In a bittersweet farewell, Perry, the real-life donkey who inspired Eddie Murphy’s energetic portrayal of Donkey in the Shrek franchise, has passed away at the age of 30. Perry’s handler, Jenny Kiratli, shared the news, revealing that the beloved animal succumbed to laminitis, a painful foot condition, on January 2.
Perry was a staple of the Barron Park pasture in California, where he spent three decades as a cherished member of the community. His charisma didn’t just captivate locals but also caught the attention of an animator working on Shrek, who lived nearby. It was the animator’s wife who first noticed Perry’s unique charm and suggested he visit the park. Perry’s lively personality left such an impression that he became a model for Donkey, one of the franchise’s most beloved characters.
The Barron Park Donkeys Instagram page posted a tribute to Perry, stating:
“We are heartbroken to share that our beloved Perry passed away yesterday at the age of 30. He was a treasured member of our community, and his loss will be deeply felt. Memorial plans will be shared soon.”
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As fans mourn the passing of this real-life inspiration, the Shrek universe continues to thrive, with exciting developments for Shrek 5.
What We Know About Shrek 5 So Far
After years of speculation and anticipation, the fifth installment of the Shrek series is officially in production, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled. The green ogre’s return promises to bring new adventures and plenty of laughs.
A Release Date at Last
DreamWorks Animation has set Shrek 5’s release date for July 1, 2026, marking the franchise’s grand return to theaters. Positioned as a summer blockbuster, the movie is expected to draw massive crowds eager to revisit the magical land of Far, Far Away.
The Cast is Back
One of the most exciting aspects of Shrek 5 is the return of its original cast. Eddie Murphy will reprise his role as Donkey, the lovable chatterbox who never fails to steal the spotlight.
Mike Myers is back as Shrek, bringing his iconic blend of grumpiness and heart. Cameron Diaz, who had previously stepped away from acting, has also confirmed her return as Princess Fiona, to the delight of fans worldwide.
Though Antonio Banderas hasn’t officially signed on yet, his return as Puss in Boots is highly anticipated, especially following the success of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
What Could the Plot Look Like?
While no official plot details have been released, there’s speculation that Shrek 5 could explore the lives of Shrek and Fiona’s now-teenaged children. This generational shift could open up new storytelling opportunities as Shrek navigates parenting in a magical world filled with quirky characters.
Another possibility is a shake-up in Shrek and Fiona’s idyllic life, perhaps caused by returning villains, new adversaries, or the comedic chaos their fairy tale friends bring to the table.
A Fresh Spin on a Beloved Franchise
With nearly two decades since the last mainline film, Shrek 5 has the opportunity to blend nostalgia with fresh ideas. Fans can expect the franchise’s signature humor and heart, along with clever fairy tale parodies and a star-studded cast.
Recurring characters like Gingy, Pinocchio, and the Three Blind Mice are likely to make appearances, and DreamWorks is known for introducing new, memorable characters in each installment.
Why Now?
The renewed interest in the Shrek universe was sparked by the success of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, which teased a return to Far, Far Away. The spinoff’s critical and commercial success proved that audiences are eager for more stories from this beloved world.
Although the road to Shrek 5 has been long, the confirmation of its production and release date suggests that DreamWorks is ready to deliver a movie that lives up to fans’ high expectations.
While Perry’s passing marks the end of an era, his legacy as the inspiration for Donkey will live on. As the world prepares for Shrek 5, fans can look forward to revisiting the humor, heart, and unforgettable characters that make the Shrek franchise so special.
