Shrek is set to receive some kind of reboot which is currently in development. There's a lot of rumors and news surrounding the nature of this reboot and whether it will completely wipe the continuity clean, or be a softer reboot explained within the story itself.
Since there will be another instalment of this famous franchise though it begs the question, which characters will be involved? There's a number of characters that are absolutely set to return in some form, while there's a series of others from throughout the franchise's history which will be forgotten about completely, with new creations taking their place.
Will Forget About: Lord Farquaad
Lord Farquaad was the perfect villain for the original Shrek film. While he also made his stage debut in the musical version of the production and is a fond memory for many fans of the first instalment, his story really is finished.
It could be tempting to bring back this classic character who might be seeking revenge, but then it might lessen his eventual demise and feel a little repetitive to be treading on old ground in that way. Farquadd is probably far far away from the series now.
Will Appear: Shrek
It's quite difficult to have a Shrek movie without the titular character. Shrek himself is the heart and soul of the piece, with his comedic spirit and wacky mannerisms becoming a core part of why the franchise works so well.
There's something quite timeless about the character and while other areas of these films have aged badly, Shrek himself has remained consistently entertaining and endlessly compelling as a lead character. He will of course be returning in the reboot.
Will Forget About: Prince Charming
Prince Charming probably overstayed his welcome slightly, having appeared in two films out of the four. While he was initially entertaining and easily hated as a villain, the character was pushed a little far in his second appearance.
Without Fiona's family dynamic and the Fairy Godmother, the character just didn't quite work the same way. It would be difficult to bring him back once more and still make the villain feel fresh. There's really no reason for his return therefore.
Will Appear: Fiona
Princess Fiona is another part of the very DNA of this franchise. The relationship between Shrek and Fiona grew across each film and was one of the most intriguing narratives throughout.
The high points of the franchise were really when the main trio of characters were by themselves, with Fiona really holding her own against Shrek and Donkey. The reboot should strip back many of the extra elements and really bring Fiona to the forefront again.
Will Forget About: Fairy Godmother
The Fairy Godmother may be one of the best villains of the franchise. Completely defying expectations on what a Fairy Godmother should be, she was both terrifying and hilarious, with some fantastic voice work to go along with it.
However, her story is finished. Fans have fond memories of the character much like Farquaad and any more could ruin that legacy. For Fairy Godmother she was most effective in the story she was featured in and will be left behind in favor of a new foe.
Will Appear: Donkey
Much like Shrek and Fiona, Donkey is part of the original trio. Much like those other characters as well, the voice cast behind all three have signed up for the reboot sequel. Since the original films whats desired of a voice actor has changed significantly.
Eddie Murphy turned it up to eleven when initially voicing the part. It would be fascinating to see what acting choices he makes now that the technology and the skills desired have moved on and Donkey could become a leading part of the new film, no longer taking the role of sidekick.
Will Forget About: Merlin
Merlin was a massive disappointment in every sense. There were a lot of creative things that could have been done with this famous wizard. There were also a lot of expectations put on the character both in the story and from the audience.
However, since the character came off as a failure it's likely that Dreamworks won't want to revisit that mistake. Merlin will be forgotten not because he had his time but simply because he never added anything to the franchise.
Will Appear: Puss In Boots
Puss in Boots contributed to the series in a huge way even inspiring a spin-off which is also getting a sequel of some sort. This feisty feline managed to combine action and comedy in such a way that he became a core part of the cast moving forward.
Puss was instantly lovable and had some fantastic lines. It's actually quite difficult to imagine the franchise without this Zorro inspired cat and he will therefore be making an appearance in the reboot series.
Will Forget About: Rumpelstiltskin
Much like Merlin there was a lot riding on Rumpelstilskin. This famous literary character met expectations in terms of the kind of villain he ended up becoming. He was funny in moments, but not interesting enough to bring back again.
He served his purpose and it's not likely that the creative team would feel too passionately about moving forward on a new project with the same character. In fact, because that was the last villain of the series, Dreamworks may want to go in a different direction altogether.
Will Appear: Dragon
One of the most surprising elements from the original film that perhaps showed how it defied every prediction put on it, was that it took background characters like the Gingerbread Man or Pinocchio and really made them feel unique.
The dragon was a core part of this idea with the unexpected twist that she would later become Donkey's lover. It's a hilarious move but one that made her a great part of the franchise, with her further appearances making her more beloved to fans. It's difficult to have Donkey without Dragon now.