LEGO Shrek design started with research, then the head

Designing the first huge LEGO Shrek set started with movie-watching research, but getting the head right was key to the rest of the build.

We're just a month away from the start of LEGO Shrek, including the 1,403-piece 72423 Shrek, Donkey & Puss in Boots. It's the larger of the two LEGO Shrek models, and making it was no easy feat. A member of the design team behind this significant model has shared further details on the development process of the new set and how it all started.

LEGO Shrek 2026 sets

As you can imagine, part of the process was already done – watching the Shrek movies.

“I’ve always enjoyed watching animated movies, and I did see the first movie and most of the sequels,” said Collectible Minifigure Creatie Lead Esa Nousiainen.

“I’ve always appreciated the humour in the movies and how it works for both kids and adults. Also, I’ve always loved the comedic talent of Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy, so that was obviously a huge bonus for me in the movies."

The designer then went on to detail the actual building process that went into 72423 Shrek, Donkey & Puss in Boots, and there was only one place to start things off.

“Whenever I build something like this, characters and creatures, I always start with the head,” Esa continues. “If that is not right, then nothing works in the end. So, in this case, I started with Shrek’s head and really scrutinised the reference material to get the shaping just right. Then, I proceeded to design the rest of Shrek’s body and followed the same process with Donkey.

“Once the models were looking good, I started working on the posing to achieve this optimistic, forward-looking and adventurous composition. The rest was fine-tuning and figuring out the build process and making it as interesting and rewarding as possible.”

The pose and shaping make up a huge portion of 72423 Shrek, Donkey & Puss in Boots, even if it's not to some fans' tastes. 72423 Shrek, Donkey & Puss in Boots is one of the two first LEGO Shrek sets launching on June 1, 2026, and will cost £109.99 / $129.99 / €119.99.

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