Minions: The Rise of Gru
Minions: The Rise of Gru (also known as Minions 2) is an upcoming 2021 American 3D computer animated comedy film produced by Illumination. A sequel to Minions (2015), and spin off/prequel to the main Despicable Me film series, it will be directed by Kyle Balda, with Brad Ableson and Jonathan del Val as co-directors, and written by Brian Lynch.[1][2]
| 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 |
The film stars the returning voices of Pierre Coffin, Steve Carell,[3] Russell Brand, and Julie Andrews, along with newcomers Taraji P. Henson, Michelle Yeoh, RZA, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lucy Lawless, Dolph Lundgren, Danny Trejo, and Alan Arkin. Minions: The Rise of Gru was originally scheduled to be theatrically released in the United States on July 3, 2020 by Universal Pictures, but it was delayed to July 2, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the film industry.[4][5][6][7]
Premise
A continuation of the film of 2015, this time in the heart of the 1970s, a twelve year old Felonius 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 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.
Cast
- Pierre Coffin as Kevin, Stuart, Bob, Otto, and the Minions [8]
- Steve Carell as Felonius Gru [8]
- Taraji P. Henson as Belle Bottom, the now de facto leader of The Vicious 6.
- Michelle Yeoh as Master Chow
- RZA
- Jean-Claude Van Damme as Jean Clawed, the giant lobster clawed member of The Vicious 6.
- Lucy Lawless as Nunchuck, the nun villain member of The Vicious 6.
- Dolph Lundgren as Svengeance, a member of The Vicious 6.
- Danny Trejo as Stronghold, a member of The Vicious 6.
- Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario
- Julie Andrews as Marlena Gru, Gru's mother
- Alan Arkin as Wild Knuckles, the former leader of The Vicious 6.
Production
Development
On January 25, 2017, Universal Pictures and Illumination announced a sequel to their animated film of 2015, Minions.[9] It began production on July 19, 2017, with Good Vibes and Legends of Chamberlain Heights creator Brad Ableson added as co director.[10] On May 21, 2019, the film's title was revealed as Minions: The Rise of Gru.[11]
Casting
On February 2, 2020, it was announced that Pierre Coffin and Steve Carell are reprising their roles.[8]
Release
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. On March 19, 2020, Illumination announced the film had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the film industry, and the film remains unfinished because of Illumination Mac Guff being temporarily closed in response to the pandemic.[6] On April 1, Illumination announced the film was rescheduled for July 2, 2021, replacing the original date set for Sing 2.[12]
Marketing
Mattel announced that it had entered a three year deal to create merchandise, and LEGO would have release sets of the Minions in 2020 based on the film.[13] A sneak peek was released during Super Bowl LIV on February 2, 2020. The official trailer was released on February 5, with the July 3, 2020 release in mind.
References
- Hipes, Patrick (May 21, 2019). "'Minions' Sequel Gets A Title; Movie Release Date Is In 2020". Deadline. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
- Hemmert, Kylie (May 21, 2019). "Minions: The Rise of Gru Revealed as Minions Sequel Title". ComingSoon.net. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
- "Minions: The Rise of Gru | Universal". Universal Pictures.
- Scott, Ryan (May 21, 2019). "Minions 2: The Rise of Gru Is Officially Coming in Summer 2020". MovieWeb. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
- Collinson, Gary (May 26, 2019). "Minions: The Rise of Gru set for July 2020". Flickering Myth. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
- McClinkton, Pamela (March 19, 2020). "Universal Delays 'Minions: The Rise of Gru' Early July Release". The Hollywood Reporter. 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. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
- Gemmill, Allie (February 3, 2020). "'Minions: The Rise of Gru' Trailer Teaser Features Steve Carell & Lots of Yellow Guys". Collider. Retrieved February 3, 2020.
- Busch, Anita (January 25, 2017). "Universal Dates 'Minions 2' & 'Sing 2,' Moves 'Secret Life of Pets 2' Back a Year". Deadline Hollywood. 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 & wri…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- Patrick Hipes (May 21, 2019). "'Minions' Sequel Gets A Gru-vy Title; Pic Bows In 2020". Deadline.
- Tartaglione, Nancy (April 1, 2020). "'Minions: The Rise Of Gru', 'Sing 2' Set New 2021 Release Dates; 'Wicked' Still Brewing Slot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
- Assis, Claudia (February 14, 2019). "Mattel to launch 'Despicable Me' inspired toys ahead of 2020 'Minions' sequel". MarketWatch. Retrieved June 20, 2019.