Shrek is arguably one of the greatest animated franchises ever made, with fans loving the adaptation of the classic children’s picture book by William Steig. In the franchise, actor Eddie Murphy voices the iconic sidekick Donkey. In an interview, Murphy admitted that Donkey is one of the most hilarious characters in the series.
As a result, the comedian-actor felt that Donkey was more deserving of a solo spin-off movie compared to the likes of Puss in Boots. Since the latter has already appeared in two solo movies, Murphy made a strong case for a Donkey spin-off. Here is what Murphy had to say about his only condition for a Donkey spin-off after Shrek 5.
Eddie Murphy reveals his only condition for a Donkey spin-off after Shrek 5
Actor Eddie Murphy is best known for his breakout role as Detective Axel Foley in the comedy franchise Beverly Hills Cop. However, the actor has also voiced Shrek’s adorable sidekick Donkey in the DreamWorks animated franchise Shrek, which will return with its fifth mainline installment.
Before his impending return as Donkey in the fifth Shrek movie, Murphy sat down for a chat with Etalk, where he discussed plans for the franchise’s future, including a Donkey spin-off project he hoped would materialize.
I love Donkey. They did Puss in Boots movies, I was like, ‘They should have did a Donkey movie. Donkey is funnier than Puss in Boots.’
Murphy made the above comment, explaining that he would be instantly game for reprising the role of Donkey in a solo movie focusing on the character.
In the same conversation, Murphy also implied that he was waiting for a call and would jump at the opportunity of appearing in Shrek 5 or a Donkey spin-off in seconds. Hence, it seems that after Shrek 5, DreamWorks needs to meet the actor’s only condition by calling him with a spin-off proposal.
Eddie Murphy hinted that a Donkey spin-off is in the cards
Since his initial comments in 2023, Murphy has been confirmed to be reprising his role as Donkey in the fifth Shrek movie, which recently dropped its first teaser trailer.
Meanwhile, reports from the same year hinted that a spin-off project focusing on Murphy’s character was being planned. Chris Meledandri confirmed preliminary plans for the proposed spin-off during a conversation with Variety, suggesting it could materialize after the fifth mainline movie.
I started recording Shrek, I think it’s coming out in 2025, and we’re doing a Donkey one next.
Murphy made the above statement in a 2024 interview with Collider, confirming that plans for the proposed spin-off were moving forward.
Although the project hasn’t been officially announced just yet, it is safe to assume from Murphy’s words that he has at least received a call from DreamWorks regarding a Donkey spin-off. Shrek 5 is currently scheduled to be released on December 23, 2026, so fans can expect more updates regarding the spin-off movie after its release.
The Shrek movies are streaming on Peacock.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
