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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Escher Walcott

Eddie Murphy says he’s ready to do Donkey movie in Shrek role reprisal following spin-off Puss in Boots success

Eddie Murphy has shared a keen interest in reprising his role as Donkey from Shrek.

The 61-year-old actor starred as the popular character in the 2001 animated film and its sequels, and has said he would “absolutely” step back into the role, should the opportunity present itself.

Murphy, who currently stars in the Netflix film You People, told Etalk: “I’d absolutely be open if they ever came with another Shrek; I’d do it in two seconds. I love Donkey.”

The comedian recently portrayed some of his past iconic roles, having returned as Prince Akeem in the 2021 film Coming 2 America, and Axle Foley from Beverley Hills Cop.

Murphy has shared keen interest to return to the role of Shrek’s Donkey in a spin-off film (Getty Images)

Murphy’s keenness to play Donkey again comes after the success of Shrek’s spin-off film Puss in Boots: The last Wish, which received an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature Film.

The sequel broke global box office records, surpassing $300 million, after facing tough competition from Avatar 2: The Way of Water.

Referring to the spin-off film, Murphy continued: “They should have done a Donkey movie. Donkey is funnier than Puss in Boots. I mean, I love Puss in Boots, but he ain’t funny as the Donkey.”

He added: “That’s DreamWorks Animation. They have to want to do it. DreamWorks, if you all want to do it, just call me. I’m ready, I’m sitting and ready to do Donkey.”

Murphy currently stars opposite Jonah Hill in the new Netflix film You People (You People / feat. Eddie Murphy and Jonah Hill / Official Teaser / Netflix)

Murphy stars opposite Jonah Hill and Lauren London in the Netflix film You People, released last Friday.

The comic legend plays the father of Hill’s character’s girlfriend, played by London.

Speaking about the film on Jimmy Kimmel last week, Murphy said: “When I read the script, I said I have to do this. It was kind of like a modern Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.

“Most romantic comedies don’t have an edge to them. This one does. It’s like Guess Who’s Coming to Roscoe’s?”

Murphy received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes earlier this month.

The pioneering entertainer joked about the infamous Will Smith slap during his acceptance speech, saying: “I’m gonna just say something to all the up-and-coming dreamers and artists that are in the room tonight.

“I want to let you know that there is a definitive blueprint that you can follow to achieve success, prosperity and peace of mind. Pay your taxes, mind your business, and keep Will Smith´s wife´s name out of your f***ing mouth!”

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