Eddie Murphy shares update on ‘Shrek 5,’ reveals ‘Donkey’ spin-off film

Over 20 years after the release of the first film, Eddie Murphy has confirmed that work on a fifth installment has already begun, with Donkey apparently getting his own spin-off as well.

Eddie Murphy, who has voiced the beloved Donkey character in the “Shrek” franchise, revealed exciting news in an interview with Collider this week while promoting “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.”

“We started working on Shrek 4 or [Shrek] 5 months ago. I recorded the first act, and we’ll be finishing it up this year,” Murphy shared in an interview published on Monday.

“Shrek is coming out, and Donkey’s gonna have his own movie. We’re going to do Donkey as well. So, we’re doing a Shrek and a Donkey [movie],” the 63-year-old added.

When asked if he was recording for both projects simultaneously, Murphy clarified: “I started recording ‘Shrek,’ which I think is coming out in 2025, and we’re doing a Donkey one next.”

DreamWorks Animation Studios, which produces the “Shrek” films, has not yet confirmed these updates.

The popular animated franchise began in 2001 with the release of “Shrek,” loosely based on the stories written by William Steig in 1990. The original film follows a big green ogre, voiced by Mike Myers, who lives in a “far away swamp” and is forced on an adventure to save Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from a dragon by the evil Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow).

“Shrek” went on to spawn three sequels: 2004’s “Shrek 2,” 2007’s “Shrek the Third,” and 2010’s “Shrek Forever After.”

There have also been two spin-offs based on the character Puss in Boots, voiced by Antonio Banderas: 2011’s “Puss in Boots” and its sequel, 2022’s “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.”

“Shrek 5” was previously discussed by Illumination CEO and founder Chris Meledandri in April, who confirmed that it was in development with the original cast in talks to return.

“We anticipate the cast coming back. Talks are starting now, and every indication that we’ve gotten is there’s tremendous enthusiasm on behalf of the actors to return,” Meledandri told Variety.