DreamWorks Animation has officially announced a new chapter in the beloved “Shrek” universe with the launch of “Donkey”, a standalone spin-off film dedicated to one of the franchise’s most iconic and entertaining characters. The movie will place the spotlight on the wisecracking, endlessly energetic Donkey, giving fans an opportunity to learn more about his life before he crossed paths with Shrek.
Hollywood star Eddie Murphy, whose unforgettable voice performance helped make Donkey a fan favourite across generations, is set to reprise the role. Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation have scheduled the film’s theatrical release for June 30, 2028.
Unlike previous entries in the franchise, “Donkey” will serve as an origin story, exploring the character’s mysterious past and revealing how he became the talkative, optimistic companion audiences have come to know and love. While details of the plot remain under wraps, the project promises to delve deeper into Donkey’s journey, offering fresh insights into one of animation’s most memorable sidekicks.
The film will be directed by Charlie Bean, best known for his work on “The Lego Ninjago Movie” and Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Lady and the Tramp”. Production duties will be handled by Rebecca Huntley, while DreamWorks story artist Matt Flynn has been appointed co-director. Flynn brings extensive experience from acclaimed animated projects such as “The Wild Robot”, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish”, and “The Bad Guys 2”.
The announcement arrives as excitement continues to build for “Shrek 5”, which is currently slated for release in 2027. The highly anticipated sequel will reunite much of the franchise’s original voice cast, including Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona. Adding fresh star power to the cast, actress Zendaya has also joined the upcoming film in an undisclosed role. The sequel will be directed by long-time franchise veterans Conrad Vernon and Walt Dohrn.
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Since its debut in 2001, the “Shrek” franchise has become one of the most successful and influential animated series in cinema history. The original film revolutionized animated storytelling by turning classic fairy-tale conventions on their head and introducing audiences to the unlikely friendship between the grumpy ogre Shrek and the endlessly cheerful Donkey. The movie was both a critical and commercial triumph, earning the distinction of becoming the first-ever recipient of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
The franchise’s success led to a series of blockbuster sequels, including “Shrek 2” (2004), “Shrek the Third” (2007), and “Shrek Forever After” (2010). It also expanded through the popular “Puss in Boots” spin-off films, which introduced new adventures within the same fairy-tale universe.
With both “Shrek 5” and the newly announced “Donkey” film on the horizon, DreamWorks appears poised to usher in a new era for the franchise. The standalone movie is expected to provide longtime fans with a deeper look at one of animation’s most beloved characters while introducing Donkey’s story to a new generation of viewers.