‘Donkey’ Spinoff Could Feature a Surprise Appearance From Shrek

Donkey is finally getting the spotlight he’s been talking his way toward for decades. DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Donkey’ spinoff will tell the origin story of the ‘Shrek’ franchise’s most talkative sidekick. Now the man behind the green ogre has weighed in on whether Shrek could tag along.

The spinoff has been on the calendar for a while. Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation officially announced that ‘Donkey’ is set to hit theaters on June 30, 2028, with Eddie Murphy reprising the role he has voiced since the original ‘Shrek’ debuted in 2001. The film will unfold as an origin story exploring how a donkey became Donkey.

Now Mike Myers has opened up about the project, and he isn’t ruling out an appearance. “I wish Donkey lived in my house! I love that character so much,” Myers told The Hollywood Reporter. “I don’t think I’m in it. I might be. I’m not sure, but it’s long overdue. I love that guy.”

The actor made the comments on a busy night for comedy royalty. He spoke to the outlet on Wednesday night at the ‘Focker-in-Law’ premiere in New York, when asked about continuing the ‘Shrek’ films beyond their fifth installment. His answer was an enthusiastic yes.

Shrek “might” appear in the upcoming ‘DONKEY’ spinoff film, says Mike Myers. “I might be. I’m not sure, but it’s long overdue.” (Via: @THR) https://t.co/lM4BPk9wzN

— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) November 13, 2026

“I’d love to. It’s so much fun. It’s so well written. The filmmakers are so lovely, and they’re so nice to me, and I love playing the character,” Myers said. “I love the messages in there, and Cameron [Diaz]’s fantastic, and Eddie [Murphy]’s a genius.” He also had a playful comparison ready. Myers said he has a cat named Pickles and loves that cat as much as he loves Donkey.

There’s a catch to any potential cameo. Since the film takes place before Murphy’s character ever meets Shrek, the likelihood of Myers having a huge role isn’t very high. Still, a brief appearance wouldn’t be out of the question for a franchise that loves a good surprise.

It’s happening… it’s really happening! Experience Shrek 5 only in theaters summer 2027. https://t.co/S661D6Mcia

— Shrek (@Shrek) June 16, 2026

Murphy has offered his own hints about the story. In a 2025 interview with Screen Rant, he said Donkey would get his own little story, much like Puss in Boots did, involving his dragon wife and their half-dragon, half-donkey kids.

The creative team is already in place. The project will be directed by Charlie Bean, whose credits include ‘The Lego Batman Movie’ and the live-action ‘Lady and the Tramp’, and co-directed by Matt Flynn, a story artist on ‘The Wild Robot’ and ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. Rebecca Huntley, a producer on ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ and ‘The Bad Guys’, will produce.

There’s a strong commercial case for the spinoff. The 2 ‘Puss in Boots’ movies combined grossed $1 billion, bringing the total ‘Shrek’ universe across 6 movies to $4 billion. Before Donkey gets his solo outing, the whole gang reunites. ‘Shrek 5’, slated for June 30, 2027, will reunite Murphy with Myers and Cameron Diaz as Shrek and Fiona, with Zendaya joining the cast as one of Shrek’s children.

‘Focker-in-Law’ star Skyler Gisondo also joins as Farkle, one of Shrek and Fiona’s teenage triplet sons. Myers had more news to share, too. He confirmed that a fourth ‘Austin Powers’ movie is in the works, telling the outlet he’s writing it now and having a great time.

For ‘Shrek’ fans, the comments are a sign that the franchise’s original stars are as invested as ever. Whether Shrek pops up in Donkey’s origin story or not, Myers clearly can’t wait to see his favorite sidekick take center stage.

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