Shrek the Third: Justin Timberlake interview

To coincide With the UK cinema release of Shrek the Third, My Park Magazine has spoken to one of the film's biggest stars, Justin Timberlake.

In the film he plays Artie, the nephew of ailing King Harold, who Shrek must convince to take to the throne.

Here, Justin tells us about how he landed the role, how he adjusted to doing a voice-over part and what's in store for the future...

So are you a fan of the Shrek films?
Yeah, huge. How can you not be? It's a classic animated film, I can't believe I'm in a Shrek movie! I'm still just kind of all giddy inside.

Music clearly has a vital part to play in every Shrek film; had you thought at any point 'Oh yeah they want me to come in so that I'll do some music for the film?'
No, from the first meeting I had with Jeffrey (a writer on the film) he said, "I don't want you to do any music, I just want you to be Artie." So that was nice. It's interesting… he saw me do a hosting gig on Saturday Night Live and then that's what I think got me the part. That was my audition!

That was it? Was there any preparation needed or did you just turn up in your, your jeans and t-shirt in the studio?
Yeah. One day I showed up in sweats. This is literally the easiest job I've ever had! (laughing) They showed me the storyboards, I went through them, came up with some ideas, did the scenes and… and they make an amazing, amazing film out of it.

The bulk of your career has been built on getting the reaction from the audience and feeding from that, so how difficult was it to get used to reading your lines in a soundproofed glass booth?
It wasn't all too weird. I mean obviously I've been in a recording studio before, and I could still see through the glass, you can see what everyone's responding to so you kind of knew what was working.

Shrek Four is already in preparation. Are you signed on for that because you're clearly swept away by this film?
No one's spoken to me about it… obviously I screwed Shrek The Third up! But whatever, it was fun while it lasted guys - thanks for thinking of me! (laughing) You know I don't even know what the story of Shrek the fourth is, but I'd love to be a part of it.

I've suggested a title... Shrek Goes Fourth...?
Shrek Goes Fourth? Mmm. I like it. Sold.

You're in a very fortunate place in your career where you're able to mix a successful music career with a career in film. Is doing comedy like this almost like a kind of release from the quite serious business of making pop music, as it doesn't happen without a lot of work?
Yeah, but I am a extremely lucky individual to be in this position and, um I definitely don't take it for granted, but I've always just trusted my gut and I'm thankful to be here.

Finally, it's interesting that you probably couldn't have completed this film without the new age technology, because I believe you were all over the place when you were recording your voice part?
That is true. I was on tour for a couple of the recording sessions. I recorded parts in Los Angeles, Minnesota, Florida and New York. There was even one session we did I recorded on video across the internet through an ISDN line.

And of course with the miracle of technology it's seamless.
Yeah. It's crazy.

The film hits UK cinemas on 29th June 2007. Watch the Shrek the Third trailer now!

Copyright: SHREK THE THIRD AND TM 2006 DREAMWORKS ANIMATION LLC