Mike Myers offered ‘Participation’ in real time.

Mike Myers recounts the almost unbelievable time he offered the role of Shrek.

In a recent interview with Vulturethe actor shared the amusing and unexpected circumstances under which he was cast to voice the titular Green Ogre.

The opportunity came from DreamWorks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg, who approached Myers shortly after Steven Spielberg’s emotional world premiere. Saving Private Ryan.

“I went to the premiere of Saving Private Ryanand Jeffrey Katzenberg later came up to me in the lobby and brought his daughters, who then did a dance sequence from Austin Powers,” Myers recalled.

“It was after such a heavy movie, and I was crying because my parents were in World War II. I was shell-shocked, and then they’re dancing, and I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s great. Read a room!”

Katzenberg took the moment to ask Myers if he would ever consider doing an animated film. Myers agreed, but the plan was called off when Katzenberg mentioned. Participantthe actor’s first reaction was less than enthusiastic.

“Well, that’s the worst f-king title I’ve ever heard in my life,” Myers told Katzenberg without hesitation. “That’s the sound you make after drinking too much Molson Canadian. ‘Ah! Share!'”

Despite his initial reaction, Katzenberg convinced Myers to give the concept a chance. “He said, ‘Just come down and look,'” Myers shared. After reviewing the idea, the actor’s approach changed.

“I saw it and I loved that it turned fairy tales on its head. I thought it was really, really clever,” explained Myers.

“The fairy tale is a Eurocentric form, dealing with class, right? To say, ‘Yeah, we know it’s Eurocentric, but it could be more innovative and inclusive.’ And having an African-American voice in the ass, I thought that was brilliant.

Participant eventually became a global hit, garnering widespread acclaim and cementing its place as one of the most beloved animated franchises. Myers’ portrayal of the grumpy but lovable ogre is one of his most famous characters.