Eddie Murphy Reveals DreamWorks Is Working On A Donkey Movie: ‘We Start In September’

DreamWorks is expanding the Shrek cinematic universe, and this time, it’s Donkey’s turn in the spotlight.

In an exclusive interview with ScreenRant, Eddie Murphy confirmed that a Donkey-centered spinoff is on the way, and production, or at least voice recording, kicks off this fall. “We start in September on Donkey, we’re doing a Donkey one, and that’ll be three years from now,” Murphy said. “But we’re about two years into Shrek 5. Still in the booth and about to start Donkey in September.”

Murphy, who has voiced the equine sidekick since the original Shrek in 2001, shared more about the direction of the spinoff project. “Donkey’s going to be like how Puss in Boots had his own movie, Donkey’s going to have his own movie, own little story with his dragon wife and his kids that are half-dragon and half-donkeys,” Murphy told ScreenRant. “They’ve written this funny story. We’re doing that, starting that in September.”

The news comes several months after the very early teaser for Shrek 5 landed, causing something of a stir online with its updated look for the beloved Shrekiverse characters. It also marked the debut of Shrek’s daughter, voiced by Zendaya. The film, directed by Conrad Vernon and Walt Dohrn with Brad Abelson as co-director, marks the first mainline Shrek installment since 2010’s Shrek Forever After.

While fans are split on the new visual style, some praising its appeal, others nitpicking comparisons to Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, there’s no denying that DreamWorks is investing in a more refined aesthetic. With the return of fan-favorite characters and fresh talent both in front of and behind the mic, Shrek 5 is shaping up to be more than just a nostalgic return.

But the addition of a Donkey spinoff gives the franchise even more momentum. Following the success of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, which revitalized that character’s solo trajectory after a forgettable solo feature in 2011, it’s clear DreamWorks sees potential in branching out its beloved ensemble. Donkey, with his chaotic energy, forthright charm, and unique interspecies family, is an obvious fit for his own story.

Timing also plays in the franchise’s favor. When Shrek 5 hits theaters, it will have been 16 years since the last entry, long enough for the original audience to introduce the ogre and his friends to a new generation. Streaming performance of the earlier films has kept the franchise relevant, while Illumination’s Chris Meledandri, now producing Shrek 5, brings with him a golden touch from Despicable Me, Minions, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Whether the Donkey spinoff matches the cultural juggernaut of Shrek 2, once the highest-grossing non-Disney animated film of all time, remains to be seen, but with a compelling premise, a still-committed Eddie Murphy, and DreamWorks firing on all cylinders, DreamWorks could have a box office behemoth on its hands.