Despicable Me 4 released in the United States on July 3, 2024
, and marks the sixth entry overall in the Illumination franchise
. Despite receiving mixed critical reception for its thin and disjointed plot, the film was a massive commercial hit, grossing $972 million worldwide against a $100 million budget. Film Summary DESPICABLE ME 4 – Review by Valerie Kafrin
July 2, 2024 July 5, 2024 Valerie Kalfrin Chris Renaud, Despicable Me 4, Illumination Entertainment, kristen wiig, Patrick Delage, Alliance of Women Film Journalists
Despicable Me 4: A New Era of Minion Mayhem Released on July 3, 2024, Despicable Me 4
continues the story of the world’s most famous reformed supervillain, Gru, as he balances secret agent duties with a growing family. Despite mixed critical reviews, it was a massive commercial success, grossing $972 million worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 2024. Plot: Family Life in Witness Protection
The film introduces a new addition to the household: Gru Jr., who is notably more "despicable" than his father and loves to torment him. The family's suburban peace is shattered when Gru’s high school rival, the cockroach-themed Maxime Le Mal, escapes from prison seeking vengeance. Film Despicable Me 4
To protect his loved ones, Gru moves the family—Lucy, the girls, and baby Gru—into an Anti-Villain League (AVL) safe house in a new neighborhood under assumed identities. The "Mega Minions" and New Characters
A major highlight of the sequel is the introduction of the Mega Minions. Five Minions volunteer for an AVL experiment that grants them unique superpowers: Flying capabilities. A giant laser eye. Super-stretching limbs. Immense strength. A rock-like, indestructible body. Voice Cast
The film features returning favorites and star-studded new additions:
Released on July 3, 2024, Despicable Me 4 is the latest installment in Illumination’s record-breaking animated franchise. Directed by Chris Renaud, the film follows a reformed Gru as he navigates the complexities of a growing family while evading a vengeful rival from his past. Despite mixed critical reviews, it has been a massive commercial success, grossing $972 million worldwide and solidifying the series as the first animated franchise to surpass $5 billion in total earnings. Plot Summary: A Family on the Run
The story picks up with Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), his wife Lucy, and their daughters Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcoming a new addition: Gru Jr.. Unlike his siblings, the infant seems intent on tormenting his father.
The family’s domestic bliss is shattered when Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), Gru's cockroach-obsessed high school rival, escapes from prison and vows revenge. Under the protection of the Anti-Villain League (AVL), the family is relocated to a safe house in the upscale community of Mayflower. While Gru tries to blend in as a suburban dad, he is blackmailed by a neighbor’s teenager, Poppy Prescott (Joey King), into helping her pull off a heist. Meet the Mega Minions Despicable Me 4 released in the United States
A major subplot introduces the Mega Minions—five Minions selected by the AVL to undergo a superhero transformation. These enhanced characters, parodying modern superhero tropes, provide much of the film's signature slapstick humor, even as they often cause more chaos than they prevent. Star-Studded Cast and Crew
The film brings back franchise veterans while introducing several high-profile newcomers:
Project Title: Despicable Me 4
Format: Animated Feature Film
Logline: Now a full-time Anti-Villain League agent, Gru must protect his newborn baby from the vengeance of a shape-shifting insect supervillain—while simultaneously surviving his most terrifying mission yet: hosting a suburban PTA fundraiser.
End of Draft Feature.
Film Report: Despicable Me 4 Despicable Me 4 is the sixth installment in the overall franchise and the fourth in the main storyline, released by Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment in 2024. Directed by Chris Renaud and Patrick Delage, the film continues the journey of the reformed supervillain Gru as he navigates the complexities of expanding his family and evading new threats. Production Overview Directors: Chris Renaud and Patrick Delage. Writers: Mike White and Ken Daurio.
Starring: Steve Carell (Gru), Kristen Wiig (Lucy), Will Ferrell (Maxime Le Mal), Sofia Vergara (Valentina), and Joey King (Poppy). Budget: $100 million. Project Title: Despicable Me 4 Format: Animated Feature
Box Office Performance: The film was a massive commercial success, grossing over $972 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2024. Plot Summary
Following the events of Despicable Me 3, Gru and Lucy have welcomed a new biological son, Gru Jr., who seems intent on tormenting his father. The family’s peaceful life is disrupted when Gru’s high-school rival, the cockroach-themed villain Maxime Le Mal, escapes from prison and vows revenge. Under the protection of the Anti-Villain League (AVL), the family is relocated to a safe house in the suburban town of Mayflower under new identities. Key Story Beats and Themes
Despicable Me 4 (2024) follows Gru and his family navigating suburban life and new threats, earning over $970 million worldwide
. The animated film features the introduction of Gru Jr. and the "Mega Minions," receiving a PG rating for slapstick humor and action KIDS FIRST! Film Festival . Read the full story at
It has been over a decade since former supervillain Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) first stole the moon—and our hearts. With the global success of the Despicable Me franchise and its Minions spin-offs, the anticipation for the next chapter has been immense. Film Despicable Me 4 officially hit theaters in the summer of 2024, and it delivers exactly what fans craved: mayhem, heart, and a heavy dose of yellow chaos. Below is your comprehensive guide to the plot, cast, reviews, and everything else you need to know about the latest installment.