The world has bid goodbye to Perry, the real-life donkey who inspired Donkey, the endlessly entertaining sidekick voiced by Eddie Murphy in the Shrek franchise. Perry passed away on January 2 at the age of 30, after battling laminitis, a painful hoof condition.
Perry was more than just a community icon; he was a star in his own right. For three decades, he resided at the Barron Park pasture in Palo Alto, California, where his larger-than-life personality caught the attention of locals and filmmakers alike. His handler, Jenny Kiratli, described Perry as a “special donkey” who brought joy to countless visitors over the years.
One of those visitors happened to be an animator working on Shrek. Encouraged by his wife, who adored Perry’s spirited personality, the animator spent time observing the donkey. Perry’s unique charm became a key inspiration for the character of Donkey, a role that would go on to become a cornerstone of DreamWorks Animation’s success.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the Barron Park Donkeys community shared their sorrow:
“We are deeply saddened to announce that Perry, our beloved Barron Park donkey, passed away yesterday. He was a treasured part of our community and will be missed by all who knew him. Memorial plans are forthcoming.”
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As fans celebrate Perry’s legacy, excitement is mounting for the future of the Shrek franchise, with Shrek 5 set to reignite the magic.
What Fans Can Expect From Shrek 5
It’s been over a decade since Shrek Forever After closed the book on Shrek and Fiona’s adventures, but the wait for the next chapter is almost over. After years in development limbo, Shrek 5 is officially happening, and the anticipation couldn’t be higher.
Release Date Confirmed
DreamWorks Animation recently announced that Shrek 5 will hit theaters on July 1, 2026, securing a prime summer blockbuster slot. The announcement came via a short teaser on DreamWorks’ social media, confirming the long-awaited return to Far, Far Away.
Original Cast Returns
The news that Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz are all reprising their roles has fans buzzing.
- Eddie Murphy: The actor behind Donkey has been a vocal advocate for continuing the franchise, often joking that Donkey deserves his own spin-off. His return ensures that the character’s humor and heart will remain central to the story.
- Mike Myers: Shrek’s grumpy yet lovable nature has been a fan favorite, and Myers’ enthusiasm for the role guarantees another stellar performance.
- Cameron Diaz: Despite stepping away from acting in recent years, Diaz is back as Princess Fiona, delighting fans who feared her retirement might leave a gap in the franchise.
Antonio Banderas, fresh off the success of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, is also expected to return as Puss, though his involvement hasn’t been officially confirmed.
Potential Plotlines
DreamWorks has kept plot details under wraps, but fans are speculating on where the story might go.
One popular theory involves Shrek and Fiona’s teenage children taking center stage. Now older, the kids could bring fresh energy to the story, exploring themes of generational differences and family dynamics.
Another possibility is a new quest that disrupts Shrek and Fiona’s idyllic life, perhaps involving familiar fairy tale characters like Gingy, Pinocchio, or even new foes who bring chaos to Far, Far Away.
Revitalizing the Franchise
The Shrek series has always thrived on its ability to blend humor, heart, and clever fairy tale twists. After the overwhelming success of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, DreamWorks seems poised to recapture that magic.
The return of key cast members, combined with the potential for new characters and storylines, has fans hoping that Shrek 5 will be both a nostalgic trip and a fresh adventure.
Why Now?
The timing for Shrek 5 couldn’t be better. The resurgence of interest in the franchise, spurred by Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, has proven that audiences are eager for more tales from Far, Far Away. The franchise’s enduring popularity and its ability to resonate across generations make this the perfect moment for a revival.
Perry’s Legacy Lives On
Perry may no longer be with us, but his impact will endure through the character of Donkey, who continues to bring laughter and joy to fans around the world. As the Shrek franchise prepares to embark on its next chapter, Perry’s memory serves as a poignant reminder of the unexpected places where inspiration can be found.
With Shrek 5 set to debut in 2026, fans have much to look forward to. From the return of beloved characters to the promise of new adventures, the journey back to Far, Far Away is shaping up to be truly unforgettable.
