Eddie Murphy's Donkey Takes Center Stage in Upcoming Shrek Spinoff!

Exciting news for fans of the Shrek franchise! Eddie Murphy is set to reprise his role as Donkey in a standalone film scheduled for release on June 30, 2028. This new movie will explore Donkey's origins, revealing how he became the beloved character known to audiences. With a potential twist in the storyline, fans can expect an engaging narrative that dives deep into Donkey's life before meeting Shrek. Directed by Charlie Bean and produced by Rebecca Huntley, this film promises to be a thrilling addition to the Shrek universe, following the release of Shrek 5 just a year earlier.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 26, 2026, 17:45 IST

Exciting News: Donkey's Standalone Film Set for 2028 Release

Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation have announced the release of Donkey, a standalone film from the beloved Shrek series, slated for June 30, 2028. This marks a significant moment for one of animation's most beloved characters, as Eddie Murphy reprises his role as the talkative mule who has charmed audiences in four Shrek films. The upcoming movie will delve into the origins of Donkey, revealing how he transformed from an ordinary donkey into the iconic character fans adore.

Donkey's Journey: Eddie Murphy Returns with a Unique Backstory

Set in the enchanting land of Far, Far Away, the film will explore Donkey's life before he met the infamous green ogre. Early reports suggest an intriguing twist in the narrative: Donkey may not have always been an animal, hinting at a possible human-to-animal transformation that could be central to his backstory. This release date coincides with the anticipated Shrek 5, which is set to premiere just a year earlier on June 30, 2027, featuring Murphy alongside Mike Myers and Cameron Diaz, with Zendaya joining as the daughter of Shrek and Fiona.

Donkey's Legacy: From Sidekick to Star

Donkey made his debut in the original Shrek (2001), which won the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and launched a highly successful franchise. The character has appeared in three sequels: Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010), as well as both Puss in Boots films. The entire Shrek franchise has grossed over USD 3 billion worldwide, and Donkey will be the eighth film in this beloved series.

Charlie Bean, known for his work on The Lego Ninjago Movie and the live-action Lady and the Tramp, will direct the film, with Matt Flynn, a story artist on various recent DreamWorks projects, serving as co-director. The film will be produced by Rebecca Huntley, recognized for her work on Kung Fu Panda 4 and The Bad Guys.