Universal and Illumination’s highly anticipated “Despicable Me 4” has unveiled its inaugural trailer, marking the return of Gru and the beloved Minions. Scheduled to hit theatres on July 3, 2024, this latest instalment in the animated franchise promises to continue the heartwarming journey of reformed supervillain Gru, portrayed by Steve Carrell, as he strives to do good and discovers the true meaning of family.
Reprising their roles in “Despicable Me 4” are Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Coogan, Chris Renaud, Dana Gaier, and Pierre Coffin. The film also introduces an exciting array of new characters, voiced by acclaimed talents such as Will Ferrell, Joey King, Sofia Vergara, Stephen Colbert, Chloe Fineman, and Madison Polan. Ferrell takes on the role of Maxime Le Mal, Gru’s formidable new nemesis, while Vergara lends her voice to Valentina, Maxime’s femme fatale girlfriend.
The narrative arc of the “Despicable Me” series has captivated audiences over the years. The first film saw Gru adopting three daughters, the second explored Gru’s romantic journey with Lucy Wilde (voiced by Wiig), and the third instalment stunned viewers with the revelation of Gru’s long-lost twin brother, Dru (also voiced by Carrell). Now, in the fourth film, Gru and Lucy embrace a new chapter in their lives as they welcome a son, Gru Jr., into the fold.
The success of “Despicable Me 3” in 2017, surpassing the $1 billion milestone worldwide and outshining the “Shrek” series as the highest-grossing animated film franchise, is a testament to the enduring popularity of the series. A key factor in this success is undoubtedly the charm of the iconic Minions, who not only serve as Gru’s endearing sidekicks but have also ventured into their own spotlight with spinoff films like “Minions” and “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”
While on the surface, the “Despicable Me” films may appear as playful parodies of the James Bond franchise, Illumination co-founder Chris Meledandri emphasizes the underlying theme of these movies – they are marshmallow-centered affirmations of traditional family values. Chris Renaud, the director of “Despicable Me” and “Despicable Me 2,” returns to co-direct with Patrick Delage, while Mike White takes on the role of the writer in this much-anticipated fourth instalment. As the countdown to the release date begins, fans can expect another delightful adventure filled with laughter, heart, and the unmistakable charm of Gru and his Minions.