Donkey! Shrek‘s chatty sidekick is taking the spotlight in “Donkey,” a spinoff in the beloved animated series.

Universal and DreamWorks have slated “Donkey” to release on June 30, 2028. Eddie Murphy is returning to voice his signature role in the film, which will serve as an origin story of how a donkey became Donkey.

“Donkey” will be directed by Charlie Bean (“The Lego Batman Movie” and the live-action “Lady and The Tramp”), produced by Rebecca Huntley (“Kung Fu Panda 4” and “The Bad Guys”), and co-directed by Matt Flynn, whose story artist credits at DreamWorks include “The Wild Robot,” “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” and “The Bad Guys 2.”

A year before “Donkey” trots to theaters, Universal and DreamWorks are releasing “Shrek 5” in summer 2027. Mike Myers, Murphy and Cameron Diaz are returning to the fictional land of Far, Far Away in their signature roles as Shrek, Donkey and Fiona, while Zendaya is joining the cast. “Shrek 5” will be directed by franchise veterans Conrad Vernon and Walt Dohrn.

“Shrek,” first released in 2000, put a spin on the concept of Happily Ever After, as told by a misunderstood ogre and his merry band of fairytale folk. “Shrek” became an instant hit with nearly $500 million globally as well as the first-ever Oscar winner for animated feature. The film was followed by three sequels 2004’s “Shrek 2,” 2007’s “Shrek the Third” and 2010’s “Shrek Forever After” and two “Puss in Boots” spinoffs.

More to come…