The Despicable Me franchise is back with its fifth edition. The franchise began in 2010 with Despicable Me, followed by Despicable Me 2 and Despicable Me 3, with Despicable Me 4 expected in 2024. After the original movies, the spin-off prequel Minions was made in 2015. Minions: The Rise of Gru, an action-comedy, takes place after Minions but before Despicable Me. Here is everything we know about the upcoming movie.
What to know about Minions before watching
Due to this movie being a second prequel, it isn’t necessary to watch Despicable Me, Despicable Me 2, or Despicable Me 3. The films can provide additional information about Gru or his relationship with the Minions, but it isn’t necessary to watch them. If you are going to watch anything before this movie, watch Minions. However, since that movie focuses on the background of the Minions and not Gru, at least until the end, it isn’t necessary to watch either. All you need to know is that a young Gru used a freeze ray on other villains, who were previously the Minions’ evil masters, and fled with what they had stolen. The Minions followed after him and decided he would be their newest evil mastermind.
Minions: The Rise of Gru trailer
Taking place in the 1970s, Gru is a twelve-year-old fanboy of the Vicious 6, a team of supervillains, and wants to be evil enough to join them. The Vicious 6 outcast their leader, a legendary fighter named Wild Knuckles, and Gru finally has his chance to earn his spot, which doesn’t go as planned. When Gru steals a stone from them with the help of the Minions, he quickly becomes public enemy number one. On the run from the Vicious 6, Gru and the Minions end up with the help of someone unexpected.
Minions: The Rise of Gru release date
Minions: The Rise of Gru is set to hit theaters on July 1st, 2022. Currently, there is no answer as to when it will be available to stream. However, since Minions is available to stream on Peacock, it’s possible Minions: The Rise of Gru will end up there.
Minions: The Rise of Gru cast
The movie is full of actors and voice actors you’ve heard of.
Steve Carell reprises his role as Gru. He is known for his roles in The Office, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Foxcatcher, The Big Short, and numerous other projects.
Pierre Coffin reprises his role as the Minions, which is his most known role. He also co-directed all four films.
Taraji P. Henson (Belle Bottom) is known for her roles in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Hidden Figures, Hustle & Flow, and The Karate Kid (2010).
Michelle Yeoh (Master Chow) is known for her role in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon as well as Tomorrow Never Dies, Crazy Rich Asians, and Kung Fu Panda 2.
Jean-Claude Van Damme (Jean Clawed) is known for his roles in Double Impact, Double Team, Kickboxer, and JCVD.
Lucy Lawless (Nunchuck) is known for her roles in Xena: Warrior Princess, the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Parks and Recreation, and Ash vs Evil Dead.
Dolph Lundgren (Svengeance) is known for his roles in Rocky IV, Masters of the Universe, Johnny Mnemonic, Universal Soldier, The Expendables franchise, Aquaman (2018), and Arrow.
Danny Trejo (Stronghold) is known for his roles in the Machete franchise, the Spy Kids franchise, the From Dusk Till Dawn franchise, Heat, Con Air, and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.
Russell Brand reprises his role as Dr. Nefario. He is known for his roles in Arthur, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek, Trolls, and Rock of Ages.
Julie Andrews reprises her role as Marlena Gru. She is known for her roles in Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, the Princess Diaries franchise, Victor/Victoria, the Eloise at the Plaza franchise, and the Shrek franchise.
Alan Arkin (Wild Knuckles) is known for his roles in Argo, Little Miss Sunshine, Glengarry Glen Ross, and Edward Scissorhands.
Minions: The Rise of Gru toy
If the kids in your life loved the movie or the franchise, toys for the movie have already come out. Currently, your best bet would be Target, Walmart, Amazon, or Kohl’s. McDonald’s also has Minions: The Rise of Gru Happy Meal toys.
Minions: The Rise of Gru memes
The internet is exploding with funny photos and memes all about the movie. Here are some of our favorites.
Some movie-goers are living to the fullest, dressing up in suits as “gentleminions” when heading to the theater.
better start believing it. #gentleminions pic.twitter.com/54Yo8652r3
— leviticus (@dramatdc) July 3, 2022
@irl_minionhat wtf you lookin at #minionssquad💫 #minionsriseofgru #minion #minionsbanana #minionvore #gru ♬ SO SILLY YUNGMANNY REMIX – yungmanny
@lyndon.c Despicable af 🍌 #fyp #minions #riseofgru #cineplex #gentleman ♬ original sound – billh
@theslappablejerk “I cant believe that karen kicked us out for the mosh pit” #cringey #minions #riseofgru #foryou ♬ original sound – Jack Ryan