Eddie Murphy to reprise his character in Donkey (2028) DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures have officially announced Donkey, a standalone spinoff from the iconic Shrek franchise, locking in a theatrical release date of June 2028. One of animation's most beloved sidekicks is finally stepping into the spotlight. Hollywood star Eddie Murphy will reprise his role as the fast-talking mule who has won hearts across four Shrek films. The film will serve as an origin story, tracing how a simple donkey became the fan-favourite character known simply as Donkey, promising a fresh new chapter for the beloved franchise. Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation have officially set June 30, 2028, as the theatrical release date for Donkey, with Eddie Murphy returning to voice the character he has played since the franchise first launched in 2001. Murphy, who has publicly expressed enthusiasm for the project on multiple occasions, reportedly told The Hollywood Reporter that he would play Donkey indefinitely given the opportunity, and was excited when a standalone film was greenlit. Donkey's life before he ever crossed paths with the grumpy green ogre The film is set in the world of Far, Far Away and will chart Donkey's life before he ever crossed paths with the grumpy green ogre. Interestingly, early details reportedly suggest the origin story may carry a surprising twist: Donkey may not have always been an animal, with a possible human-to-animal transformation at the centre of his backstory. The June 2028 release date arrives exactly one year after Shrek 5, scheduled for June 30, 2027, which will bring back Murphy alongside Mike Myers and Cameron Diaz, with Zendaya joining the cast as Shrek and Fiona's daughter. Donkey made his debut in the original Shrek (2001), a film that went on to win the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and launched one of animation's most profitable franchises. The character featured across three sequels from Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010), as well as in both Puss in Boots films. The Shrek universe has collectively earned over USD 3 billion at the global box office, and Donkey will reportedly be the eighth theatrical instalment in the franchise. The film will be directed by Charlie Bean, whose past credits include The Lego Ninjago Movie and the live-action Lady and the Tramp, with Matt Flynn, a story artist on several recent DreamWorks projects, serving as co-director. Veteran producer Rebecca Huntley, known for her work on Kung Fu Panda 4 and The Bad Guys, will be producing.