Cameron Diaz opens new 'Shrek' in Taiwan

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Fiona, the even-tempered ogre princess in the animated blockbuster "Shrek the Third," is a modern update of the classic fairy tale princess, says Cameron Diaz, who voiced the character.

Actress Cameron Diaz poses for photographers during a media event before the evening's premiere of 'Shrek the Third,' Friday, May 25, 2006, in Taipei. [AP]

Fiona understands that "if you want something to happen, you have to go out and do it yourself," said Diaz, who was in Taiwan to promote the latest installment of the movie franchise, which premiered here Friday.

When Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) sets off on a mission to find the true heir of the kingdom of Far, Far, Away, Fiona is left to defend the castle. She gets some unexpected help from Snow White, Cinderella, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty.

"These are the princesses we grew up on," Diaz told reporters. "We get to keep our princesses, and we get to modernize them."

Justin Timberlake, Diaz's former boyfriend, voices the future King Arthur.

She described Timberlake's performance as "hilarious."

"I think he's great in the film," the 34-year-old actress said. "He's so gifted."

"Shrek the Third" also features the voices of Eddie Murphy as Donkey and Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots.

Diaz and Jeffrey Katzenberg, chief executive of DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc., are on a three-week tour to promote the movie in more than 10 cities in Asia and Europe.