Shrek the Third (also known as Shrek 3) is a 2007 American animated fantasy comedy film loosely based on the 1990 children's picture book Shrek! by William Steig. Directed by Chris Miller (in his feature directorial debut) and co-directed by Raman Hui from a screenplay by Jeffrey Price Peter S. Seaman Miller and producer Aron Warner and a story conceived by Andrew Adamson co-director of the previous two installments it is the sequel to Shrek 2 (2004) and is the third installment in the Shrek film series. The film features Mike Myers Eddie Murphy Cameron Diaz Antonio Banderas Rupert Everett Julie Andrews and John Cleese reprising their voice roles from the previous films along with new additions Justin Timberlake as Arthur Pendragon and Eric Idle as Merlin. In the film Prince Charming is plotting to overthrow Shrek and Fiona who have inherited the throne following King Harold's death. Shrek has no interest in ruling the kingdom and attempts to convince Fiona's underachieving 16-year-old cousin Artie to reign instead.