Shrek's Donkey Spinoff Can't Copy One Puss In Boots Decision That Launched A $1 Billion Franchise

The upcoming Donkey spinoff has the potential to continue the Shrek franchise’s success, but it can’t copy one decision that made Puss in Boots a near $1 billion movie series. Over 20 years after his cinematic debut, Donkey will finally get his own spinoff movie, and while there are plenty of fun ways to utilize the character, Donkey’s film has to be different from Puss in Boots in one key way. Despite Donkey’s popularity, it was Puss in Boots who got the first Shrek spinoff back in 2011, which was followed up with a sequel over 10 years later.

Puss in Boots 2‘s box office came close to matching the original, with the combined box office of both films falling just short of $1 billion. This shows that despite the Shrek franchise being over two decades old, there is still plenty of desire to see the cinematic universe continue. As a result, a Donkey spinoff makes perfect sense, especially given how fun and charismatic the character is. Donkey is full of hilarious quotes in the Shrek movies, and a spinoff will allow his journey to continue, but it can’t simply try to replicate Puss in Boots‘ success.

Donkey’s Spinoff Movie Shouldn’t Be A Prequel Like Puss In Boots

Donkey’s Shrek Spinoff Can’t Afford To Be An Origin Story

While Puss in Boots worked perfectly as a prequel, Donkey’s spinoff has to be different. Given Donkey is one of the franchise’s central characters, audiences will naturally be curious about the character’s history prior to Shrek. However, Donkey’s spinoff movie shouldn’t explore his origin story as it will likely be far less interesting compared to Puss in Boots. Whereas Puss in Boots had an intriguing backstory from being an orphan to facing off against a former friend, Donkey’s history is mostly unknown. While this gives the writers a blank canvas, his origins aren’t the most compelling aspect of the character.

His enthusiasm and cheerful nature make him one of the most likable characters in the franchise, leading to a great story throughout the Shrek movies. Exploring his journey after the final film would be a far more exciting alternative than diving into his background. Given he starts Shrek alone and without friends, a prequel risks going down a more depressing storyline for Donkey, which goes against what makes him so enjoyable. Although there should still be some stakes and danger, a Donkey spinoff must be fun and lighthearted, rather than a potentially dark and unnecessary origin story.

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Donkey’s Story After The Shrek Movies Is More Suited For A Spinoff

Donkey Still Has Plenty Of Stories To Tell After Shrek

Donkey’s story in Shrek did conclude in satisfying fashion, but seeing his journey afterward is far more suited for a spinoff than his origins. Despite Shrek 5 also being confirmed, Donkey’s film provides a chance to show what he has been doing since Shrek Forever After. Given he has children with Dragon, there are a lot of potential ideas to explore with the character, especially if he is given his own villain. Donkey and Dragon have saved the day in the past and allowing them the opportunity to have an individual adventure would be ideal for a spinoff.

Donkey’s story before the first Shrek film didn’t seem overly interesting, but with everything he has experienced since, including starting his own family, there are so many ideas to explore. This could help set up Shrek 5, or if the spinoff happens afterward, it could be a direct follow-up. Therefore, focusing on Donkey’s life after the Shrek films seems like the best possible choice for a spinoff, and it will allow the character to get the spotlight he deserves.

Shrek

Based loosely on the children’s book of the same name by William Steig, Shrek tells the story of an ogre (Michael Myers) who sets with his new friend Donkey (Eddie Murphy) out to regain his swamp from fairytale characters. Tasked with rescuing Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) in return for the restoration of his solitude, Shrek discovers that he’s not the loner he always thought he was, and that looks aren’t always everything.

Director

Vicky Jenson , Andrew Adamson

Release Date

May 18, 2001

Writers

Ted Elliott , Roger S.H. Schulman , Joe Stillman , Terry Rossio

Runtime

90 minutes

Franchise(s)

Shrek

Budget

$60 million