As the countdown to Shrek 5 continues, fans of the beloved fairytale franchise have even more reason to celebrate. Comedy legend and Shrek staple Eddie Murphy recently confirmed that his fan-favorite character, Donkey, will finally be stepping into the spotlight with a solo spin-off film currently in development.
In a recent interview with ScreenRant’s Liam Crowley, Murphy revealed that while the cast is still recording voiceover work for Shrek 5—set to hit theaters on December 23, 2026—a new adventure is already lined up. Production for the Donkey standalone film is scheduled to begin in September 2025, potentially targeting a theatrical release window in 2027 or 2028.
“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. They’ve written this funny story” Murphy shared.
This marks a major moment in the Shrek cinematic universe, with Donkey finally getting the solo treatment that fans have long demanded. Known for his quick wit, chaotic energy, and heartwarming loyalty, Donkey has been a cornerstone of the franchise since the beginning—often stealing scenes with nothing more than a one-liner and a grin.
DreamWorks has yet to officially announce the Donkey spin-off’s title or exact release date, but Murphy’s confirmation suggests the project is moving full steam ahead. It will be the third spin-off in the franchise following the wildly successful Puss in Boots films starring Antonio Banderas, the most recent of which Puss in Boots: The Last Wish received critical acclaim and box office success.
With Shrek 5 on the horizon and Donkey’s solo journey taking shape, the DreamWorks fairytale kingdom is entering a bold new chapter—one that celebrates legacy, loyalty, and a lot of laughs. Whether it’s ogres, talking cats, or dragon-loving donkeys, it’s safe to say the magic of Shrek is far from over. Stay tuned here for more updates as production ramps up on both Shrek 5 and Donkey’s long-awaited time to shine.
