What a Puss in Boots can do, a chatty donkey can certainly manage: That the popular animated series "Shrek" would be expanded by another spinoff has been confirmed for quite some time. Now Universal and DreamWorks have revealed when Shrek's hyperactive buddy will embark on his first solo adventure: As "Variety" reports, "Donkey" is set to hit theaters on June 30, 2028 - meaning in almost exactly two years.
Eddie Murphy (65) returns to once again lend his voice to the main character in the English original. The film tells the backstory of how an ordinary donkey became the beloved chatterbox that audiences got to know in "Shrek".
"Shrek 5" coming a year earlier
The film is directed by Charlie Bean, who was responsible for "The Lego Ninjago Movie" as well as the live-action remake of "Lady and the Tramp". Co-directing is Matt Flynn, who worked at DreamWorks as a story artist on "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish".
Before "Donkey" trots across the screen, the studio is bringing the main series back to theaters: "Shrek 5" is scheduled for summer 2027. Returning are Mike Myers (63) as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Cameron Diaz (53) as Shrek's great love Fiona. Antonio Banderas (65) meanwhile does not appear to be on board as Puss in Boots anymore. Joining the cast instead is, among others, Zendaya (29). The film will be directed by franchise veterans Conrad Vernon and Walt Dohrn.
A series with billion-dollar achievement
The "Shrek" story began in 2001. The series turns the classic happily-ever-after tale on its head - told from the perspective of a misunderstood ogre and his colorful crew of fairy tale characters. The first "Shrek" became an instant hit, grossing nearly 500 million US dollars worldwide and winning the Oscar as the first film ever in the category "Best Animated Feature".
Three sequels followed - "Shrek 2", "Shrek the Third", and "Shrek Forever After" - as well as two "Puss in Boots" spinoffs. Together, the films have generated more than 3.5 billion US dollars worldwide.
