The Shrek movies are beloved animated classics that have left a lasting impact on pop culture. With unforgettable characters, iconic one-liners, and a unique blend of humor and heart, it’s no wonder so many people remember the films in vivid detail. But what if some of those details never existed the way we remember them?
Let’s explore two surprising Mandela Effects tied to the Shrek universe—one involving a famous quote and the other involving the voice behind Donkey.
Mandela Effect #1: “Change is good, Donkey.”

The Memory
Many fans clearly remember a heartfelt scene where Shrek tells Donkey, “Change is good, Donkey.” It sounds like something the big green ogre would say—gruff yet unexpectedly profound.
The Reality
Here’s the shocking part: Shrek never says this line in any of the Shrek movies.
That’s right. Despite how widespread the quote is online (go ahead and do a Google image search—you’ll see memes of Shrek saying it), the line does not exist in the actual films. There’s no scene where Shrek utters these words to Donkey or anyone else. This is a classic Mandela Effect: a widely shared and confidently held memory that simply doesn’t align with reality.
So where did the quote come from? That remains unclear. Perhaps it was fabricated and repeated enough online that it implanted itself into our collective memory—or maybe, as some believe, we’re remembering it from another timeline.
In the words of Shrek "Change is good, donkey".
— Jen Roney (@contentandcraft) May 26, 2009
The quote “Change is good, Donkey” has never been said by Shrek in any of the movies. However, there are countless references you can find to this quote that doesn’t exist. pic.twitter.com/8cLgsU30hE
— CleverParrot32 (@CleverParrot32) June 25, 2024
"Change is good, Donkey."
— FutureEclipse 🇨🇦🇺🇸 (@EclipseofFuture) December 18, 2024
Shrek.
Mandela Effect #2: Donkey Was Voiced by Chris Rock

The Memory
Some fans swear that Chris Rock voiced Donkey in Shrek. They can even “hear” his voice and energy behind the character. After all, Chris Rock is known for voicing animated characters with big personalities, like Marty the zebra in Madagascar.
The Reality
In fact, Donkey was voiced by Eddie Murphy—and always has been. From the very first film in 2001 through all its sequels and spin-offs, Murphy brings the high-energy, rapid-talking sidekick to life.
is it just me or am i trippin but this is some mandala effect shit cause i stg i thought chris rock voiced donkey in the shrek movies and not eddie murphy my whole has been a lie
— joe mama (@hobischknsoup) June 29, 2023
i just found out that Donkey in Shrek is voiced by Eddie Murphy and not Chris Rock
— Noneyabusiness (@greehanna) July 23, 2019
Fun WashUpTV fact: Anthony swears up and down that Chris Rock voiced Donkey in Shrek‼️😳
— WashUpTV (@WashUpTV) May 22, 2022
I thought Chris rock voiced donkey this whole time
— trizzy (@trizzlmynizzl) January 11, 2023
Every time I hear Chris rock voice I think of the donkey from Shrek
— Chantal Poole (@AdivaneverTals) June 12, 2012
My girlfriend just looked me in the face and said "Chris Rock the guy who does the voice of Donkey in Shrek."
— Davie T (@davvvieT_) December 26, 2020
HELPP I THOUGHT DONKEY WAS VOICE ACTED BY CHRIS ROCK SO SORRY DONKEY 😭😭😭😭
— nat 🥯 POST-ALEXIS DAY (@natonfilm) April 4, 2023
Wait Chris rock didn’t voice donkey? https://t.co/2J9UXJVBXw
— Chigozie Obi (@ChigozieObi_) April 25, 2023
YOURE TELLING ME CHRIS ROCK DIDNT VOICE DONKEY IN SHREK?
— zαρу (@ZapyDaFishy) May 25, 2023
@jennaikristine like bruh 😭😭 #fyp #shrek #chrisrock
♬ Black Beatles – Rae Sremmurd
Final Thoughts
The world of Shrek is whimsical, layered, and deeply familiar to many. But these two Mandela Effects show that even in stories we think we know inside and out, details can blur, shift—or maybe even change.
Did you remember either of these differently? Let us know in the comments. And as always, keep exploring the twists and turns of collective memory with us here at MandelaEffects.net.