DreamWorks Expands The World Of “Shrek” As Donkey Finally Gets His Origin Story

Every legendary hero has a beginning.

Soon, one of animation’s most beloved sidekicks will finally get the chance to tell his own.

DreamWorks Animation has officially announced “Donkey,” an all-new theatrical spin-off set to arrive on June 30, 2028. Featuring the return of Eddie Murphy in his iconic role, the film won’t simply continue the adventures of Far Far Away. Instead, it will travel backward, exploring the untold origin story of how the endlessly lovable, endlessly talkative Donkey became the character audiences first met more than two decades ago.

It marks another exciting expansion of one of animation’s most successful universes.

For years, the world of “Shrek” has grown far beyond the adventures of its famous green ogre. Whether through multiple sequels or the critically acclaimed “Puss in Boots” films, DreamWorks has continually found new ways to revisit familiar characters while expanding the rich fairy tale world surrounding them.

Now, that spotlight shifts to one of the franchise’s most recognizable faces.

As longtime fans know, Donkey has always been the heart, humor and unwavering optimism of the series. Despite appearing in every major chapter of the franchise, however, audiences have never truly learned where his story began or what shaped him into the loyal friend who would forever change Shrek’s life.

That mystery is finally set to be explored.

The project also reflects a growing trend throughout animation. Rather than simply revisiting familiar worlds, studios are increasingly diving deeper into the lives of legacy characters, uncovering new stories, hidden histories and unexplored perspectives that enrich the universes audiences already love.

With “Shrek 5” arriving just one year earlier in 2027, followed by “Donkey” in 2028, the future of Far Far Away has never looked bigger. Together, the projects signal that DreamWorks isn’t simply bringing back a beloved franchise.

It’s continuing to build an ever-expanding world where every character has another story waiting to be told.

Sometimes the biggest adventures don’t belong to the hero.

Sometimes they belong to the friend who never stopped talking.