Donkey Is Getting His Own Movie as the ‘Shrek’ Universe Expands

The Shrek universe is getting even bigger, and this time, Donkey is finally getting the spotlight.

DreamWorks Animation has confirmed that Eddie Murphy’s fan-favourite character will star in his own animated movie, appropriately titled Donkey, scheduled to arrive in theatres on June 30, 2028.

And after more than 25 years of stealing scenes from Shrek, it’s about time.

So, How Did Donkey Become Donkey?

The new movie will reportedly explore Donkey’s origin story, taking audiences back to discover how the lovable, endlessly chatty character became the Donkey we first met in the original Shrek movie in 2001.

There are plenty of unanswered questions.

Was he always this talkative? When did his obsession with waffles begin? And when did he decide personal space was completely optional?

Eddie Murphy will return to voice Donkey, continuing a role he has played since the franchise began.

The film will be directed by Charlie Bean, with longtime DreamWorks story artist Matt Flynn serving as co-director and Rebecca Huntley producing.

RELATED: Zendaya Joins ‘Shrek 5’ as Shrek & Fiona’s Daughter

We Could Meet More of Donkey’s Family

Murphy has been teasing the possibility of a Donkey spinoff for more than a year and has previously suggested the story could also explore Donkey’s unusual family life.

That includes his wife, Dragon, and their half-donkey, half-dragon children, affectionately known by fans as the Dronkeys.

Yes, after all these years, we may finally learn more about how that relationship works.

Maybe not exactly how it works.

This is still a family movie.

But First, We’re Getting ‘Shrek 5’

Fans won’t have to wait until 2028 to return to Far Far Away.

Shrek 5 is scheduled to hit theatres on June 30, 2027, exactly one year before Donkey.

The movie will reunite Mike Myers as Shrek, Cameron Diaz as Fiona and Eddie Murphy as Donkey, while Zendaya joins the franchise as Shrek and Fiona’s daughter, Felicia.

A newly released trailer has already brought plenty of attention back to the franchise.

Including the realization for millennials that the original Shrek came out in 2001.

Yes, Shrek is now 25 years old.

If you saw the original in theatres, congratulations. You’re now old enough to understand why Shrek just wanted everyone to stay off his property and leave him alone.

What’s Next for the ‘Shrek’ Universe?

Between the original Shrek movies, the Puss in Boots spinoffs, Shrek 5 and now Donkey, DreamWorks clearly isn’t finished with its favourite fairy-tale universe.

And there are certainly enough characters left for more spinoffs.

But if DreamWorks is taking suggestions, there’s only one logical choice for 2029:

The Muffin Man: Rise of Drury Lane.

I can also create a funny 1000 × 500 web image to go with the article.