A new Shrek film may not be too far away! This comes from Eddie Murphy, the voice of Donkey, one of the beloved characters in the franchise along with Shrek, Fiona, and Puss in Boots.
During a recent interview by Collider for Murphy’s upcoming Netflix film, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, he reveals that the new Shrek film is currently in production and that a solo Donkey movie is also in the works.
“We started doing Shrek 4 or [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].”
-Eddie Murphy
This news comes as no surprise. Last year we heard from Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri about his love for Donkey. Even going as far as saying that Donkey is funnier that Puss and Boots and that, “they should have done a Donkey movie”.
It’s been 24 years since we first met Shrek and Donkey on the big screen. The DreamWorks Animation feature has spawned several films, specials, a theme park ride, and even a musical. The Shrek films have generated over $4 billion at the box office and with audiences thirst for established franchise films in theaters, it seems like this would be a safe bet for DreamWorks.
Not to mention the recent success of other animated franchises like Kung Fu Panda, Despicable Me, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. What makes these films appealing to studios is their ability to attract entire families. At a friendlier budget than most other live-action blockbusters where profits may not be as great. For example Puss in Boots: The Last Wish made over $484 million on a $130 million dollar budget.
The next Shrek film is tentatively set for a 2025 theatrical release.
Source: Collider
