Recently, Dreamworks executives have made mention of a potential Shrek spin-off starring Eddie Murphy's Donkey, and this film would not only be full of potential but could expand on ideas already hinted at in the original Shrek franchise. Shrek began as a 2001 film by Dreamworks and has spawned four total main franchise films, two spin-offs starring Antonio Bandera's Puss in Boots, and possibly, Shrek 5 in the coming years. The story follows a cranky ogre and his donkey sidekick as they save a princess in order to save the ogre's swamp.Following the significant success of the latest Shrek film, Puss In Boots: The Last Wish, Eddie Murphy expressed his interest in making a Donkey spin-off film. While Puss in Boots 2 set up Shrek 5, already a film starring Donkey would be an entirely new endeavor. Luckily, CEO of Illumination Entertainment and Shrek executive producer Chris Meledandri revealed his support for this project during an interview with Variety. Meledandri asserted that Donkey could certainly hold up his own films and that Murphy's enthusiasm was exciting.

A Donkey Spinoff Could Explore His Origins Before Shrek

Donkey being sold by a woman in Shrek

A potential Donkey spin-off could have any number of storylines, however, one of the best directions the film could go in is explaining Donkey's origin story. At the start of 2001's Shrek, audiences see Donkey being sold at an auction by an old witch to the guards of Lord Farquaad. She believes he's valuable enough to sell because he can talk, however, Donkey makes a lucky escape that puts him in the path of Shrek. From then on, Donkey remains by Shrek's side, but this first scene brings up many questions about Donkey's life before Shrek.

In particular, it would be interesting for the Donkey spin-off to explore Donkey's family and his ability to talk. If Donkey is an anomaly among animals, audiences would likely want to know how this happened and how it affected his life. Furthermore, the film should explain how Donkey came to be with the old witch who is attempting to sell him. All in all, Donkey's past should be delved into at least in a small way, so audiences can understand his abilities and where he comes from independently of Shrek.

Donkey Could Finally Become His Own Hero In A Shrek Spinoff

Donkey on Shrek's shoulders

One of the most important aspects of the Donkey spin-off is that Donkey must become his own hero. Throughout the Shrek franchise, Donkey has been loyal, helpful, and an all-around great sidekick. However, the character has never been given the chance to show off who he is as an individual without Shrek. Though Shrek and Donkey's relationship is iconic, the spin-off film should see Donkey becoming his own person and standing out as a hero in the same way Shrek has throughout his films. In this way, audiences can see new sides of Donkey ranging from bravery to reflectiveness.

A Donkey spin-off film will likely be a beneficial addition to the Shrek franchise. Similar to the Puss in Boots films, this spin-off could show viewers an entirely new world within the franchise and expand on a well-loved character. With the approval of Eddie Murphy and Shrek executives, it seems the Donkey spin-off will appear in a future that is not so distant.