Universal and Illumination have released the much-anticipated trailer for “Despicable Me 4,” signaling the return of Gru and the beloved Minions. Set to hit theaters on July 3, 2024, the latest installment continues the animated franchise’s legacy, exploring the adventures of the reformed supervillain Gru, portrayed by Steve Carell, as he strives to do good and discovers the importance of family along the way.
Reprising their roles in this fourth chapter are Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Coogan, Chris Renaud, Dana Gaier, and Pierre Coffin. The film introduces fresh voices, with Will Ferrell, Joey King, Sofia Vergara, Stephen Colbert, Chloe Fineman, and Madison Polan joining the cast. Ferrell lends his voice to Maxime Le Mal, Gru’s formidable new nemesis, while Vergara portrays Valentina, Maxime’s femme fatale girlfriend.
The narrative of the “Despicable Me” series has evolved over the years. The first movie depicted Gru adopting three daughters, the second explored Gru’s journey to finding love with Lucy Wilde (voiced by Wiig), and the third film surprised audiences with the revelation of Gru’s long-lost twin brother, Dru (also voiced by Steve Carell). In the upcoming installment, Gru and Lucy welcome a new member to the family: their son, Gru Jr.
The franchise’s success soared with the 2017 release of “Despicable Me 3,” achieving a remarkable box office milestone by surpassing $1 billion worldwide. This accomplishment not only solidified its position as the highest-grossing animated film franchise but also surpassed the renowned “Shrek” series. Contributing to the franchise’s triumph are its iconic characters, particularly the Minions, who speak Minionese. Originally Gru’s sidekicks, the Minions have become stars in their own right with spinoff films like “Minions” and “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”
Reviewing “Despicable Me 3” in 2017, Peter Debruge remarked, “On the surface, the ‘Despicable Me’ cartoons appear to be sendups of the James Bond franchise, but beneath that slick, spoofy exterior, they’re really marshmallow-centered affirmations of good old-fashioned family values.”
The production team remains in capable hands, with Illumination co-founder Chris Meledandri serving as producer. Chris Renaud, director of “Despicable Me” and “Despicable Me 2,” co-directs alongside Patrick Delage, while Mike White takes on the role of the writer for this highly anticipated installment. As the “Despicable Me” saga unfolds, audiences can anticipate another heartwarming blend of humor, adventure, and family values.
