Almost a year after actor Eddie Murphy confirmed that the Donkey from the Shrek franchise will have his own film, Universal Pictures has made it official that the film is happening.

Hollywood star Eddie Murphy will reprise his role as the fast-talking sidekick in the movie, which Universal Pictures and DreamWorks will release in theatres on June 30, 2028.

The movie will serve as an origin story, exploring how the donkey became the fan-favourite character known simply as Donkey.

The upcoming film will be helmed by Charlie Bean, known for The Lego Ninjago Movie and the live-action Lady and The Tramp and co-directed by Matt Flynn (The Wild Robot, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and The Bad Guys).

Notably, the Donkey movie will be releasing exactly a year after Shrek 5 hits theatres. It has Mike Myers returning as voice of Shrek, Murphy will reprise Donkey and Cameron Diaz will once again voice Princess Fiona. Zendaya is also part of the film, which will be directed by franchise veterans Conrad Vernon and Walt Dohrn.

The Donkey movie is backed by Rebecca Huntley (Kung Fu Panda 4 and The Bad Guys).

Beginning in 2001, the Shrek franchise told the story of the eponymous ogre, and his adventures with his wife Fiona and his companions, including Donkey, Gingerbread Man, Pinocchio, Puss in Boots, among others. Beyond the Shrek films, the franchise also includes spinoffs based on Puss in Boots.