LCJ: How tricky was it finding the right script for this 4th “Shrek” film? The movie is much more story-focused than the others in the series, which is one of the things I like about it.
MM: It was very difficult. I started-off working with writer Josh Klausner and we knew that if there was going to be another “Shrek” the story had to be fantastic. Not only did we want to make sure that we encapsulated all of the other films and brought the series full-circle, but we had to make sure it had a very exciting and satisfying conclusion. It was also a very complicated story to tell because of the “alternate reality” theme. What really helped was when we cast our villain – Rumpelstiltskin. From his fairy tale he’s a real deal-maker, and that’s what inspired us.
LCJ: Are you convinced that this is going to be the final “Shrek” and, if so, are you satisfied that this is the final “Shrek”?
MM: I’m super-satisfied that this is the last “Shrek”. That being said, I’m also very sad, because I love the character of Shrek. Everyone who worked on this film loves him. I think he’s the Tony Soprano for kids: A big, grumpy, angry guy, who’s allowed to be angry. But, at the same time, he’s funny and you gotta like him. I’m sad to see him go.
LCJ: You worked with an incredible voice cast (MM: The Best). My buddy, Regis Philbin, is back in this film. He has one line. Did you get to work with Regis?
MM: I did! I went to NY, to where Regis works, and I recorded him. He is amazing. He plays Larry King’s sister. They are the ugly step-sisters. He does only have one line, but it was worth it.
LCJ: You also voice some characters in “Shrek Forever After”. What’s tougher – directing or voice acting?
MM: I have to say directing an animated film is a very difficult job. This was a big challenge because I’d never done a 3-D movie before, so I got to learn a lot about 3-D. Jeffery Katzenberg, who runs DreamWorks, has gathered some of the best artists in the world and it was such a great honor to work with all of them.
LCJ: The 3-D is excellent, starting with the first scene of the movie, which has the horses of the carriage coming right at the audience. Very well done. A lot of film series’ end with the third movie. Was this a bit of a risk going with a 4th “Shrek” and making it the final film?
MM: I don’t think it was a risk, because from the beginning we put together such a great team. We even brought-on artists from SpongeBob SquarePants to storyboard this movie, and some live-action storyboard artists from the Sam Rami “Spider – Man” movies to help with the action sequences. Everyone really liked the “It’s a Wonderful Life” aspect – giving Shrek a problem that he might be going through in real-life: not being the same ogre he was in the original “Shrek” film. In fact all the artists said it’s “The Empire Strikes Back” of the franchise. And all of the actors know these characters so well – and they were fascinated with the idea that their characters having lived entirely different lives. The story gave us all a big spurt of energy and we were confident that the film would give the series a satisfying ending.
LCJ: It absolutely is a satisfying ending. Were you at Tribeca Film Festival for the premiere?
MM: I was and it was fantastic. Robert DeNiro showed up to watch our movie. It was awesome.
LCJ: Before we wrap-up I’ve got to ask you about SpongeBob, because I’m a huge fan. I know you directed a recent special: “Friend or Foe”. How much fun was that?
MM: It was really tough because those episodes are only 11-minutes long and I wanted enough time for a movie to tell that story. I’m great friends with SpongeBob creator, Steve Hillenberg, we went to school together, and Paul Tibbitt, who also runs that show, is a good buddy of mine, and they really helped me out. It was so much fun to work on that.
LCJ: Thanks for the time and congratulations on “Shrek Forever After”.
MM: Thank you. Tell all your buddies to go see the film.