As we approach the twenty-fifth anniversary of “Shrek” first hitting our screens, fans have been eagerly awaiting news of the beloved franchise’s return. The good news? Eddie Murphy has confirmed that not only is “Shrek 5” in production, but Donkey, one of the series’ most cherished characters, will be getting his own standalone film.
Eddie Murphy’s Exciting Revelation
In a recent interview with Collider’s Steve Weintraub, Eddie Murphy, who voices the iconic Donkey, shared some thrilling updates. Speaking about his upcoming film “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” Murphy revealed, “We started doing Shrek 5 months ago. I did this, I recorded the first act, and we’ll be doing it this year, we’ll finish it up. Shrek is coming out, and Donkey’s gonna have his own movie. We’re gonna do Donkey as well. So we’re gonna do a Shrek, and we’re doing a Donkey [movie].”
Murphy further clarified that while he has begun recording for “Shrek 5,” the Donkey spinoff will follow, stating, “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 the Shrek Franchise
The original “Shrek” movie, released in 2001, was a groundbreaking animated film that combined humor, heart, and fairy tale parodies. The film was a massive success, grossing over $484 million worldwide and winning the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Its success spawned three sequels: “Shrek 2” (2004), “Shrek the Third” (2007), and “Shrek Forever After” (2010), with the franchise collectively grossing nearly $3 billion globally.
Each film brought new adventures for Shrek, Donkey, Princess Fiona, and their friends, with memorable characters and hilarious moments that endeared them to audiences of all ages. The franchise’s blend of irreverent humor and heartfelt storytelling set a new standard for animated films.
The Appeal of Donkey
Donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy, quickly became a fan favorite with his energetic personality, comedic timing, and loyal friendship with Shrek. His infectious enthusiasm, witty one-liners, and memorable musical performances added a unique charm to the films. Donkey’s character provided a perfect counterbalance to Shrek’s gruff demeanor, creating a dynamic duo that audiences loved.
Murphy’s portrayal of Donkey brought the character to life, making him an integral part of the franchise’s success. His solo film promises to delve deeper into Donkey’s backstory and adventures, providing fans with more of the humor and heart that they have come to love.
Reviving Interest in the Shrek Universe
The announcement of “Shrek 5” and the Donkey spinoff comes at a time when animated films are experiencing a resurgence. Recent successes like “Kung Fu Panda 4” and “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” have reignited interest in beloved franchises. “Kung Fu Panda 4” grossed $545.3 million worldwide, while “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” earned $485.2 million globally, both receiving critical acclaim.
These films have demonstrated the enduring appeal of well-crafted animated stories, setting the stage for a triumphant return of the Shrek universe. With Eddie Murphy reprising his role and new adventures on the horizon, fans can look forward to a fresh chapter in the Shrek saga.
