The fourth installment of the franchise, Shrek Forever After, released in 2010, still raises questions among fans. The main one: where did the other ogres go? In the original timeline, Shrek was the only ogre, which was emphasized in the first movie. However, in the alternate reality he ended up in due to a deal with Rumpelstiltskin, ogres not only existed but were actively fighting against tyranny.
The dance party and its consequences
Traditionally, each Shrek movie ends with a lively dance party. Shrek Forever After kept this tradition, but with one twist: ogres from the alternate reality appeared at the party. This caused confusion, as Shrek had returned to his own timeline, where there were no other ogres besides Fiona.
Some fans believe that the dance scenes aren't canon. However, in the case of Shrek Forever After, this is debatable: Rumpelstiltskin, imprisoned in a cage, clearly feels like part of the main story. Therefore, the appearance of ogres at the party looks like a plot hole.
The tragic fate of the ogres
The first film hinted that Shrek was the last ogre in his world. He lived alone in a swamp, avoiding the society that rejected him. Fiona, who turned into an ogre, was the only exception. However, in the alternate reality of Shrek Forever After, ogres not only existed but also united under Fiona’s leadership to fight against Rumpelstiltskin.
This raises the question of whether Shrek is somehow connected to the disappearance of ogres in the main timeline. But how exactly remains a mystery.
What can Shrek 5 fix?
The fifth movie in the franchise, currently in development, may provide an opportunity to clarify the fate of the ogres. The writers will need to answer key questions: what happened to the other ogres? Why was Shrek the last one? And how does Rumpelstiltskin, captured in a cage, fit into the main timeline?
Thus, Shrek Forever After left more questions than answers. But perhaps the fifth film will be the missing piece that puts everything in place. Otherwise, what’s the point of it?
