We are nearing the twenty-fifth anniversary of whenShrekfirst graced our screens, and it has been nearly 15 years since the last outing ofShrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona. The good news? It won’t be long until you see them again. In an interview with Collider’sSteve Weintraubfor his upcoming filmBeverly Hills Cop: Axel F,Eddie Murphyrevealed some exciting news for fans of the belovedShrekfranchise. Not only is a newShrekmovie currently in production, but Murphy also confirmed that Donkey—one of the franchise’s most beloved characters—will be getting his own standalone film.
During the interview, Weintraub touched on the recent successes of animated films likeKung Fu Panda 4and the latestPuss in Bootsmovie, both of which have reignited interest intheShrekseries.Kung Fun Panda 4grossed $545.3 million worldwide following its release this year, taking the total global cume of the franchise to over $2.3 billion, whilePuss in Boots: The Last Wishpulled in a barnstorming $485.2 million globally, which was over 5x its reported production budget. Both films, helpfully, were also critically praised.
In his response, Murphy revealed, “We started doingShrek 4or[Shrek] 5months ago.I did this, I recorded the first act, and we’ll be doing it this year, we’ll finish it up.Shrekis coming out, andDonkey’s gonna have his own movie. We’re gonna do Donkey as well. So we’re gonna do aShrek, and we’re doing a Donkey [movie].” Murphy, who has voiced the lovable and hilarious Donkey sincethe originalShrekfilm debuted in 2001, elaborated on the plans for his character’s solo film. When asked if he was recording for both projects simultaneously, he clarified:
“No, not at the same time. I started recording Shrek, I think it’s coming out in 2025, and we’re doing a Donkey one next.”
The Legacy of Shrek Is a Big One
TheShrekfranchise, known for its witty humor, memorable characters, and heartwarming stories, has remained a cultural touchstone since its inception. With four feature films, numerous spin-offs, and a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical,Shrekhas cemented itself as a cornerstone of modern animation. Murphy’s enthusiasm for the project is palpable, and his portrayal of Donkey has always beena highlight of the series. A standalone Donkey movie promises to explore new dimensions of the character, potentially offering fresh comedic and emotional experiences. After all,Puss in Bootsshould never have been as good as it was, and yet, it was an astonishing success so, when it comes to new ideas, every day is Christmas Eve.
Why Is Donkey So Popular?
Donkey is the unsung hero of the Shrek franchise, and it’s not hard to see why he’s so beloved.He’s a fast-talking, hilariously upbeat sidekickplaying the ultimate comic relief, bringing a whirlwind of wit and charm to every scene. Murphy’s performance is nothing short of genius, infusing Donkey with an energy that’s as infectious as it is entertaining.
What really makes Donkey a fan favorite, though, is his endearing personality. Sure, he’s annoyingly optimistic, but that’s exactly why we love him. His unwavering loyalty to Shrek, despite constant bickering, adds heart to the hilarity.Their bromance is the stuff of legend, transforming from a begrudging partnership into a deep, genuine friendship.
Plus, Donkey’s expressive face and over-the-top antics are pure gold, making him a visual and emotional treat, plus, he’s got some wicked dance moves that make us wish we all had four legs. In a nutshell, Donkey’s blend of humor, heart, and sheer charisma makes himthe true MVP of the Shrek universe, and the breakout character of the franchise.
With a release date tentatively set for 2025, the countdown to the next adventure begins, promising more laughter, more heart, and more Donkey. Stay tuned to Collider for more on the future ofShrekand Donkey. You can streamShrekon Netflix…for now.
An ogre named Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairy tale characters. To reclaim his peaceful solitude, Shrek strikes a deal with the diminutive tyrant Lord Farquaad to rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded castle. An unlikely friendship forms between Shrek, Fiona, and a talkative Donkey, leading to comedic adventures and lessons about true love and acceptance.
