Minions: The Rise of Gru
Minions: The Rise of Gru (also known as Minions 2) is an upcoming American computer-animated comedy film produced by Illumination and distributed by Universal Pictures. It is the sequel to the spin-off prequel Minions (2015) and the fifth installment overall in the Despicable Me franchise. Directed by Kyle Balda, with Brad Ableson and Jonathan del Val as co-directors, and written by Brian Lynch, the film stars the voices of Pierre Coffin, Steve Carell, Taraji P. Henson, Michelle Yeoh, RZA, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lucy Lawless, Dolph Lundgren, Danny Trejo, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, and Alan Arkin.
| Minions: The Rise of Gru | |
|---|---|
 Teaser poster | |
| Directed by | Kyle Balda |
| Produced by | |
| Written by | Brian Lynch |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Heitor Pereira |
| Edited by | Claire Dodgson |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
Release date |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Minions: The Rise of Gru is scheduled to be theatrically released in the United States on July 2, 2021.
Premise
Set just after the 2015 film, this time in the heart of the 1970s, a 12-year old Gru is growing up in the suburbs. A fanboy of a supervillain group known as the Vicious 6, Gru hatches a plan to become evil enough to join them. When the Vicious 6 fire their leader, legendary fighter Wild Knuckles, Gru interviews to become their newest member.
It does not go well, and things only get worse after Gru steals a precious object from them with the help of Kevin, Stuart, Bob, Otto, and the other Minions and suddenly finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. On the run, Gru and the Minions will turn to an unlikely source for guidance, Wild Knuckles himself, and discover that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.
Voice cast
- Pierre Coffin as Kevin, Stuart, Bob, Otto, and the Minions[1]
- Steve Carell as Gru[1]
- Taraji P. Henson as Belle Bottom, the leader of The Vicious 6.[2]
- Michelle Yeoh as Master Chow[3]
- RZA[3]
- Jean-Claude Van Damme as Jean Clawed, the giant lobster clawed member of The Vicious 6.[2]
- Lucy Lawless as Nunchuck, the nun villain member of The Vicious 6.[2]
- Dolph Lundgren as Svengeance, a member of The Vicious 6.[2]
- Danny Trejo as Stronghold, a member of The Vicious 6.[2]
- Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario, an absent-minded scientist who eventually becomes Gru's assistant in the future.[3]
- Julie Andrews as Marlena Gru, Gru's mother[3]
- Alan Arkin as Wild Knuckles, the former leader of The Vicious 6.[2]
Production
Development
In January 2017, Universal Pictures and Illumination announced the sequel to their animated film, Minions.[4] The film began production in July 2017, with Brad Ableson added as co-director.[5] In May 2019, the film's title was revealed as Minions: The Rise of Gru.[6]
Casting
In December 2019, it was announced that Pierre Coffin and Steve Carell are reprising their roles as the Minions and Felonious Gru, respectively.[1]
Animation
Production of the film shifted to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, following the temporary closure of Illumination Mac Guff.[7]
Release
Theatrical
Minions: The Rise of Gru was originally scheduled to be released in the United States on July 3, 2020, with an international rollout to begin the week prior.[6] On March 19, 2020, Illumination announced the film had been delayed, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the film remained unfinished, as a result of Illumination Mac Guff being temporarily closed in response to the pandemic.[8] On April 1, Illumination announced the film was rescheduled for July 2, 2021, replacing the original date set for Sing 2 (2021).[9]
References
- Gemmill, Allie (December 4, 2019). "'Minions 2: The Rise of Gru' Artwork at CCXP 2019 Has Minions as Far as the Eye Can See". Collider. Archived from the original on December 5, 2019. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
- Schaefer, Sandy (February 5, 2020). "Minions: The Rise of Gru Trailer Introduces New Despicable Me Supervillains". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on February 14, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
- "Minions: The Rise of Gru". Universal Pictures. Archived from the original on April 10, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
- Busch, Anita (January 25, 2017). "Universal Dates 'Minions 2' & 'Sing 2,' Moves 'Secret Life of Pets 2' Back a Year". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 27, 2017. Retrieved January 25, 2017.
- Brad Ableson [@BradAbleson] (July 19, 2017). "Excited to share some news: I'm co-directing Minions 2! Proud 2 be working with @IllumEnt director Kyle Balda & writer @BrianLynch #minions2" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 8, 2019. Retrieved November 23, 2020 – via Twitter.
- Patrick Hipes (May 21, 2019). "'Minions' Sequel Gets A Gru-vy Title; Pic Bows In 2020". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 25, 2019. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
- D'Alessandro, Anthony (May 8, 2020). "How Animated Pics Like 'Tom & Jerry', 'SpongeBob Movie', 'Sing 2', Skydance's 'Luck' & More Are Working Through The COVID-19 Crisis". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 9, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
- McClinkton, Pamela (March 19, 2020). "Universal Delays 'Minions: The Rise of Gru' Early July Release". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 31, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
- Tartaglione, Nancy (April 1, 2020). "'Minions: The Rise Of Gru', 'Sing 2' Set New 2021 Release Dates; 'Wicked' Still Brewing Slot". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 25, 2020. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
- Assis, Claudia (February 14, 2019). "Mattel to launch 'Despicable Me' inspired toys ahead of 2020 'Minions' sequel". MarketWatch. Archived from the original on April 16, 2019. Retrieved June 20, 2019.