Minions: The Rise of Gru is a sequel to the smash hit 2015 Illumination film, itself a prequel to the box office-shattering Despicable Me franchise. Although, confusingly, it’s not really about them but their master, Gru, and how he grew to become the world’s greatest supervillain. Look, it doesn’t really matter what it’s about, these movies always make bank and this one will, too, especially after a two-year delay.
The best thing about The Rise of Gru might be the villains known as The Vicious 6, voiced by Taraji P. Henson their leader Belle Bottom and her deadly disco ball belt mace; Jean-Claude Van Damme as Jean Clawed, Lucy Lawless as Nunchuck, Dolph Lundgren as Swedish roller skater Svengeance, and Danny Trejo as Stronghold.
Steve Carell returns as the voice of Gru, joined by Michelle Yeoh, Russell Brand, RZA, Julie Andrews, and Alan Arkin. Pierre Coffin is back voicing the gaggle of yellow Minions, as well.
Minions: The Rise of Gru opens on July 1st, after having its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June.
Long before he becomes the master of evil, Gru (Oscar- nominee Steve Carell) is just a 12-year-old boy in 1970s suburbia, plotting to take over the world from his basement.
It’s not going particularly well. When Gru crosses paths with the Minions, including Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and Otto—a new Minion sporting braces and a desperate need to please—this unexpected family joins forces. Together, they build their first lair, design their first weapons, and strive to execute their first missions.
When the infamous supervillain supergroup, the Vicious 6, ousts their leader—legendary martial arts fighter Wild Knuckles (Oscar® winner Alan Arkin)— Gru, their most devoted fanboy, interviews to become their newest member. 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.
