A new Shrek spin-off movie is in the works, and this time it's focused on everyone's favorite jackass. Speaking to ScreenRant, Hollywood star Eddie Murphy revealed that a new movie starring Donkey is in production.
Murphy revealed that voiceover work is still being recorded for Shrek 5, but that there are also plans for a Donkey movie. The film, which has yet to be formally announced, is supposedly due out three years from now, so around 2028.
No, they're still doing voiceover stuff. We're still in the booth, and literally, we're still doing Shrek. We start in September on Donkey, we're doing a Donkey one, and that'll be three years from now, but we're about two years into Shrek 5. Still in the booth and about to start Donkey in September.
When asked to clarify if this will be a movie or a show, Murphy indeed confirmed it's a movie, much like how Puss in Boots had his own movie. Deatils are obviously being kept under wraps, but the actor revealed it's going to be his own story along with his dragon wife and half-dragon, half-donkey children.
No, Donkey's going to be like how Puss in Boots had his own movie, Donkey's going to have his own movie, own little story with his dragon wife and his kids that are half-dragon and half-donkeys. They've written this funny story. We're doing that, starting that in September.
Given the popularity and success of the Shrek franchise, which includes its Puss in Boots spin-offs, it's no surprise that DreamWorks and Universal Pictures are looking to further expand it with additional movies.
Shrek, released in 2001, is an animated fantasy comedy inspired by William Steig’s 1990 children’s book Shrek!. The film follows a grumpy ogre named Shrek, voiced by Mike Myers, who sets out on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona after his peaceful swamp becomes overrun with fairy tale creatures exiled by the kingdom’s eccentric ruler, Lord Farquaad. In exchange, Shrek hopes to reclaim his home. Eddie Murphy co-stars as Donkey, Shrek’s fast-talking and loyal companion.
The fiml was a major success, grossing $484.4 million worldwide on just a $60 million production budget. It was the fourth highest-grossing film of 2001 and helped establish DreamWorks Animation as a major competitor to Pixar.
The success of Shrek helped spawn an entire franchise of films, which includes three sequel movies: Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010). Two additional feature-length spin-off movies were also released: Puss in Boots in 2011 and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish in 2022. There have also been numerous short films and specials.
Although technically a "family-friendly" franchise, the films feature humor that appeals to all ages. The movies famously poke fun at classic fairy tales and tropes, while also quietly sneaking in adult jokes and sarcasm.
In July of last year, DreamWorks Animation officially announced Shrek 5. A very brief teaser for the movie was released in February, confirming the return of Mike Myers, Eddit Murphy, and Cameron Diaz, along newcomer Zendaya, who will play the teenage daughter of Shrek and Fiona.
The trailer received mixed reactions, with most criticism aimed at the character redesigns. Although the updates represented technical improvements, some fans felt the new look stripped away the charm and personality that helped define the original style.
Shrek 5 is currently scheduled to be released in theaters on December 23, 2026.