There aren’t many sure bets in Hollywood these days. But ‘Minions’ and by extension the ‘Despicable Me’ franchise as a whole have definitely proven to be the exception. “Minions & Monsters” is the third installment in the prequel series for Illumination. The animation studio led by founder Christopher Meledandri has produced some of the highest-grossing animated movies of all time. Most recently, the hugely successful “Super Mario Bros. Movie” and its recently released sequel, “Super Mario Galaxy Movie.” It’s even catching up to Pixar Animation Studios, the preeminent CGI company that’s been in the game a lot longer than Illumination. It’s a healthy rivalry that, despite changing habits, still draws audiences to theaters.
With recent news that Illumination distributor Universal Pictures will extend the theatrical window for its releases, there should be a collective sigh of relief for an industry that, at one time, was perceived to be on its last gasp. A traditional theater distribution model must remain intact. Perhaps Pixar distributor Walt Disney Studios will follow Universal’s lead. More movies on the big screen for longer windows of time–especially the most popular animation franchises–are necessary financial risks that will keep the moviegoing experience alive.
The voice cast includes Pierre Coffin, Trey Parker, Jesse Eisenberg, Zoey Deutch, Allison Janney, Bobby Moynihan, Phil LaMarr, Christoph Waltz, and Jeff Bridges. Coffin is writer/director, with Brian Lynch on as co-writer. Producers are Christopher Meledandri of Illumination and Bill Ryan. Lynch serves as executive producer.
“Minions & Monsters” takes place many years before Minions (2015), and follows the Minions as they aim to make a monster movie in Old Hollywood.
Synopsis:
Minions & Monsters, the third prequel in the Despicable Me franchise, is described as the “rambunctious, ridiculous, and totally true story of how the Minions conquered 1920s Hollywood, became movie stars, lost everything, unleashed monsters onto the world, and then banded together to try and save the planet from the mayhem they had just created.”
Universal Pictures will release “Minions & Monsters” in theaters on July 1, 2026.
