Full Breakdown
Donkey Spin-Off Set for Summer 2028: DreamWorks Announces Origin Story
6/29/2026, 2:30:21 AM
Core Event – Release Date and Production Details
Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation have officially greenlit *Donkey*, a standalone spin-off from the *Shrek* franchise. The film is scheduled to open in theaters on June 30 2028. It will serve as an origin story that explains how an ordinary barnyard animal became the talkative, pop-culture-obsessed companion introduced in the 2001 *Shrek* film. Eddie Murphy will reprise his role as the titular donkey. The project is directed by Charlie Bean (known for *The Lego Ninjago Movie*), co-directed by Matt Flynn, and produced by Rebecca Huntley.
Background & Context – The *Shrek* Franchise and Upcoming Sequel
The *Shrek* series debuted in 2001, earning nearly $500 million worldwide and becoming the first Academy Award winner for Best Animated Feature. The franchise expanded with three sequels, two *Puss in Boots* spin-offs, and a cumulative global box office exceeding $3 billion. After a 13-year hiatus from theatrical releases, DreamWorks announced *Shrek 5* for June 30 2027, reuniting Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy, with Zendaya joining the voice cast. *Donkey* is positioned to follow exactly one year later, creating consecutive summer releases within the same fictional universe.
Key Figures & Groups
- Eddie Murphy – voice of Donkey, original performer since 2001.
- Charlie Bean – director, previous credits include *The Lego Ninjago Movie* and Disney’s live-action *Lady and the Tramp*.
- Matt Flynn – co-director, veteran DreamWorks story artist on titles such as *The Wild Robot*, *Puss in Boots: The Last Wish*, and *The Bad Guys 2*.
- Rebecca Huntley – producer, recent work on *Kung Fu Panda 4* and *The Bad Guys*.
- DreamWorks Animation – studio developing the film.
- Universal Pictures – distributor and co-financier.
Data & Statistics
- Release date: June 30 2028 (theatrical).
- Preceding release: *Shrek 5* – June 30 2027.
- Franchise box-office: > $3 billion worldwide across six feature films.
- **Original *Shrek* earnings:** ~ $500 million globally.
- Awards: First Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (2001).
Official Statements & Responses
DreamWorks and Universal confirmed that *Donkey* will function as an official prequel, exploring the character’s backstory and expanding the “Far, Far Away” universe. Studio communications emphasized the film’s role in “adding another layer of excitement” to an already packed slate, noting the strategic back-to-back summer releases with *Shrek 5*. The studios announced the greenlight in a joint press release.
Verbatim Quote
> “I love Donkey. They did *Puss in Boots* movies, and I was like, ‘They should have done a Donkey movie. Donkey is funnier than *Puss in Boots*. I mean, I love *Puss in Boots*, but he ain’t as funny as the Donkey!’” — Eddie Murphy, actor, 2023 interview.
What’s Next – Future Schedule
Following the 2028 debut of *Donkey*, DreamWorks has not disclosed additional spin-offs or sequel plans. However, the studio’s announced timeline suggests that promotional campaigns for *Donkey* will commence after *Shrek 5*’s summer 2027 release, maintaining continuous audience engagement with the franchise through 2028. No further release dates have been announced beyond the 2028 film.
