According to Deadline, Universal and DreamWorks have officially announced “Donkey,” a standalone animated film starring Eddie Murphy‘s beloved sidekick, while also confirming when audiences can expect to see it in theaters.
Donkey’s Story Continues Beyond ‘Shrek 5’
“Donkey” is scheduled to premiere on June 30, 2028, arriving roughly one year after “Shrek 5,” which is currently set for release in the summer of 2027. Murphy will reprise his role as the fast-talking companion, this time leading a story that explores the character’s origins and how he became the Donkey audiences first met in the original Shrek.
The project has been developing alongside “Shrek 5” for several years. DreamWorks first acknowledged that a Donkey-focused spinoff was being discussed in 2023, before Murphy revealed in 2024 that the picture had received the green light. Last year, the actor also shared that the story would revolve around Donkey, his dragon wife, and their hybrid children, with voice recording expected to begin in late 2025.
Behind the scenes, “Donkey” brings together filmmakers with experience in both animation and family entertainment. Charlie Bean, whose credits include “The Lego Batman Movie” and Disney’s live-action “Lady and the Tramp,” will direct the feature. Rebecca Huntley, a producer on “Kung Fu Panda 4” and “The Bad Guys,” is producing, while DreamWorks story artist Matt Flynn has been tapped as co-director after contributing to films such as “The Wild Robot,” “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” and “The Bad Guys 2.”
The announcement comes as DreamWorks prepares to revive its flagship franchise with “Shrek 5.” Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy are all returning to voice Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey, respectively, while Zendaya has joined the cast as Felicia, one of Shrek and Fiona’s children.
