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DreamWorks Announces Donkey-Centric Spin-Off, Set for 2028 Release
DreamWorks Animation has confirmed a new animated feature centered on the franchise’s beloved sidekick, Donkey. The film, titled simply Donkey, is slated for theatrical release on June 30 2028, exactly one year after the upcoming Shrek 5, which will debut on June 30 2027.
The announcement came from the official Shrek X social‑media page, which teased the project with the line, “Start heating up those waffle irons. DONKEY is setting out on his very own adventure June 30, 2028.” Variety reported that Eddie Murphy will reprise his voice role as Donkey, and that the film will be directed by Charlie Bean, whose previous work includes The Lego Ninjago Movie and the live‑action Lady and the Tramp.
Shrek 5 is currently in production and will feature Mike Myers as Shrek and Murphy as Donkey. The film’s release was pushed back from an earlier summer 2026 date to June 2027, according to Deadline and BBC reports. DreamWorks Animation will produce the movie, while Universal Pictures will distribute it.
The Shrek franchise began with the 2001 feature Shrek, a computer‑animated fantasy comedy that became a box‑office hit and spawned three sequels—Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007) and Shrek Forever After (2010). The series has also produced a 4‑D ride, two television specials, and two spin‑off films focused on Puss in Boots (2011 and 2022). In total, the franchise has earned over $6.7 billion worldwide, making it the second‑highest‑grossing animated franchise of all time.
Donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy since the original film, has been a key comedic element throughout the series. The character is an anthropomorphic donkey modeled after a miniature donkey named Perry. Murphy’s performance earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role and has become a defining part of the franchise’s identity.
Charlie Bean, the director of the upcoming spin‑off, has a background in animation and live‑action. His credits include the 2017 The Lego Ninjago Movie and the 2019 live‑action Lady and the Tramp. Bean’s experience with family‑friendly storytelling and animation makes him a fitting choice for a film that will explore Donkey’s backstory.
The release schedule positions Shrek 5 as a franchise revival, followed by the Donkey spin‑off a year later. This staggered approach mirrors the earlier Puss in Boots releases, which were launched after the main series had established a fan base. The timing also allows DreamWorks and Universal to maintain audience interest in the Shrek universe over a multi‑year period.
Industry analysts note that the decision to give Donkey his own feature aligns with a broader trend of expanding popular franchises through character‑centric stories. By focusing on a side character, the studio can explore new narrative territory while leveraging the established brand.
As of now, no plot details for Donkey have been released beyond the premise that it will chronicle the character’s origins. Production details, such as the animation studio or the release window beyond the 2028 date, remain undisclosed. The film’s status is listed as “in development” on industry databases.
The Shrek franchise’s longevity and continued investment from DreamWorks and Universal demonstrate the enduring appeal of its characters and humor. With Shrek 5 set for a 2027 release and the Donkey spin‑off scheduled for 2028, the studio is positioning the series for a sustained presence in the animated film market.
In summary, DreamWorks Animation has officially announced a Donkey‑centric feature film, directed by Charlie Bean and voiced by Eddie Murphy, slated for release on June 30 2028. This follows the upcoming Shrek 5, which will arrive on June 30 2027. The two‑year rollout underscores the studio’s commitment to expanding the Shrek universe while maintaining its established fan base.
The announcement came from the official Shrek X social‑media page, which teased the project with the line, “Start heating up those waffle irons. DONKEY is setting out on his very own adventure June 30, 2028.” Variety reported that Eddie Murphy will reprise his voice role as Donkey, and that the film will be directed by Charlie Bean, whose previous work includes The Lego Ninjago Movie and the live‑action Lady and the Tramp.
Shrek 5 is currently in production and will feature Mike Myers as Shrek and Murphy as Donkey. The film’s release was pushed back from an earlier summer 2026 date to June 2027, according to Deadline and BBC reports. DreamWorks Animation will produce the movie, while Universal Pictures will distribute it.
The Shrek franchise began with the 2001 feature Shrek, a computer‑animated fantasy comedy that became a box‑office hit and spawned three sequels—Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007) and Shrek Forever After (2010). The series has also produced a 4‑D ride, two television specials, and two spin‑off films focused on Puss in Boots (2011 and 2022). In total, the franchise has earned over $6.7 billion worldwide, making it the second‑highest‑grossing animated franchise of all time.
Donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy since the original film, has been a key comedic element throughout the series. The character is an anthropomorphic donkey modeled after a miniature donkey named Perry. Murphy’s performance earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role and has become a defining part of the franchise’s identity.
Charlie Bean, the director of the upcoming spin‑off, has a background in animation and live‑action. His credits include the 2017 The Lego Ninjago Movie and the 2019 live‑action Lady and the Tramp. Bean’s experience with family‑friendly storytelling and animation makes him a fitting choice for a film that will explore Donkey’s backstory.
The release schedule positions Shrek 5 as a franchise revival, followed by the Donkey spin‑off a year later. This staggered approach mirrors the earlier Puss in Boots releases, which were launched after the main series had established a fan base. The timing also allows DreamWorks and Universal to maintain audience interest in the Shrek universe over a multi‑year period.
Industry analysts note that the decision to give Donkey his own feature aligns with a broader trend of expanding popular franchises through character‑centric stories. By focusing on a side character, the studio can explore new narrative territory while leveraging the established brand.
As of now, no plot details for Donkey have been released beyond the premise that it will chronicle the character’s origins. Production details, such as the animation studio or the release window beyond the 2028 date, remain undisclosed. The film’s status is listed as “in development” on industry databases.
The Shrek franchise’s longevity and continued investment from DreamWorks and Universal demonstrate the enduring appeal of its characters and humor. With Shrek 5 set for a 2027 release and the Donkey spin‑off scheduled for 2028, the studio is positioning the series for a sustained presence in the animated film market.
In summary, DreamWorks Animation has officially announced a Donkey‑centric feature film, directed by Charlie Bean and voiced by Eddie Murphy, slated for release on June 30 2028. This follows the upcoming Shrek 5, which will arrive on June 30 2027. The two‑year rollout underscores the studio’s commitment to expanding the Shrek universe while maintaining its established fan base.