DreamWorks Confirms “Donkey” Spinoff for Summer 2028

Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation have confirmed that “Donkey,” an origin-story spinoff of the Shrek franchise, will open on Friday, June 30, 2028. The film is directed by Charlie Bean, co-directed by Matt Flynn, produced by Rebecca Huntley, and will feature Eddie Murphy reprising Donkey.

Donkey, New Shrek Spinoff Film, Sets 2028 Release DateExpress TribuneDonkey Movie Set for 2028 Release: What to Expect in the Shrek Spinoff

The Shrek series began in 2001, won the first Best Animated Feature Oscar, and produced three sequels and two Puss in Boots spinoffs, spawning a musical, live tours, and theme-park attractions.

Universal Dates ‘Donkey’ Movie from ‘Shrek’ Universe for June 2028

Eddie Murphy returns as Donkey’s voice. Charlie Bean directs; Matt Flynn co-directs; Rebecca Huntley produces. Bean’s credits include *The Lego Ninjago Movie*, Flynn’s include *The Wild Robot* and *Puss in Boots: The Last Wish*. Mike Myers (Shrek), Cameron Diaz (Fiona) and Zendaya (Shrek’s daughter) will reprise roles in *Shrek 5*.

Express TribuneVariety MagazineHollywood Reporter

2001: Original Shrek released. June 2026: Donkey’s June 30, 2028 release announced, replacing a previously reserved untitled Illumination event film slot; *Shrek 5* set for June 30, 2027. Production on Donkey slated to start September 2026.

Donkey Movie Set for 2028 Release: What to Expect in the Shrek SpinoffThe WrapEddie Murphy’s ‘Shrek’ Spinoff ‘Donkey’ Lands Summer 2028 Release Date

Box-office reports list Shrek franchise earnings from $2.9 billion to $4 billion. One source cites $3.5 billion, and a $4 billion projection follows *Shrek 5*. The series includes six Shrek films and two Puss in Boots spinoffs, collectively surpassing $3 billion.

Universal Dates ‘Donkey’ Movie from ‘Shrek’ Universe for June 2028Variety MagazineDonkey Finally Gets His Own Spinoff Movie in 2028

The spinoff expands the franchise’s narrative scope, echoing the financial success of prior spinoffs and reinforcing DreamWorks’ strategy to monetize established IP across film, merchandise, consumer-product lines, and parks.

DreamWorks Confirms ‘Donkey’ Spinoff, Sets June 2028 Release

Universal’s release notice called the film “the origin story of how a donkey became Donkey.” DreamWorks highlighted Murphy’s return and the involvement of Bean and Flynn, framing the project as a core franchise investment. The date replaces an untitled Illumination event film previously slated for that slot.

Donkey Movie Set for 2028 Release: What to Expect in the Shrek Spinoff

Fans called the new animation style “straight up disrespectful,” fearing it deviates from the series’ visual identity and the animation style shift.

NME | New Musical Express

Box-office totals vary between $2.9 billion and $4 billion. No detailed plot beyond a generic origin story has been disclosed, and no official synopsis has been released.

Deadline Hollywood

• “Donkey’s going to have his own movie, own little story with his dragon wife and his kids that are half-dragon and half-donkeys…They’ve written this funny story.” — Eddie Murphy, ScreenRant interview, 2025.

Deadline Hollywood

• “Start heating up those waffle irons. DONKEY is setting out on his very own adventure June 30, 2028,” — DreamWorks Animation, Instagram caption, 2026.

'Shrek' spinoff film 'Donkey' gets summer 2028 release

• “One social media user condemned the change as “straight up disrespectful”.” — NME, reporting fan reaction, 2026.

NME | New Musical Express

*Shrek 5* opens June 30, 2027 with returning cast and new voice of Zendaya. Donkey’s production begins September 2026, and the first teaser was released in February 2026.

Donkey Movie Set for 2028 Release: What to Expect in the Shrek Spinoff