Minions: The Rise of Gru (also known as Minions 2/Minions Chapter 2 in other territories) is an upcoming 2022 American computer-animated comedy fighting film produced by Illumination and distributed by Universal Pictures. It is the sequel to the spin-off prequel Minions (2015) and the fifth installment overall in the Despicable Me franchise. Directed by Kyle Balda, with Brad Ableson and Jonathan del Val as co-directors, the film stars the voices of Pierre Coffin as the Minions and Steve Carell as Gru, along with Taraji P. Henson, Michelle Yeoh, RZA, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lucy Lawless, Dolph Lundgren, Danny Trejo, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, and Alan Arkin.
Minions: The Rise of Gru is scheduled for release in the United States on July 1, 2022 by Universal Pictures.
Contents
Premise
Set just after the 2015 film, this time in the heart of the 1970s, a 12-year old 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 a precious object 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
- Steve Carell as Felonius Gru
- Taraji P. Henson as Belle Bottom
- Michelle Yeoh as Master Chow
- Jean-Claude Van Damme as Jean Clawed
- Lucy Lawless as Nunchuck
- Dolph Lundgren as Svengeance
- Danny Trejo as Stronghol
- Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario
- Julie Andrews as Marlena Gru
- Alan Arkin as Wild Knuckles
- Jon Hamm as Herb Overkill
- RZA
Production
Development
In January 2017, Universal Pictures and Illumination announced the sequel to their animated film, Minions. The film began production in July 2017, with Brad Ableson added as co-director. In May 2019, the film's title was revealed as Minions: The Rise of Gru.
Casting
In December 2019, it was announced that Pierre Coffin and Steve Carell are reprising their roles as the Minions and Gru, respectively.
Animation
Production of the film shifted to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, following the temporary closure of Illumination Mac Guff.
Release
Marketing
Mattel announced that it had entered a three-year deal to create merchandise based on the film. Lego released two sets for the film in 2020, while at least three others were postponed along with the film.
Theatrical
Minions: The Rise of Gru was originally scheduled to be released in the United States on July 3, 2020, but in April that year the release was postponed by a year to July 2, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as the film remained unfinished caused by Illumination Mac Guff's temporary closure in response to the pandemic. In March 2021, the date was postponed by a further year to July 1, 2022.
Home Media
This film has digital only on Netflix and Apple TV + will be This September 2022. Available on DVD, BluRay and 4K Ultra Hd will be This October 2022 with the 2 Minions Short Films and Director's Cut.
