Popular comedy actor Eddie Murphy has two notable projects currently in the works, both based on popular and nostalgic franchises. While he is slated to reprise his role as Donkey in the upcoming Shrek 5, he is also set to voice the character in a solo film. Production and recording are still underway for Shrek 5, but Eddie Murphy claims that production for the ‘Donkey’ film will begin in September.

In an interview with ScreenRant, the actor said, “We’re still in the booth, and literally, we’re still doing Shrek. We start in September on Donkey, we’re doing a Donkey one, and that’ll be three years from now, but we’re about two years into Shrek 5. Still in the booth and about to start Donkey in September.” He also clarified that ‘Donkey’ will be a film, not a TV series, similar to the way Puss in Boots got his own spin-off film. With the success both critically and commercially of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, it is no surprise that DreamWorks wants to make more movies about Shrek characters. Shrek 5 is scheduled to release sometime in 2026, so do not expect the ‘Donkey’ film for at least a few more years.

Additionally, Eddie Murphy was announced to be playing Inspector Clouseau in the upcoming ‘Pink Panther’ film. The character is known for being clumsy, inept and exaggerated, with his iconic moustache and French accent being memorable traits. He said in an interview with Today that, “(I’ve) already started ‘Shrek 5.’ And I’m going to be — I’m Inspector Clouseau in the next ‘Pink Panther.'” He said that he will still be French, or potentially Haitian, but that “He’s Black, for sure.” There is not much information about the next instalment in the long-running comedy franchise, and it currently has no release window.