From bringing one of animation’s most beloved talking donkeys to life to lending his voice to a certain little dragon in Disney’s Mulan, Eddie Murphy has become a familiar voice for generations of animation fans. And while audiences are already looking forward to hearing him return as Donkey in the upcoming Shrek 5, the beloved actor and comedian is preparing to take on an entirely new animated adventure. Only this time, he won’t exactly be playing the hero.
Murphy is officially joining the voice cast of M’Tali: The Everlasting Spring, an upcoming original animated fantasy film that will transport audiences to a magical African kingdom filled with adventure, family and a mysterious secret that could change everything. Joining Murphy is South African actress Ama Qamata, best known for her role in Netflix’s Blood & Water, who will lend her voice to the film’s young heroine, Princess Selani.
Set in the fictional African kingdom of M’Tali, the story follows Princess Selani, a young girl who dreams of adventure beyond the palace walls but is less than excited about the responsibilities awaiting her as the kingdom’s future queen. However, when a coup separates Selani from her family and the only home she has ever known, she finds herself venturing into the mysterious Forbidden Jungle, where she encounters a family who have discovered the legendary Everlasting Spring. Said to contain magical waters capable of preserving youth forever, the spring becomes part of a much larger journey as Selani must confront the ambitions of her uncle Vakoro, voiced by Murphy, and discover what it truly takes to protect the kingdom she may one day rule.
And while the film’s magical setting and promise of adventure certainly offer plenty of possibilities, there is also a rather special family connection behind the upcoming project. The original story is being written by Murphy’s daughter Bria Murphy alongside Michael Xavier, marking Bria’s feature screenwriting debut and another collaboration between the father and daughter. Bria previously appeared alongside her father in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, and has also appeared in The Perfect Match.
The upcoming animated feature will also incorporate musical elements, bringing another dimension to its story of family, leadership and discovering the strength that comes from understanding and believing in others. The project is being produced by Michael Xavier, Bria Murphy, Ray Murphy Jr., Autumn Bailey-Ford and Chris Brew, with the creative team currently seeking directors and potential studio, streaming and production partners.
For Murphy, M’Tali: The Everlasting Spring marks another opportunity to introduce audiences to an entirely new animated character, following his memorable performances in the Shrek franchise and Disney’s 1998 animated classic Mulan. And with a young princess discovering her place in the world, a magical spring and a kingdom whose future hangs in the balance, the upcoming film is shaping up to be an interesting addition to the world of animated family adventures.
M’Tali: The Everlasting Spring is currently in development, with additional casting, production details and a release date still to be announced.