This panel will focus on the history of the “Shrek” movie franchise, from its inception as a book adaptation to the many memes that have been inspired by it over the years. In addition to a timeline of Shrek’s history, we’ll discuss its cultural legacy, internet lore, lost media rumors, meme culture, and fan creations. We’ll discuss how his legacy has bounced between genuine love, ironic adoration, and nostalgic appreciation over the last 25 years.

Some of the topics we will address include, but are not limited to:

• Shrek’s role as an antihero and how he spoke to a generation of nihilists

• The rumored HP PhotoSmart 945 commercial, which may or may not exist

• Snippets of some ironic Shrek fanfiction

• Shrek the Musical

• Shrek-branded merchandise and tie-ins to other media/products

• How Smash Mouth’s “All Star” became a meme because of Shrek