Shrek spinoff teased about Donkey after Eddie Murphy expressed interest in reprising the role
It was revealed this week that a fifth film in the Shrek franchise is in development.
And now it’s been suggested that a spin-off movie could be in the works, centering on the popular side character Donkey.
The beloved character, voiced by Eddie Murphy, may finally get his chance to shine.
The Shrek movies have already spawned two spin-off movies, focusing on Antonio Banderas’ Puss in Boots.
And the latest Puss in Boots movie, The Last Wish, which came out last year, became the highest-rated in the franchise, earning $478 million to date.
Exciting! It has been suggested that a Shrek spin-off movie could be in the works, centering on the popular side character Donkey
Spin-off: The beloved character, voiced by Eddie Murphy, may finally get his chance to shine
Successful: The Shrek films have already spawned two spin-off films, focusing on Antonio Banderas’ Puss in Boot
Now it’s being teased that Donkey will take center stage after Eddie revealed his eagerness for a solo movie earlier this year.
Speaking to ETalk, he said, “If [DreamWorks] ever came up with another Shrek, I’d do it in two seconds.
Speaking of the character he’s voiced in four animated adventures so far, the 62-year-old said, “I love Donkey.”
“They made the Puss in Boots movies. I was like, “They should have made a Donkey movie.”
He insisted, “Donkey is funnier than Puss. I mean, I like Puss, but he’s not as funny as the donkey.’
Then this week, in an interview with VarietyChris Meledandri, 63, the founder and CEO of Illumination, was asked if the character had potential for a spin-off.
He replied, ‘Without a doubt’.
Speaking of Eddie’s eagerness, he said, “It’s a testament to his strong enthusiasm for a role he filled so brilliantly and really created alongside the artists at DreamWorks.
“I found that comment very exciting.”
It comes after Chris revealed that the original Shrek cast is in talks to return for the fifth installment in the franchise.
He confirmed that while no one has signed on the dotted line yet, talks are underway with Mike Myers, as well as Cameron Diaz and Eddie to reprise their voice roles as Shrek, Fiona and Donkey for another adventure.
Keen: Now it’s being teased that Donkey will take center stage after Eddie Murphy revealed his eagerness for a solo movie earlier this year
Original cast: No one has signed on the dotted line yet, talks are underway with Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie to reprise their voice roles as Shrek, Fiona and Donkey for another adventure
Franchise: The first Shrek, released in 2001, was a huge success and won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. Since then, three other films in the franchise have been released
Illumination has worked as a creative partner with Dreamworks on The Super Mario Bros Movie, set to premiere Friday, April 4, and the upcoming Shrek 5.
“We expect the cast to come back,” the executive said.
“Talks are starting now and every indication we’ve had is that there’s tremendous enthusiasm on behalf of the actors to return,” he added.
The first Shrek, released in 2001, was a huge success and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.