Context:

Eddie Murphy indicated in a Collider interview that he has begun voice work on Shrek 5 and that a Donkey spinoff is in development, with both projects aiming for release in the near future. He noted that Shrek 5 is expected to arrive in 2025 and that the Donkey movie will follow, signaling a renewed expansion of the Shrek universe with the original cast returning. The plans align with earlier reports that Universal and DreamWorks were pursuing a fifth Shrek and a Donkey-centered film. The franchise’s prior box-office success and mascot-driven spin-offs underpin the momentum behind these announced projects, though no production timeline beyond 2025 is specified.

Dive Deeper:

• Murphy told Collider that recording for Shrek 5 began months ago and that the team will continue and finish the project within the year, with a 2025 release target mentioned for Shrek 5.

• He confirmed plans for a Donkey-centric movie to follow the Shrek sequel, signaling a parallel development track for the supporting character beyond the main film.

• The conversation echoes earlier reporting by Variety (April 2023) that Universal and DreamWorks were pursuing a fifth Shrek with the original cast and a separate Donkey spinoff.

• Murphy has previously expressed enthusiasm for a Donkey-focused project, asserting he would do another Shrek in two seconds if asked and highlighting the character’s comedic value.

• Historically, the Shrek franchise has achieved significant box office success, with Shrek 2 grossing $928 million and the early film earning $487 million worldwide, underscoring why studios are pursuing continued installments.

• The latest related entry, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022), grossed about $485 million worldwide, illustrating the ongoing appetite for animated adventures within the same universe.