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Get ready to return to Far Far Away, but this time, the story won't be about Shrek.
Eddie Murphy has officially confirmed that Donkey, the beloved, wisecracking character from the Shrek franchise, is getting his very own spin-off movie. The surprise announcement was made during a recent interview with ScreenRant, in which the comedy legend spilled the beans on what’s next for DreamWorks’ most iconic animated series.
Murphy has voiced Donkey since the original Shrek film hit cinemas in 2001, quickly becoming one of the most memorable animated sidekicks in film history. While he’s already confirmed to return in Shrek 5, which is currently in production and set for release in 2026, fans now have even more reason to celebrate.
“We’re doing a Donkey one,” Murphy revealed. “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.”
And it won’t be just any side story. Murphy went on to tease that the Donkey movie will be similar in tone and structure to the Puss in Boots spin-off franchise, which earned both critical acclaim and strong box office numbers.
“Donkey’s going to have his own movie, his own little story with his dragon wife and their half-dragon, half-donkey kids,” he laughed. “They’ve written this funny story. We’re doing that, starting that in September.”
Fans have long called for Donkey to take centre stage, with many arguing he’s the true comedic heart of the Shrek films. From his catchy rendition of “I’m a Believer” to his romantic escapades with the fire-breathing dragon, Donkey has delivered endless laughs and emotional moments throughout the franchise.
DreamWorks has yet to officially announce the film's release date, but based on Murphy’s timeline, the Donkey movie is expected to hit cinemas in 2027, likely following the release of Shrek 5.
The original Shrek franchise has grossed nearly $3 billion at the global box office and cemented itself as one of the most beloved animated series of all time. With nostalgia driving demand and streaming services hungry for bankable IP, the expansion of the Shrek universe is no surprise.
Between the return of Shrek and the rise of Donkey, it seems like we’ll all be heading back to the swamp, and this time, the spotlight is finally on the sidekick who stole the show.
