Get ready for more waffles. Universal and DreamWorks Animation have officially confirmed a spinoff film called “Donkey,” based on the beloved Shrek sidekick voiced by Eddie Murphy, will arrive in theaters on June 30, 2028.
Murphy will return to voice the character he has played since the original Shrek hit theaters in 2001. The movie will serve as an origin story showing how a regular donkey became Donkey, the chatty, lovable companion fans have grown to adore over more than two decades.
The film will be directed by Charlie Bean, known for “The Lego Ninjago Movie” and the live-action “Lady and the Tramp,” and co-directed by Matt Flynn, whose previous story artist credits include “The Wild Robot” and “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.” Rebecca Huntley, who produced “Kung Fu Panda 4” and “The Bad Guys,” is on board as producer.
Interestingly, Donkey is set to premiere exactly one year after Shrek 5, which hits theaters on June 30, 2027. Shrek 5 will see Zendaya joining the cast alongside returning stars Mike Myers as Shrek and Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona.
Murphy has long expressed excitement about giving Donkey his own spotlight. He previously teased the project, saying he has always wanted to keep doing Shrek, calling Donkey a great character to play.
The Shrek franchise has grossed hundreds of millions worldwide since its 2001 debut, becoming the first film to ever win the Best Animated Feature Oscar. With two films now confirmed for back-to-back summers, fans of Far, Far Away have plenty to look forward to.
