Los Angeles: DreamWorks Animation has officially expanded the Shrek universe with the announcement of Donkey, a standalone feature centred on one of the franchise's most popular characters.
According to entertainment outlet Deadline, the film will arrive in cinemas on 30 June 2028, with Eddie Murphy returning to voice the wisecracking Donkey.
The upcoming movie is expected to delve into the character's backstory, exploring the origins of the talkative companion who became a fan favourite throughout the Shrek series.
Filmmaker Charlie Bean, best known for The Lego Ninjago Movie and Disney's live-action Lady and the Tramp, has been tapped to direct the project. Rebecca Huntley will produce, while DreamWorks story artist Matt Flynn will serve as co-director.
The announcement comes as DreamWorks gears up for the release of Shrek 5, scheduled to hit theatres in 2027. Franchise regulars Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy are all set to reprise their iconic roles as Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey, respectively.
Actor Zendaya has also joined the cast of the upcoming instalment, which will be helmed by longtime franchise collaborators Conrad Vernon and Walt Dohrn.
Since the release of the original Shrek in 2001, the animated franchise has grown into one of Hollywood's most successful film series. The Oscar-winning first film spawned three sequels and multiple spin-offs, including the widely acclaimed Puss in Boots films.
(With agency inputs from PTI)