Eddie Murphy, the legendary comedian, is making waves as he returns to his iconic role in the Shrek franchise with not one, but two exciting new projects.
Murphy, now 63, recently delighted fans by confirming his involvement in Shrek 5 and an upcoming spinoff film cantered around his beloved character, Donkey. In a candid interview, Murphy shared, “We started doing Shrek 5 four or five months ago. I recorded the first act, and we’ll be finishing it up this year.”
Speculation about Shrek 5 has been rampant since April 2023, and Murphy’s confirmation has thrilled fans eagerly awaiting the next instalment of the beloved animated series. Addressing the dual projects, Murphy clarified, “Another Shrek is coming out. Donkey’s gonna have his movie. I think [Shrek 5 is] coming out in 2025, and we’re doing a Donkey one next.”
This announcement underscores Murphy’s enthusiasm for revisiting his character and expanding the Shrek universe. “If [DreamWorks] ever came with another Shrek,” Murphy remarked previously, “I’d do it in two seconds.” His dedication to the role highlights the enduring popularity of the franchise, which began with the award-winning original Shrek in 2001.
The Shrek series, known for its humour and heart, has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase over the years. The first film, a massive success, even won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, solidifying its place in animation history. Since then, the franchise has continued to captivate audiences with its witty storytelling and memorable characters.
Murphy’s revelation about the Donkey spinoff aligns with his longstanding admiration for the character. “I love Donkey,” Murphy exclaimed. “They did Puss In Boots movies. I was like, ‘They should have done a Donkey movie.'” His sentiment reflects the comedic potential of Donkey, a character beloved for his humor and charm throughout the Shrek films.
While there were initial concerns about the return of the original cast, negotiations with key actors, including Murphy, Mike Myers, and Cameron Diaz, have reportedly been positive. Chris Meledandri, CEO of Illumination, expressed optimism about their involvement, stating, “Talks are starting now, and every indication that we’ve gotten is there’s tremendous enthusiasm on behalf of the actors to return.”
The news of Murphy’s dual involvement in Shrek 5 and the Donkey spinoff has ignited excitement among fans worldwide. With production underway and Murphy’s enthusiastic endorsement, the future looks bright for Shrek enthusiasts who eagerly await the next chapter in the franchise.
Eddie Murphy’s return to the Shrek universe promises a continuation of the beloved animated series and an expansion of its rich storytelling through a dedicated focus on the irrepressible Donkey.
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