Shrek 2 had an OJ Simpson reference which everyone missed

From the opening beats of Smash Mouth's 'All Star' to iconic lines like 'that'll do Donkey, that'll do', the Shrek franchise is full of memorable moments.

However, even years after the release of the films, there still might be some jokes you've missed.

One such example comes in Shrek 2 in the form of a reference to late American football player OJ Simpson - who passed away on 10 April 2024.

Watch below:

As I'm sure you'll know, Simpson became known far beyond the world of sports when he became a suspect in the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman.

The pair were killed in 1994, long before the release of Shrek 2 in 2004, and as a result many of the fans who went to see the film as children might have been too young to know much, if anything, about the case at the time.

Looking back now, though, with more knowledge of the case and with the help of shows like The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story on Netflix, you might have better luck spotting the reference.

Shrek 2 included a reference to former footballer OJ Simpson. (VINCE BUCCI/AFP via Getty Images)

Following the murders, a warrant was put out for Simpson's arrest after he was charged with two counts of murder. Later that day, he was spotted travelling in the back of a white Ford Bronco driven by his best friend and former teammate, Al Cowlings.

He was first seen on the San Diego Freeway in Laguna Hills, and gradually travelled east back to his home in Brentwood.

The reference might have clicked for some of the more hardcore Shrek fans out there, but if not, allow me to explain.

It comes during Shrek, Donkey and Puss in Boots' chase scene, when the 'dispatcher' in the film can be heard saying 'we’ve got a white bronco heading east into the forest'.

In this case, the 'bronco' refers to the horse Donkey turns into after drinking the Fairy Godmother's magic potion, rather than the white car Simpson was riding in.

However, the link is hard to ignore once you've spotted it - which, if you're like me, might not have been until now.

OJ Simpson passed away in April 2024. (Jason Bean-Pool/Getty Images)

OJ Simpson, full name Orenthal James Simpson, passed away on 10 April 2024, with his family confirming his death in a statement, explaining that he'd been battling cancer.

It read: "On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer.

"He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace."