❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

Shrek spin-off film Donkey officially confirms release date as Eddie Murphy to return for origin story

Donkey will be arriving in cinemas exactly a year after Shrek 5.

Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Shrek (Mike Myers) in Shrek 5. Shrek is angry while Donkey is smiling at him.

DreamWorks

Published: Friday, 26 June 2026 at 10:15 am

Subscribe to Radio Times: 10 issues for £10

It's a very good time to be a Shrek fan. Just earlier this month, a new trailer was released for Shrek 5, which will be arriving 17 years after the last film featuring Mike Myers's ogre, 2010's Shrek Forever After.

Ad

Now, a release date has also been announced for the previously teased Donkey spin-off film, with Eddie Murphy reprising his role as the title character.

Donkey will be released on Friday 30 June 2028, exactly one year after Shrek 5 comes out in cinemas on Wednesday 30 June 2027.

Full plot details for Donkey are yet to be unveiled, but it is said to be an origin story exploring how a donkey became the titular Donkey we have seen in the franchise since 2001's Shrek.

Shrek and Fiona stood with Donkey in the foreground from the Shrek 5 teaser clip.

Shrek 5. Universal Pictures.

Donkey will be the latest Shrek spin-off movie after the Puss in Boots film series, which has so far included two films – 2011's Puss in Boots and 2022's Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. It will be directed by Charlie Bean (The Lego Ninjago Movie).

Back in 2025, Murphy told ScreenRant of the upcoming film: "Donkey’s going to have his own movie, his own little story with his dragon wife and his kids that are half-dragon and half-donkeys. They’ve written this funny story and we're starting that in September."

Before that, Shrek 5 will see Murphy, Mike Myers and Cameron Diaz return to their roles, with Zendaya, Skyler Gisondo and Marcello Hernández joining the cast as Shrek and Fiona's children.

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Conrad Vernon and Walt Dohrn are directing Shrek 5, with both returning to the franchise after Vernon directed Shrek 2, and Dohrn worked on the second and third films as a writer and artist, and as head of story on the fourth film.

Shrek 5 will be released in cinemas on 30 June 2027. Donkey will be released in cinemas on 30 June 2028.

Add Shrek 5 to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app– download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Ad

Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

Ad

Ad

Subscribe for £1 per week

Too much to watch this autumn? Let Radio Times magazine and app do the choosing, with expert picks across TV, streaming and film.

Subscribe now

Loading...

Ad

Loading...