Nicholas Cage He is one of the Hollywood actors who, throughout his more than four decades of career, brought to life countless characters that led him to win an Oscar, a Golden Globe and a SAG for his role in Leaving Las Vegas. (1995), as well as being nominated for other works in various productions; However, did you know that despite having given life to all kinds of people and animated beings, he refused to lend his voice to “Shrek”?

Yes, just as you read, the American film producer also turned down the offer to become the protagonist of one of the most successful animated film series. Although many do not understand why he did not want to give his voice to become the lonely green ogre who lived in a swamp, there is a powerful reason that led him to make such a decision.

Note that after his refusal, the one who took his place was the Canadian actor and comedian Mike Myers after the death of Chris Farley, who died before completing his work; He was joined by Eddie Murphy as Donkey, Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona and John Lithgow as Lord Farquaad in the lead roles.

IS IT BY VANITY THAT NICOLAS CAGE DIDN’T WANT TO GIVE HIS VOICE FOR SHREK?

He was in 1995, DreamWorks began developing “Shrek”including the boss of the American audiovisual production company raised Nicolas Cage to give his voice to the ogre brooding, reclusive, territorial and fearful, but this She refused.

Due to your decision, it was speculated that the actor did not want the role out of vanity, since he had become a star in action-adventure films, becoming an ill-mannered green being wallowing in a swamp, even in animation, was not what he wanted. Something that was of course far from reality, so he decided to tell the real reason for his refusal.

THE REAL REASON FOR HIS REJECTION OF “SHREK”

Realizing that the family-friendly animated film was geared more towards the children of the house than the adults, he decided against it for a powerful reason. “Well, the news said it was vanity and I think that’s a bit strong. The truth is that I’m not afraid to be ugly in a movie. But when you’re drawn it says more about how kids are going to see you than anything else and that means a lot to me.”he said to Savannah Guthrie TODAY in March 2013.

In addition to thinking of the little ones, by then, in 1995, the Hollywood star He had an almost 5-year-old son, who influenced his decision. For him, being portrayed as lonely, aloof, with bad manners, territorial and very scary was not what he wanted to reflect, and although his way of being changed over the minutes, he saw a being totally opposite to Donkey.

It is for this reason that Nicolas Cage refused to lend his voice to the green ogre, which he does not regretas he pointed out in the same interview.

WHY DO YOU VOICE GRUG IN “THE CROODS”?

Given their perception based on Shrek to be a very grotesque ogre, many are wondering why Nicolas Cage was encouraged to voice Grug in “The Croods” (2013); and is that for those who have seen the animated comedy, said character also had a very gruff attitude and caused some fear in the rest, like being green.

The answer is simple: he considered that minors could connect more with him. “I want the kids to watch Grug [y piensen]: ‘Well, he’s a little scary, but he’s a great teddy.’ And I wasn’t sure I could do that with Shrek.”, he said to Today. Note that in the sequel to 2020, the actor resumes his role and lends his voice again.