Timberlake At Shrek 3 Premiere
The stars of Shrek were out in strength for the premiere of the third film in the animated franchise. Among those walking the green carpet in Los Angeles were Cameron Diaz and new addition to the star studded cast Justin Timberlake, who were dating while filming but have since split up. Mike Myers, who plays the ogre Shrek, and Eddie Murphy, who plays Donkey, were also at the screening. Shrek 2, released in 2004, became the highest-grossing animated film of all-time. Shrek the Third is one of several sequels hitting cinemas this summer which include Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End and the fifth Harry Potter movie. The first to be released. Spider-Man 3 broke box office records for first day and weekend takings, grossing $148m (£74m) in the US this weekend alone. Shrek producer Aron Warner said: "I think the success of Spider-Man only bodes well for us. For me, it means people are dying to go to the movies. And the more the better." The latest film sees Shrek and Princess Fiona, played by Diaz, living a fairytale life before Shrek is asked to take the throne following the death of the king.
Charming, played by Rupert Everett, is eager to get his hands on the crown.
"I think they've incorporated all the characters more," said Eddie Murphy.
But he is reluctant to take up his duty, while the evil Prince "The story isn't so much Shrek and Donkey and Fiona. It's everybody, everybody's got funny stuff to do.
"But what's remained consistent is the sweetness: a sweet little message in the back, and what's in the front is very, very funny and inventive.
Shrek 3 also stars Antonio Banderas and Dame Julie Andrews.
The film opens in the US on 18 May and in the UK on 29 June.
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