myers has now reprised the role for three sequels, with Shrek 5 now confirmed to be on the way. Though its Myers and fellow cast members Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz who are major reasons behind the films’ success, the animated world of the story is also a big draw.

AI-generated images shared by u/Furciferus on Reddit now totally re-imagine the world of Shrek and the ogre himself, putting a dark spin on the franchise. Check out the image below:

The images put Shrek in a world reminiscent of the Dark Souls video game series, giving him updated armor and weapons. One of the images also featuers a new take on Dragon, who eventually becomes Donkey’s lover in the films.

Would A Dark Fantasy Version Of Shrek Work?

Why It Will Never Happen

Shrek is, obviously, a franchise aimed at audiences of almost all ages. All four films and the Puss in Boots spinoffs feature family-friendly humor and action. This PG tone is undoubtedly part of why the franchise has become so successful and popular, as there’s no real age limiter in place regarding who can go to theaters to watch and enjoy the movies. Making a darker and more adult version of Shrek with anything above a PG rating would be immediately cutting down on the potential audience, so it doesn’t make a lot of sense from a commercial perspective.

From a more creative or storytelling perspective, however, a Dark Souls-esque Shrek movie is more interesting. The world of Shrek pokes fun at and subverts elements of traditional fairy tales, and doing this in a darkly fantastical setting could prove interesting. Shrek begins the first film as a somewhat tragic and lonely character, and leaning more heavily into his darkness and what it means to be an ogre rejected by society could make for an interesting character study.

Even though a dark fantasy story with the Shrek cast of characters would be an interesting change of pace for the franchise, it’s very unlikely to ever happen. Right now, Shrek 5 and a Donkey spinoff movie are the only two franchise projects on the horizon, but even if more films are announced, they are essentially guaranteed to maintain a family-friendly tone. The Shrek AI art above does, however, provide an interesting glimpse at a very different version of the iconic character.

Source: u/Furciferus/ Reddit

Shrek

The Shrek franchise is a beloved animated series that began in 2001, centering around an ogre named Shrek who lives in a swamp and embarks on various adventures with a cast of quirky and memorable characters. The franchise is known for its humor, parodies of fairy tales, and heartwarming themes about friendship, love, and self-acceptance. The success of the first film led to multiple sequels, spin-offs, and television specials, making Shrek a pop culture icon.

Created by

William Steig

First TV Show

Shrek the Halls

Latest TV Show

The Adventures of Puss in Boots

Spin-offs

The Adventures of Puss in Boots

TV Show(s)

Shrek the Halls

Character(s)

Shrek , Donkey , Princess Fiona , Fairy Godmother , Puss in Boots , Lord Farquaad , Prince Charming , King Harold

Video Game(s)

Shrek 2

Summary

The Shrek franchise is a beloved animated series that began in 2001, centering around an ogre named Shrek who lives in a swamp and embarks on various adventures with a cast of quirky and memorable characters. The franchise is known for its humor, parodies of fairy tales, and heartwarming themes about friendship, love, and self-acceptance. The success of the first film led to multiple sequels, spin-offs, and television specials, making Shrek a pop culture icon.

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