Shrek Spinoff Donkey Sets June 2028 Release

Universal Pictures announced today that the studio will release DreamWorks’ Donkey on Friday, June 30, 2028. The spot was previously occupied by an “Untitled Illumination Event Film.”

DreamWorks Animation says it is inviting audiences back to a land Far, Far Away for a thrilling new adventure in the Shrek franchise. Comedy legend and Oscar nominee Eddie Murphy (Beverly Hills Cop franchise, Dreamgirls) returns to voice his signature role in Donkey – the origin story of how a donkey became Donkey.

The film will be directed by Charlie Bean (The LEGO Batman Movie and the live-action Lady and the Tramp), produced by Rebecca Huntley (Kung Fu Panda 4 and The Bad Guys), and co-directed by Matt Flynn, whose story artist credits at DreamWorks include The Wild Robot, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and The Bad Guys 2.

For the past two decades, audiences have been enchanted by the delightful, irreverent adventures of a misunderstood ogre and his ragtag group of roguish fairytale folk, based on the book by acclaimed author William Steig. The next film, Shrek 5, will open in theaters on Wednesday, June 30, 2027.

Beginning in 2001 with Shrek, the winner of the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona (along with their friends, family, and tormentors) have grown into an indelible part of pop culture, reminding audiences around the globe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The four Shrek franchise films have earned more than $2.9 billion worldwide, spawning a global live touring show, an award-winning Broadway musical that earned 8 Tony nominations and 12 Drama Desk nominations, plus an immersive, top-tourist destination in London and popular events and attractions across Universal Studios Parks worldwide.