Shrek Fans Revive Theory About Donkey’s Secret Past — Could He Have Been Human?

By fypfeed| Entertainment & Culture | 25 June 2025

For over two decades, people all over all over the world have been enthralled by the whimsical magical the world that is Shrek. From its innovative animation and humorous humour to its charming, though unorthodox, heroes the franchise has become an extremely recognized names in contemporary film. But one character, the quick-talking, ever-moving companion, commonly referred to as Donkey is still a mystery.

Despite having a major role across two films, four spin-offs, as well as an Broadway musical, the story behind Donkey’s character has not been fully explained. What is his origin? How come he can speak fluently, whereas so many animals of the kingdom are unable to?

The viral fan theory has sparked discussions online, suggesting that Donkey may not be actually a donkey in the first place — or, at the very least, not at first. There are some who believe he could be a human who was being cursed or changed to connect his story to the most enduring fairy tales ever written.

A Character Without a Past

The moment that DreamWorks Animation released the first Shrek in 2001, Donkey quickly became the most talked about character. The character was voiced with the help of Eddie Murphy, the character offered comedy relief, warmth, and the kind of fast-paced dialogue that stood out against Shrek’s raunchy exterior.

However, while the story of Shrek’s origins as a single Ogre feared by the societywas at the heart of the movie and Princess Fiona’s hidden curse was the main focus of the film, Donkey simply appeared, being sold to the Lord Farquaad’s men by an unidentified old woman. There was no explanation given for his ability to talk or sing, nor display human-like emotions.

This lack of attention has left an open space that fans have been trying for years to make up.

A Viral Social Media Theory

In the spring of this year an Instagram user Instagram ignited discussion with the details of a theory linking Donkey with Pinocchio which is the classic story by Italian writer Carlo Collodi, and more specifically to the 1940 Disney animated adaptation.

In the view of Donkey may actually be Lampwick the mischievous boy who becomes friends with Pinocchio at Pleasure Island. In the story, young men who engage in reckless behavior become donkeys. As Pinocchio barely escapes, Lampwick is shown in the turn, screaming in awe while his fate gets sealed.

It is believed that Lampwick -or a character influenced by him could have survived, continued in the form of a donkey and ended up in the Shrek world. The elderly woman who attempts to sell Donkey at the start of the first film some say, could be the same person who was the one to receive him following his transformation.

Evidence from the films

The supporters of the theory draw attention to a variety of details throughout the franchise:

• speech and personality Different from other species, Donkey speaks with the language and mannerisms of humans. This is logical in the event that he was a child, not just a magic animal.
• Friendly relationship with Pinocchio in the film Shrek, Donkey is shown to be in good relationship with Pinocchio. Although this may seem like a coincidence however, it could actually be a deliberate reference to the shared past.
• Childhood Memories The story of Shrek 3, Donkey refers to being bullied, and even being a victim of “wedgies” — an unusually humane experience for an animal on the farm.
• The Control of His Voice In one scene, Donkey mentions that he needed to master his bluster, implying the ability to speak clearly is something that he had to work on in the course of time and not a natural ability.

Each of these details when seen through the lens of Lampwick theory, looks more like a string of comic lines, and rather like breadcrumbs left behind by the creators.

Fan Reactions Online

The concept has gained popularity not just on Instagram but it is also popular it has gained traction on Reddit and TikTok with scenes of Pinocchio can be compared alongside images of the film Shrek. Many people find the concept intriguing, whereas others think that it could be just an imagination-driven coincidence.

“I never thought about it before, but it makes perfect sense,” wrote one Reddit user. “Donkey acts exactly like a human trapped in another body.”

Some remain skeptical. “Sometimes a talking donkey is just a talking donkey,” one fan said and emphasized DreamWorks tendencies to bending fairy-tale logic to create humour instead of continuous world-building.

The Broader Fairy-Tale Universe

One of the reasons that makes the theory so fascinating is the fact that Shrek has always taken inspiration from and twisted fairy tales. For example, from Snow White to The Gingerbread Man to the Three Little Pigs almost every character is a twist version of a classic tale.

In this sense, the inclusion of Lampwick could not be unnatural. It could also make the Shrek franchise more closely to the history of Disney which is the same studio that it famously mocked in the first film. DreamWorks hasn’t confirmed an association, however the intertextual realism of the series means that it is not impossible to rule out completely.

What Do the Creators Say?

The filmmakers have provided little to clarify the situation. In interviews throughout the decades, Eddie Murphy has spoken of his character with affection however, he has never mentioned Donkey’s roots. Screenwriters also have avoided responding to the question, usually insisting that the charm of Donkey is in his simple nature.

“Donkey was created to be the friend Shrek didn’t know he needed,” one producer stated in a retrospective from 2007. “We did not want to explain too much about the character. Sometimes, the mystery is part the excitement.”

This could be the case However, it is also a source of speculation and fan theories such as this help keep the story active even after the final main installment.

Why the Theory Resonates

The Lampwick theory draws on the fascination of humans with identity and transformation. Stories of human beings transformed into animals that originate that originate from Greek mythologies to European folklore have been around as long as the art of storytelling itself.

For viewers, the idea of Donkey as a once-human child is a touch of sadness to his humor. It helps to frame his constant conversation not just as a source of comic relief, but also as an coping mechanism for an individual who has lost his humanity but retained his voice.

It also shows how the Shrek has always juggled comedy with deeper issues: isolation, acceptance as well as the need for the sense of belonging.

Could Shrek 5 Provide Answers?

DreamWorks confirms that five-film Shrek film is being developed although details are still unconfirmed. Many fans are hopeful that the long-running mystery, like the story of Donkey’s birth are finally being clarified.

The studio can choose to confirm the theories or leave it to the fan’s imagination, the speculation has produced a positive result and that is it has rekindled conversation about the franchise in a period of high-response for early 2000s pop culture is growing.

A Character Larger Than His Backstory

In the end, no matter if Donkey was a former Lampwick or simply a fantastical creation, the impact of his work on pop culture is indisputable. He is regarded as one of the best animated characters of the past He brought delight for millions of people. He also helped define the irreverent style that helped make Shrek stand apart from its Disney counterparts.

Perhaps that’s the main point. Donkey doesn’t require a definitive background to be relevant. The fact that his fans continue to debate his story more than 25 years after his death speaks volumes about the extent to which he has become a part of the culture’s imagination.

Like Eddie Murphy once said with laughter: “Donkey is just Donkey. That’s enough.”

If the popular theory is true it could be that he is else — a child who turned donkey and then discovered friendship and loyalty in the most unlikely of places.