Eddie Murphy reveals he has already recorded some of Shrek 5, gives an update on Donkey spinoff

In 2023, Eddie Murphy revealed that he would do Shrek 5 “in two seconds” if he was asked to. (Image via X)

Eddie Murphy revealed in a recent interview that he has already begun voice acting for Shrek 5 and will also reprise his role for a Donkey spinoff movie. It was reported in 2023 that Universal and DreamWorks Animation were planning a fifth instalment of the Shrek franchise with the same main cast (Mike Myers as Shrek, Cameron Diaz as Fiona, Eddie Murphy as Donkey) and a spinoff for Donkey. As per Murphy, it seems like those projects will surely happen.

“We started doing [‘Shrek 5’] months ago. I did this. I recorded the first act, and we’ll be doing it this year, we’ll finish it up. ‘Shrek’ is coming out and Donkey’s gonna have his own movie. We’re gonna do Donkey as well. So we’re gonna do a ‘Shrek,’ and we’re doing a Donkey [movie],” Murphy told Collider.

Eddie Murphy also clarified that both films will not release at the same time, “I started recording Shrek, I think it’s coming out in 2025. And we’re doing a Donkey one next.”

The Shrek franchise is a beloved household name with four films between 2001 and 2010. The first Shrek turned DreamWorks Animation into a powerhouse studio by grossing $487 million worldwide. The film also became the first Oscar winner in the animated feature category. Shrek 2 grossed $928 million. Both the films competed for Palme d’Or at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival.

Even though Shrek the Third and Shrek Forever After earned less critical acclaim that the first two instalments, they still managed to earn $813 million and $752 million worldwide, respectively.

In 2023, Eddie Murphy revealed that he would do Shrek 5 “in two seconds” if he was asked to.

“I love Donkey. You know, they did ‘Puss in Boots’ movies. I was like, ‘They should have did a Donkey movie. Donkey is funnier than Puss in Boots. I mean, I love Puss in Boots, but he ain’t funny as the Donkey. … I would do a Donkey movie. I would do another ‘Shrek’ in two seconds,” Murphy said.

The most recent film in the Shrek universe was the 2022 Puss in the Boots: The Last Wish which earned $485 million worldwide.