Actor and comedian Eddie Murphy confirmed that he is actively working on the upcoming fifth installment of the Shrek franchise, reprising his iconic voice role as Donkey. Alongside Shrek 5, Murphy will also star in a new spinoff film focusing on his character, set to begin production this September.
Progress and Production Details Revealed
While promoting his latest film The Pickup, Murphy shared insights into both projects, explaining that the team is currently recording voiceovers for Shrek 5 and that the Donkey spinoff is scheduled to start filming soon. He stated,
“They’re still doing voiceover stuff. We’re still in the booth, and literally, we’re still doing Shrek,”
and added,
“We start in September on Donkey, we’re doing a Donkey one, and that’ll be three years from now, but we’re about two years into Shrek 5. Still in the booth and about to start Donkey in September.”
—Eddie Murphy, actor
Storyline and Characters for the Donkey Spinoff
The Donkey-centered movie will explore the character’s life alongside his dragon wife and their children, who are a unique blend of dragon and donkey traits. Murphy described the project’s narrative as humorous and engaging:
“Donkey’s going to be like how Puss in Boots had his own movie, Donkey’s going to have his own movie, own little story with his dragon wife and his kids that are half-dragon and half-donkeys,”
and confirmed,
“They’ve written this funny story. We’re doing that, starting that in September.”
—Eddie Murphy, actor
Additional Cast and Release Timeline
Earlier this year, Zendaya was announced as a new voice cast member for Shrek 5, although her role remains undisclosed. The movie is scheduled for release in theaters on December 23, 2026, marking the latest chapter in the beloved animated series.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Eddie Murphy quit his laugh?
A. Murphy was baptized as a Catholic. In a 2011 Rolling Stone interview, he mentioned that he didn’t want to follow a specific religion. He said he holds values and beliefs rooted in Christianity.
Q. Why did Eddie Murphy stop laughing?
A. He was the first actor ever nominated for a BAFTA award for a voice-over role, for his work in Shrek (2001). He does not consume alcohol or smoke, and caffeine is the only drug he uses. He is the only Saturday Night Live (1975) cast member to have hosted the show while still being part of the cast.
Q. Why did Eddie Murphy lose his laugh?
A. It turns out he chose to make it his signature. Eddie Murphy’s issue arose when people imitated him and included his laugh. He hadn’t noticed it much before. According to CBR, he explained, “In the 80s, I didn’t want my laugh to define me.”
Q. Is Eddie Murphy a smoker?
A. The first actor to get a BAFTA nod for voice acting was for his role as Best Supporting Actor in Shrek (2001). He avoids alcohol and cigarettes, using only caffeine as a stimulant.
