Shrek Universe EXPLODES: 'Donkey' Spin-Off Confirmed, Sets 2028 Release!
The Shrek franchise is expanding with <i>Shrek 5</i> debuting in 2027 and a Donkey spin-off arriving in 2028, featuring Eddie Murphy's return. While fan reactions to <i>Shrek 5</i>'s animation have been mixed, the studio is confident in the series' future. Additionally, an interactive Lord of the Rings character quiz was also presented in the content.
The beloved Shrek fantasy franchise is set to make a significant return with new cinematic installments, reigniting excitement among fans. Almost one year away from the release of Shrek 5, which marks the first main feature film in over 15 years, the series is expanding further with a highly anticipated spin-off. While initial reactions to the Shrek 5 trailer have been divisive, particularly concerning changes in animation style, DreamWorks and Universal maintain strong confidence in the franchise's future.
Shrek 5 is slated to premiere in theaters on June 30, 2027. The film will see the return of veteran voice actors Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona. They will be joined by new cast members, including Zendaya, who voices Felicia, Shrek and Fiona's daughter. Felicia's two brothers will be voiced by Skyler Gisondo and Marcello Hernández. The movie is being directed by a team of franchise veterans: Conrad Vernon, Walt Dohrn, and Brad Ableson, with writers Michael McCullers, William Steig, and Christopher Meledandri contributing to the story. Producers include Andrew Adamson, Chris Meledandri, Gina Shay, and Jeffrey Katzenberg.
Adding to the franchise's expansion is an officially revealed third spin-off movie, focusing on Donkey. This much-anticipated origin story, titled Donkey, will showcase “how a donkey became Donkey” and is scheduled for release exactly one year after Shrek 5, on June 30, 2028. Eddie Murphy is confirmed to reprise his signature role as the titular talking mule, a development that follows years of his expressed interest in a standalone story for Shrek’s closest companion. The Donkey spin-off will be directed by Charlie Bean, known for his work on The Lego Batman Movie and the live-action Lady and The Tramp. Rebecca Huntley, producer for Kung Fu Panda 4 and The Bad Guys, is producing, with Matt Flynn (story artist for The Wild Robot and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish) co-directing.
The Shrek franchise, which first launched in 2000, redefined the concept of Happily Ever After with its unique take on an ogre and his fairytale companions. The original Shrek garnered immense success, earning nearly $500 million globally and becoming the first-ever Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature. Its success led to three sequels: Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010), alongside two Puss in Boots spin-offs. Collectively, the franchise has grossed over $3 billion worldwide.
In a separate piece of content, a