Mike Myers made a memorable appearance at this year’s AFI Awards, donning the iconic Shrek costume to honor his longtime co-star Eddie Murphy. The Canadian-American actor and comedian took the stage in Los Angeles on April 18 to celebrate Murphy at the 51st American Film Institute Life Achievement Award ceremony.
Myers transformed completely into his animated character, with a full green face and ogre ears, wearing a classic black tuxedo. He was there to pay tribute to Murphy, who has voiced the beloved character Donkey in the Shrek movies. During his speech, Myers praised Murphy’s performance and highlighted the importance of his role in the franchise’s success.
He said:
“None of the Shrek success could have happened without Eddie Murphy. His character Donkey is a masterpiece. As is every character that Eddie has created… It is an absolute honor to be able to tell my kids that I got to work with Eddie Murphy.”
Myers also called Murphy “one of the greatest,” noting his qualities as a “tour de force” — lovable, hilarious, joyous, vulnerable, and loyal.
The event brought together several of Murphy’s collaborators, including Martin Lawrence, Kevin Hart, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle. Jennifer Hudson also attended, delivering a musical tribute to their 2006 film Dreamgirls. Stevie Wonder’s performance added to the celebration of Murphy’s career.
Upcoming Shrek 5 Reunion
The news of Shrek 5 has been highly anticipated by fans. Universal Pictures released the first trailer for the upcoming film in February 2023, confirming that Myers and Murphy will reprise their roles as Shrek and Donkey. They will also reunite with Cameron Diaz, who voices Princess Fiona.
Zendaya has joined the cast as a new addition, voicing one of Shrek and Fiona’s triplets named Felicia. The first trailer features the four characters gathering around a magic mirror and asking, “Who is the fairest of them all?” The mirror responds, “Why Shrek, of course.”
This announcement came after the 2010 film Shrek: Forever After was initially considered the final installment. However, in July 2024, it was confirmed that a fifth film would be produced. Originally scheduled for a Summer 2026 release, the film was delayed and now set for June 2027.
Despite the delays, Myers expressed excitement about the project. In a 2022 interview with GQ magazine, he said he would be “thrilled” if he could do one Shrek movie a year.
AFI Tribute Streaming on Netflix
The AFI’s tribute special for Eddie Murphy, which included Mike Myers’ speech in the full Shrek costume, will be available on Netflix starting May 31. This event not only celebrated Murphy’s contributions to comedy and film but also highlighted the enduring legacy of the Shrek franchise.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of Shrek 5, hoping it will bring back the same charm and humor that made the original films so beloved. With the return of its iconic cast and the promise of new adventures, the fifth installment is expected to be a major event in the world of animation and entertainment.
