The Despicable Me franchise has grown larger than I ever would have expected. Over the course of just four films, the franchise has grossed $3.7 billion worldwide. The fifth film in the series, Minions: The Rise of Gru, is finally set to hit theaters after a lengthy pandemic-related delay and Universal Pictures has released a new trailer for the film.
Minions: The Rise of Gru takes place in the 1970s when Gru (Steve Carell) is just a 12-year-old boy dreaming of becoming a master of evil. As you can see in the Rise of Gru trailer, He’s not entirely successful but that all changes when he crosses paths with the Minions. With the help of Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and Otto, Gru and the Minions build their first lair, design their first weapons, and take on their first missions. “When the infamous supervillain supergroup, the Vicious 6, oust their leader—legendary martial arts fighter Wild Knuckles (Alan Arkin)— Gru, their most devoted fanboy, interviews to become their newest member,” reads the official synopsis. “The Vicious 6 is not impressed by the diminutive, wannabe villain, but then Gru outsmarts (and enrages) them, and he suddenly finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. With Gru on the run, the Minions attempt to master the art of kung fu to help save him, and Gru discovers that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.“
In addition to Steve Carell, Minions: The Rise of Gru also features the voice of Taraji P. Henson as the cool and confident leader Belle Bottom; Jean-Claude Van Damme as the nihilistic Jean Clawed; Lucy Lawless as Nunchuck; Dolph Lundgren as Swedish roller-skate champion Svengeance; Danny Trejo as Stronghold; Russell brand as young Dr. Nefario; Michelle Yeoh as Master Chow; and Julie Andrews as Gru’s maddeningly self-absorbed mom. This latest installment of the franchise was directed by Kyle Balda and co-directed by Brad Ableson and Jonathan del Val.
Minions: The Rise of Gru will hit theaters on July 1, 2022.