August 24, 2025

Movie Review: Shrek: Donkey’s Big Adventure (2026)

After years of spin-off talk, DreamWorks finally gives Eddie Murphy’s beloved chatterbox the spotlight in Shrek: Donkey’s Big Adventure (2026) — a spinoff that proves the sidekick can absolutely carry his own film. Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, it’s the freshest addition to the Shrek universe in years.

The story follows Donkey as he embarks on a quest to rescue his long-lost cousin from a band of ruthless trolls who have stolen a magical harp. With Shrek and Fiona tied up with royal duties, Donkey reluctantly takes the lead, recruiting a ragtag crew of new fairy-tale misfits, including a melodramatic unicorn (voiced by Pedro Pascal) and a sarcastic enchanted broom (Awkwafina). What starts as a bumbling rescue mission evolves into a story of courage, friendship, and Donkey finally proving he’s more than just comic relief.

Visually, the film is gorgeous. Advances in DreamWorks’ animation give the world of Far Far Away stunning detail while still keeping the exaggerated, cartoonish charm. A musical set-piece on a floating bridge of clouds is both visually dazzling and laugh-out-loud funny.

Eddie Murphy is at his absolute best, delivering rapid-fire jokes, tender emotional beats, and even a few surprisingly powerful musical numbers (his duet with Pascal’s unicorn is an instant classic). The supporting voice cast keeps the energy high, and while Mike Myers’ Shrek and Cameron Diaz’s Fiona appear briefly, the focus wisely stays on Donkey.

The humor is sharp, packed with pop culture jabs and absurd slapstick, but beneath the laughs is a surprisingly touching arc. Donkey’s struggle with self-doubt and his ultimate realization that he’s a hero in his own right give the film real emotional weight.

If there’s a flaw, it’s that some gags run a little too long, and the villain isn’t particularly memorable. Still, the sheer charm of Donkey and the inventiveness of the adventure more than make up for it.

Verdict:
Shrek: Donkey’s Big Adventure (2026) is a laugh-out-loud, big-hearted spin-off that finally gives Eddie Murphy’s Donkey the spotlight he deserves. Not every joke lands, but the film’s energy, humor, and surprising depth make it a worthy new chapter in the Shrek saga.

⭐ Rating: 8.3/10