The History of McFarlane Toys’ Shrek Action Figures

[@Brianna-eo8nu]

The Mcfarlyne toys really reflect how Shrek was perceived back in the early 2000s: Dreamworks’s edgy bad boy franchise with a more teen/adult oriented sensibility that challenged Disney’s sanitised kid friendly image. These figures definitely captured that teen/adult market the first Shrek was going for before the franchise pivoted into marketing solely to young kids.

[@austin_the_brimstone]

Yes! I 100% agree! 👍

[@georgiabundick]

That’s such a fantastic point. No wonder these were scratching the itch in a way I’ve never seen before, given the fact that I was a toddler when the sequel was released and that’s how I got the few pieces of shrek memorabilia I actually did have. The vibes of the first ad campaign, much like those of the film, are perfection

[@rimac2727]

I don't even think there's someone so enthusiastic about Shrek's merch, but here you are. Pretty impressive collection and very informative about your hobby as well. Also, I think it's good that you understand and praise the spirit of Mcfarlane and his approach to toys compared to other corps.

[@austin_the_brimstone]

Thanks for the kind words! It’s true I’m pretty passionate about this topic lol. These figures are just SO good and the fact they’re not often talked about is a real shame.

[@rimac2727]

@@austin_the_brimstone I would say that they are niche, and not everyone is passionate about Shrek merch on collector's level, but you're doing a very good job at covering these collectibles, and you have good understanding of them, so keep up with what you're doing as long as you enjoy it.

[@Spaceserenade]

“Shrek marvel legends” nearly made me spit my drink ahaha

[@caramelcandys]

I would pay those crazy haslab prices for that ngl

[@QuintonReviews]

I've always thought it was a shame that we never got a proper, posable and in-scale Ogre Fiona. For the first film, I get it - major spoilers for the actual film. But for the second? There's no good excuse for it honestly.

[@austin_the_brimstone]

It’s really bizarre epically when you consider that Shrek 2 AND Shrek the Third had 6” figure lines. The fourth and final movie, Shrek Forever After, even gave us a much more action-oriented Fiona design in the form of Ogre Warrior that would’ve made an excellent action figure. Where’s our Ogress Fiona??

[@Esgles]

@@austin_the_brimstoneI guess the only one is ogre Fiona prototype from Shrek 2 which you covered in your shrek 2 video

[@thespookymage6294]

One of the rare times a youtube recommendation turned out to be something I would be interesting. Great video, man!

[@LochNessHamster]

I had no idea McFarlane did Shrek figures. If you asked me, I would probably never had said that would be something I'd want, but these are all so good. I think I at least need to track down Knight Shrek. I don't need a whole display of characters, but that one is calling to me.

[@austin_the_brimstone]

That’s definitely the best Shrek figure. The detail on that knight armor is nuts. He would look sick next to some Toy Biz LOTR figures.

[@LochNessHamster]

@@austin_the_brimstone He would! He's got that similar 2000s level of detail that you just don't see much on figures under $40 anymore. If I pick him up I might have to take some pics of him trying to blend in with the Fellowship.

[@georgiabundick]

Yeah when I heard they were stocking the cases with one fewer knight shrek than the default I could instantly see myself wrestling some other nerd to the ground to rip the last one out of his hands in the store. If I had infinite money, I’d get a dragon figure right now, but maybe I will splurge one day and get one of the mini packs or playsets :’)

[@pivotalpancake5454]

When McDonald's released their (I don't know if it's the 1st or 2nd wave) of Shrek toys. I remember having one of their talking Shrek and Donkey figures (they're pretty much lost now and I can't find them), which looks quite similar to the deluxe talking Mcfarlene ones, especially the posing of the torso. I never realized these McFarlane toys exist, and never did I ever want a toy so badly again.

[@austin_the_brimstone]

I don't think the McDonalds toys used the McFarlane sculpts directly but I could've seen them used as reference. Those toys, by the way, were REALLY impressive for a kids' meal. The detail on those, especially the Shrek the Third wave of toys, is incredible and even comparable to the McFarlane figures.

[@dumbjakeworld]

Take me back to the shrek section in the toy aisle

[@41dn]

the shrektion

[@RoseCuarzo]

as a shrek collector, these videos are amazing. finally finding someone who has my same hobby lol!

[@austin_the_brimstone]

Lots of great Shrek collecting content planned! I wanted to watch videos just like these and got tired of waiting…so I’m making them myself 😉

[@RoseCuarzo]

@@austin_the_brimstone wonderful!! i wish to show you my collection one day.

[@theheadlessglen]

Your passion in this video is infectious, as a fan of a lot of the Pre-2000s/Early 2000s McFarlane toys (not a huge fan of the direction today), seeing a big break down of this line of toys has brought a huge smile to my face. These figures looks so damn good.

[@austin_the_brimstone]

@@theheadlessglen Thanks! I’m glad to hear this video is still getting some love. I just ordered some more vintage McFarlane Shrek stuff so stay tuned for a follow-up!

[@theheadlessglen]

@ I looks forward to it

[@javodey]

18:44 If they updated the "I Feel Good" unlost test animation with the modern design... that's the face Shrek would make at the end when he says "Bite me"

[@legend_oflouis9813]

Super nostalgic for this line, I can remember the weird smell of the plastic to this day! When my grandma died I remember finding a whole stash of boxed figures in her house when we were sorting out her stuff, that she must have got for us as gifts and forgotten about… I work for a company that has the Dreamworks license and within the asset bank I found all the first movie packaging assets, that classic purple background and image of Shrek…even the hands as separate PNGS!

[@austin_the_brimstone]

That’s really cool. I love that branding a lot. My nostalgia will always be for the orange branding of Shrek 2, but honestly the royal purple and large Shrek hands are much more appropriate. I sure hope whatever licensee you work sees the value in Shrek. So many companies have the Dreamworks license and only produce Gabby’s Dollhouse and Trolls. We need new Shrek merch!

[@_Mike23]

I remember begging my parents to buy me the donkey figure at Kroger back in the day. And they did lol

[@xCanadensis]

This is a FANTASTIC video!! Everything I didn’t know I wanted to know about Shrek toys

[@ievmotron669]

You my friend just got me to subscribe!! Showing mcfarlane the respect he deserves means a lot to me to hear! Love the video!

[@austin_the_brimstone]

Thank you! 🙏 Todd McFarlane is a total legend. His contributions to the toy industry can’t be understated. I’ve also met him at SDCC many years ago and he’s a very nice and chill dude.

[@bebopblue]

I have the Outhouse set, which I got a Blockbuster. At the time little did I know how iconic that scene would be. But I really love the Shrek figure from that set as I wanted basic figure of him. I also have the Duloc Mascot, and that's a neat fact about him.

[@austin_the_brimstone]

That outhouse set is awesome. It's kind of wild how few toys there are such an iconic scene. It holds up great.

[@rayvenkman2087]

That 3 inch Shrek would go well with his Sense of Right Alliance teammates by Mattel, Bandai, Hasbro and maybe Super7. You gotta have the whole crew.

[@austin_the_brimstone]

A knock-off classic! Now I want to re-create this display.😂

[@rayvenkman2087]

@@austin_the_brimstone Gotta do it with the official figures and exactly ones based on the figures seen on the red card package including the SPD Ranger and a colour matching Lightning McQueen. Maybe the Yellow SPD Ranger to avoid it being a sasuage fest.

[@GobLavignex]

For my birthday, my parents tried so hard to get me the shrek and donkey figures at toys r us, but they were always sold out of everything! So I got the Farquaad mascot set because it’s all that was left lol. It’s a super nostalgic piece to me now

[@austin_the_brimstone]

That’s awesome. Not the most exciting character but a fun figure for sure. I bet a lot of stores sold out Shreks and Donkeys quickly. It may explain why the Shrek 2 figure line was mostly Shrek and Donkeys. Thanks for sharing the great memories. I love hearing childhood stories like these. 👍

[@zillauniverse7208]

Since Pixar has done their own 6inch possible collectible line called Pixar Spotlight their is so much potential to see Dreamworks work with a big toy company and have their own 6in line figures of iconic Dreamworks characters.

[@RICCSALAZAR]

You have no idea how much I needed this video. This is EXACTLY my niche. Thank you! Subscription earned.

[@austin_the_brimstone]

Stay tuned because I’ll be doing the toy history on all four films! 👍

[@MSlacker578]

Man i remember these from when i was young its like being hit with a brick of nostalgia

[@LegacyFable]

This video is an absolute masterpiece and I love your collection

[@austin_the_brimstone]

@@LegacyFable Thank you!

[@candyjack839]

That was a lot more informative than expected. This actually reminded me I used to have that Gingy plush.

[@austin_the_brimstone]

That’s such a great plush. I didn’t mention it but there’s actually two versions: one with an angry face and one with a happy face.

[@quilldelgado4211]

I almost skimmed this video but you my friend got my attention keep it up man and I'm now a proud subscriber

[@ramonefett2638]

Great job on the reviews, I never knew Todd had made those.

[@Astrognat7]

Great vid man! Never did I think I would watch 25 minutes on Shrek toys but here I am. And it was really well paced and put together too

[@austin_the_brimstone]

Thanks for the kind words! I probably could’ve filled another hour lol 😅

[@FlamingoRadio_]

I had absolutely no idea these existed, I also adore the Shrek set. Instant like and subscribe!

[@Mr_G_Daddy]

I think you may be my spirit animal. You have me hooked right now....HOOKED ON A FEELIN!

[@austin_the_brimstone]

I’m your spirit Ogre! Also nice Far Far Away Idol reference. 😉

[@Mr_G_Daddy]

@@austin_the_brimstone Only the best references from the best franchise!

[@Chudsy2218]

I just found your channel as the algorithm willed it. Subbed.

[@Shlumbus69]

15:25 I HAD THAT WHEN I WAS 5 OMG!!! i vividly remember going to see Shrek and the next day I saw that in Kroger and my mom got it for me 😭😭😭 I also got a plush of the dragon that had a bag of candy in it

[@austin_the_brimstone]

I think it’s super interesting that so many people remember seeing these figures at Kroger. They definitely were all-in for Shrek. Oh and that candy Dragon plush was made by Toysite. A very small company who is more infamously known for their cancelled Nintendo toys. Thanks for sharing!

[@benjimartinez3464]

I just picked up a “Shrek pack.” Someone was selling it for $50 in my area and I was able to get Shrek, Fiona, donkey, and furquadd 🙏🏽

[@austin_the_brimstone]

Great score!

[@butters3063]

the algowithm hits again, subbed

[@mikerios1065]

I like the micro-jabs on making fun of his name: "Mike My-ohs"

[@admire_astrid]

That's just how he talks lol

[@LSSJTHOR]

Great Video man, as a 90s/2000s kid I love videos on McFarlane toys!

[@austin_the_brimstone]

McFarlane was PEAK during that era.

[@_MECHA_]

Finally someone covers these

[@GarbageDayProductions]

this was super informative and entertaining, love these types of vids. and your enthusiasm for shrek and this line is very charming! wonderful vid

[@austin_the_brimstone]

Thank you! This line was definitely made with passion and I am quite passionate myself about collecting Shrek 😊

[@zerogranger]

Wow I had Multi pack A of those 3 inch mini figures as a kid. Played with them all the time. I remember my parents promising to get me the other packs but sadly never did get them even though I really wanted them.

[@austin_the_brimstone]

They sadly didn't have a long shelf life. The line was all but gone by the christmas season.

[@zerogranger]

@@austin_the_brimstone ah that explains it.

[@aliteralchad7128]

“Miek mieos”… I’m on board

[@blackdragon5274]

Nice Shrek collection

[@blackdragon5274]

One thing to note though, and I might have misunderstood, I don't think Todd sculpts any of his company's figures. He employed people like David Silva around that time, who sculpted a lot of his monsters and dragons.

[@Ace_of_Horns]

Incredible video man. I love Shrek myself and own all of the films and some of the games. However I never even heard of these figurines before. Thanks for teaching us something new.

[@austin_the_brimstone]

Glad you enjoyed! 👍

[@stjimmy_45gingy31]

Holy crap im a mcfarlane toys collector and had no clue how he did shrek stuff. Im off to ebay thanks pal!

[@TrumpsTrashTruck]

I still remember seeing the play sets at Kroger of all places and wanted them so bad but never got them until now as an adult lol

[@McFarlaneDragonClan]

This video made my day. I hate when people try to crap on Todd McFarlane and talk smack. The appreciation you have for the details and attention of details from Mcfarlane Toys themselves is unmatched. Giving these figures the proper review they all well deserve. You did awesome and good job. Thank you and i couldn't agree more with everything you say💯 Dragon is my personal favorite from the line😎

[@austin_the_brimstone]

Thanks for the kind words! It’s true, no other company matches McFarlane with the detail on these. There have been many collector friendly Shrek figures and statues over the years yet none compare to the Todd McFarlane original.

[@beastmanreview009]

Went to watch Shrek when it first came out. I remember seeing these at Toys R Us and KB Toys

[@jasontheredfox]

I never knew McFarland made shrek figures, man these things look amazing

[@austin_the_brimstone]

They’re awesome! You’ll be even more impressed when you hold them. They’re very hefty and weighty. They just don’t make them like this anymore.

[@jasontheredfox]

@@austin_the_brimstone it definitely seems that way, I only have two McFarland figures in my collection and they're pretty high quality from my understanding, Paul McCartney from yellow submarine (the variant that came with captain fred figure, and the Austin Powers in the striped blue shirt. After watching the rest of your video it only made me wish they were able to require the license to make Shrek 2 figures, if that were the case I'm sure I would have heard of them then. I can picture what they'd look like in my head lol

[@austin_the_brimstone]

@@jasontheredfox Sadly they didn’t McFarlane’s last Shrek figures were four NASCAR themed variants lol. Would’ve loved to have seen a McFarlane Puss in Boots, Charming or Fairy Godmother.

[@jking14-80]

I'm am a Huge SPAWN fanboy and Todd's toys are great..BUT I'm not really a Shrek fan at all..but I'm str8 diggin your love for the fandom so...subscribed

[@austin_the_brimstone]

Thank you! ❤

[@mikewzowske]

Now I want a shrek figure

[@ScribblestoScreen]

Love this video! Always thought the figures looked great but never knew the true passion behind them! I’ve got a Shrek bootleg based on the Micro toy line! still mint on the card and unusually comes with a dwarf 👀 it’s been my favourite find on eBay 😂

[@austin_the_brimstone]

Thank you for the kind words! There are some incredible bootlegs of this line. I’m not sure why but the molds for these figures seem to be somewhat commonplace, giving us some TRULY “unique” bootlegs 😂 That up-sized dwarf sounds awesome. (Especially since he’s voiced by future-Shrek 4 director Mike Mitchell. He even has a canon name….Walt!)

[@ScribblestoScreen]

@@austin_the_brimstone Now I'd love to see a video all about the bootlegs from Shrek 😂

[@RingUnit643]

This is what Mcfarlane was like back then.nowadays they dont feel the same anymore. Edit: SHREK IS LOVE,SHREK IS LIFE

[@Spenglenoodle]

You there! Ogre!

[@mitchfletcher2386]

Aye?

[@thepcvtv]

Got the Shrek and Donkey magnets at Ralph’s in 2001. Pretty sure they were giveaways in their in-store coloring page contest.

[@austin_the_brimstone]

Very interesting! What a cool giveaway. Thanks for sharing. Sounds like quite a few people remember seeing Shrek figures at Kroger grocery stores. They definitely were all-in for Shrek.

[@reinaldothecringemaster3728]

Hello I have subscribed to your KZbin channel

[@GoliathAngelus]

I have them too still with the boxes!! Details are very nice,,his vest is almost leather like.. Price was almost the same as a Buzz Lightyear

[@OhJoGeneric]

I LOVE that Fiona beanie plush!

[@austin_the_brimstone]

She’s one of my favorite pieces. That headsculpt is just so damn good. No other Fiona figure ever came close to matching that detail.

[@BBall-dq9mt]

You from Rhode Island?

[@MixelFan95]

0:08 whats that music? I heard it play in Mind Pulp Videos

[@austin_the_brimstone]

“Super Bossa Nova!” It’s the theme song to the Austin Powers films. It’s a total banger.

[@brandonlevine4694]

I had those magnets as a kid! I believe I got them through a promotion at Ralphs Grocery store? There was a promotion where you get a coloring sheet and you brought it back to the store and they gave the magnets for free?

[@austin_the_brimstone]

I 100% believe this was the case. Somebody else actually reached out to me and described a similar promotion. So that definitely was the case! Very cool, and a great promotional item too.

[@morenmb]

I like medieval knights and got the boxing ring just to get the Knight and gave away the Shrek figure to my nephew.

[@michelesamuelian4644]

The only Shrek McFarlane figure I have is Dragon. I didn't have any luck finding it in the stores when it was first released, but came across an eBay auction and got it at a reasonable price. I had a very nice Dragon plush from Universal Studios, but the scales on the plush had phthalate in them and the toy became very sticky. I regret getting rid of it, but I didn't have a lot options to keep it.

[@austin_the_brimstone]

The Dragon is really the best figure of the line. Incredible toy for sure, especially for the time. 👍

[@georgiabundick]

Omg the third act plot twist of the STUPID NASCAR COLLAB IM LOSING MY MIND

[@austin_the_brimstone]

NASCAR always comes in with the clutch 🏁

[@boywithanearring]

Awesomesauce of a video.:]

[@bandicootcollector]

What was the website you used to check how they were sold? Entertainment Earth? How can I see historical information there?

[@austin_the_brimstone]

Yep Entertainment Earth. They keep listings up via their "archive" and sadly while you can't search for them on their website directly you can use Google to track them down. Just google "Entertainment Earth Shrek" and you'll find lots of old listings for McFarlane, Hasbro and Playmates Shrek toys. Interesting stuff for sure!

[@roydekock656]

I have the duloq mascot! I saw it at comicstore once and it was so funny and random to me that I immediately had to get it. (Got it for like €14,95 and it was in like 2020 or something)

[@stalker7864]

Hello, I'm currently looking for a shrek toy from my childhood can't find it online it's a shrek toy with earwax in it

[@austin_the_brimstone]

@@stalker7864 Is it a figure? What’s the size roughly?

[@victorvonvoid1938]

I have the original plsuh, found it in a hotel gift shop back in 2006, and even I wasn´t a huge Shrek fan I have to get it because of that detail head sculpture, It was until today I found out it is a Mc Farlane toy... that makes sence

[@austin_the_brimstone]

I believe this was McFarlane’s only plush line. He did such an amazing job on those.

[@karlluigi1987]

Shrek is Love

[@austin_the_brimstone]

Shrek is Life

[@Esgles]

Nice joke at video opening. I expected you to start talking about Shrek immediately only to hear the Powers theme and toyline. That made my day

[@austin_the_brimstone]

I'm also pretty nostalgic for those figures too. I remember my Dad having them displayed near my family's kitchen haha. Classic McFarlane was something else!

[@Esgles]

@@austin_the_brimstone one day you should review the Powers line. I still have my talking fat man from the 2nd movie from the year 2000

[@BugsyFoga]

Still amazing to think Todd designed characters for the Xbox game

[@austin_the_brimstone]

Yeah! That game is a total trip. In a weird way, Todd created the Shrek incarnation of Humpty Dumpty, who would later go on to become a major character.

[@pnelad14]

We can get some of harder to find figures in the UK if you want to sort something out dude. Help grow that amazing collection

[@akshaytrayner1960]

Awesome vid

[@nathanforester5993]

I seriously wanted the duloc dungeon playset with Farquad and the gingerbread man. There was also a bean bag plush of him I kept seeing but I wanted to get so badly and Farquaad was the figure I always wanted to get because of the scene in the dungeon and also because John Lithgow is an amazing actor. I had the mascot, I did not know that was the director in the costume.

[@austin_the_brimstone]

That playset is truly awesome. I’ve seen it but don’t have own one. Those aftermarket prices…yikes!

[@ianscollectiblesreviews1543]

I wonder if the shrek holding packaging was mocking disney for how much they license merch?

[@austin_the_brimstone]

I didn't even consider that but there's definitely a cheeky ironic undertone to all the merch. Great catch.

[@aewannamaker]

Dont get me started on there fnaf line

[@huntertomlin3523]

I had princess fiona action figure

[@BetoZayasGaoking]

14:54 wtf happen to pinocchio hair

[@Avasworld-e4r]

He’s bald 👩‍🦲

[@Crazy-np9zv]

Do you know where I could get one of those Shrek figures from?

[@clearlyblurry508]

Mort Goldman ahh voice.

[@nick-il9jd]

The Puss in boots figure he did he destroyed it I don’t remember why, my friend told me because he used to work with Mcfarlane in the factory when it was in New Jersey

[@lordofthegames6601]

HOW THE HELL DID I JUST FIND OUT ABOUT THIS TOY LINE?!?!?

[@austin_the_brimstone]

Everyone always talks about the regular Spawn or musician McFarlane figures but this one is a total gem! 💎

[@nerdgasm5949]

My cousin had one

[@GoliathAngelus]

Dreamworks created the movie Shrek in 2001 but the character was created much sooner in 1990 by writer and artist William Steig.!

[@maxmiller5619]

Say that again...a what? A wetail excwoosive? I

[@cristianojeda2418]

I messed mine up as kid cut off his vest to try on other figures wish kid me took better care :(

[@solairegun4667]

I want the first Shrek figure you showed what’s it called pls

[@austin_the_brimstone]

@@solairegun4667 That’s the 12” jumbo Shrek from McFarlane 👍

[@LPOband]

Yeah this checks out

[@derekknowles5805]

My brother had the Shrek 2 toy with the potion and sunflower the stuffed animal Shrek Donkey and puss and we had playdough dental thing and remember the green and purple ketchup

[@bionabot]

Shroink

[@Crazy-np9zv]

Do you know where I can find a Shrek figure for I’m too late world and I have to learn disabilities

[@jcrizzle]

Right on, man

[@clairbeeguitar]

you didnt mention the xbox game! i know its not a toy but has a bunch of mcfarlane character designs

[@walkingnote1090]

Mcfarlane has made everything st this point.

[@austin_the_brimstone]

No corner of the earth Todd won’t touch! 🤣

[@tuckerhawkey9561]

No offense, but why do you sound that way?

[@elwoodjacobs4353]

I was thinking the same thing. 🤣

[@arthuramazons2406]

in the movie the mastic falls over

[@flavorstone7932]

Have you ever considering seeing a speech language pathologist, and doing speech therapy?

[@OtisLePoOtis]

PLEASE look up "Shrekin N Wreckin"

[@austin_the_brimstone]

I did but I’m not sure what I’m supposed to be looking for 😅

[@OtisLePoOtis]

​@@austin_the_brimstone It's a video with this little cartoon guy named Austin, and he also likes Shrek, insane coincidence! 🤯

[@babysinclairfan]

The small scale figures were pretty awful. I remember them breaking right away

[@austin_the_brimstone]

They definitely were brittle. One thing that didn’t help was the glue that used for some of the figures. Namely the Three Pigs and Blind Mice. They are almost always detached from their bases.

[@Volbeat696]

Wow, this guy sounds like Elmer Fudd

[@gannontilly2929]

honestly I kinda disagree with some of the stuff like the possibality in 2002 1 year later there where the spider man super poserers

[@Cowslopenjoyer]

Todd’s cheap nowadays all those jokerised figures

[@austin_the_brimstone]

Jokerized Shrek. Could you imagine the horrors?

[@BrazenBull001]

I love that movie sweck