Universal Pictures and Illumination have released a new look at the funny follow-up to the 2015 blockbuster that took the world by storm. The spin-off prequel is the fifth film in the “Despicable Me” franchise and is directed by Kyle Balda [“Despicable Me 3,” “Minions”]. Brad Ableson and Jonathan del Val serve as co-directors.
Penned by Brian Lynch and Mattew Fogel, “Minions: The Rise of Gru” is set in the ’70s and picks up where the last film leaves off. Yes, once upon a time, supervillain Gru was not such a supervillain. He was a 12-year-old boy growing up in the suburbs, fanboying out over the supervillain group, Vicious 6.
After Gru [Steve Carell] campaigns to be the group’s newest member, things take a turn, and he learns that friendship sometimes exists in the most unexpected places. Pierre Coffin returns to voice Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and Otto (along with other Minions), and Russell Brand is back as the voice of the mad scientist, Dr. Nefario.
Taraji P. Henson, Michelle Yeoh, RZA, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lucy Lawless, Dolph Lundgren, Danny Trejo, Julie Andrews, and Alan Arkin are also on board. The film is produced by “Despicable Me” creator and Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri, Janet Healy, and Chris Renaud. You can also expect a fun ’70s soundtrack courtesy of five-time Grammy-winning music producer Jack Antonoff.
The computer-animated action-comedy “Minions: The Rise of Gru” hits theaters on July 1, 2022.
