Universal Pictures has confirmed the Donkey movie that Eddie Murphy teased while promoting Beverly Hill Cop: Axel Foley. The DreamWorks Animation spinoff will arrive in theaters on Friday, June 30, 2028.
The film will tell the origin story of how a donkey became Donkey. It gives one of the Shrek franchise’s most recognizable characters his own big-screen story.
Creative Team Takes Shape
Charlie Bean will direct the movie. His credits include The Lego Ninjago Movie and the live-action Lady and The Tramp.
Rebecca Huntley will produce the film. She previously worked on Kung Fu Panda 4 and The Bad Guys.
Matt Flynn will co-direct the project. His story artist credits at DreamWorks include The Wild Robot, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and The Bad Guys.
Eddie Murphy Teased the Story
Murphy first discussed the project last summer in an interview with ScreenRant. He said, “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.”
The quote points to a family-driven adventure for the character. It also suggests the film will continue the comic energy that made Donkey a fan favorite.
Shrek Universe Keeps Growing
Universal already had the June 30, 2028, date reserved on the Rentrak calendar as an untitled Illumination event film. The Donkey announcement comes ahead of Shrek 5, which is scheduled to hit theaters on June 30, 2027.
A Donkey spinoff has clear blockbuster potential. The two Puss in Boots films have combined to gross $1 billion, bringing the Shrek universe to $4 billion across six movies.
The original Shrek won the first Academy Award for Animated Feature in 2001. The franchise later expanded into a global live-touring show, an award-winning Broadway musical with eight Tony nominations and 12 Drama Desk nominations, a top tourist destination in London, and popular events and attractions at Universal Studios parks worldwide.
The brand also remains a major consumer products force. That reach gives Donkey a strong platform as DreamWorks builds the next chapter of the franchise.
A Crowded Summer Date
The June 30, 2028, release date already has competition. Warner Bros. has Dynamic Duo, an animated movie, set for that date.
Paramount also has the same date reserved for its untitled Call of Duty tentpole. That gives Donkey a high-profile position in what could become a major summer box office showdown.
