Dreamworks Partner Chris Meledandri Teases Donkey Spinoff With Eddie Murphy

Earlier this year, Eddie Murphy commented on wanting to bring the beloved Donkey back to the screen in a "Shrek 5" film and a Donkey spinoff movie.

Now, a partner and consultant for Dreamworks Animation are weighing in on the topic, hinting that the project may already be in the works.

Earlier this year, when the newest "Shrek" spinoff, "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" (2022), was released, Eddie Murphy spoke out on if he would be open to working on a spinoff focused on his "Shrek" character, Donkey. "I'd be open if they ever came with another Shrek; I'd do it in two seconds. I love Donkey," Eddie Murphy said.

"You know, they did Puss in Boots movies. I was like, 'They should have done a Donkey movie," Murphy continued to say. "Donkey is funnier than Puss in Boots. I love Puss in Boots, but he ain't funny as the Donkey."

He concluded with, "I would do a Donkey movie. I would do another Shrek in two seconds."

Murphy pleaded to DreamWorks Animation, saying, "That's Dreamworks Animation. They have to want to do it. Dreamworks, if you all want to do it, call me. I'm ready; I'm sitting and ready to do Donkey."

Now it seems that Dreamworks is listening!

Just two months after Murphy commented on a Donkey spinoff and a potential "Shrek 5", a partner and consultant for Dreamworks Animation, Chris Meledandri, is weighing in on the topic -- saying he is entirely on board and negotiations are even in the works.

When speaking to Variety about future "Shrek" projects, he confirmed the original cast of the leading franchise is expected to return for a highly-anticipated fifth film, though final deals for the stars Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz have not been finalized.

"It's not that dissimilar to the process that we went through with Mario ["The Super Mario Bros. Movie"], where you look at what the core elements are that audiences have loved, and you do your very best to honor those core elements," Meledandri said. "We anticipate the [original "Shrek"] cast coming back. Talks are starting now, and every indication we've gotten is tremendous enthusiasm on behalf of the actors to return."

Meledandri went on to say he was "thrilled" when he heard Murphy speak on a Donkey spinoff and "Shrek 5", adding, "It's evidence of his strong enthusiasm for a role that he so brilliantly inhabited and created alongside the artists at DreamWorks. I found that comment to be fascinating."

The Dreamworks Animation partner added that Donkey's character could support his film without question".

The original "Shrek" cast consists of Mike Myers (Shrek), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona), John Lithgow (Lord Farquaad), Jim Cummings (Captain of Guards), and others. In the sequel, Antonio Banderas joined the cast to voice the fierce cat, Puss In Boots, and has gone on to even have two spinoff films highlighting the character — "Puss In Boots" (2011) and "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" (2022).