DreamWorks Animation has officially confirmed production on "Shrek 5" and announced a new spinoff film centered on the character of Donkey. The studio has slated "Shrek 5" for release on June 30, 2027, marking 17 years since the franchise's last entry, "Shrek Forever After" in 2010.
Following "Shrek 5," the animated feature "Donkey," focusing on Eddie Murphy's iconic sidekick, is set to arrive on June 30, 2028. Murphy had previously teased the possibility of a Donkey-centric film in 2025. The "Donkey" movie will be directed by Charlie Bean, known for "The Lego Batman Movie" and "Lady and the Tramp," with Matt Flynn ("The Wild Robot," "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish") as co-director. Rebecca Huntley, who worked on "Kung Fu Panda 4" and "The Bad Guys," is producing.
The "Donkey" film is planned as an origin story, exploring how the character became who he is. This marks the second spinoff within the Shrek universe, following the success of the two "Puss in Boots" films, released in 2011 and 2022 respectively.
"Shrek 5" will see the return of original cast members Mike Myers as Shrek and Cameron Diaz as Fiona, alongside Murphy as Donkey. Zendaya has also joined the cast, voicing Shrek and Fiona's daughter, Felicia. The directorial team for "Shrek 5" includes DreamWorks veterans Walter Dohm and Conrad Vernon, who have prior experience with the franchise.
Both "Shrek 5" and the "Donkey" spinoff are aiming for release on the same date as initially planned, though potential delays could shift the schedule. The franchise has maintained a consistent quality across its installments, with "Shrek Forever After" being the notable exception. The upcoming films aim to continue this legacy.