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The Mega Minions have been a long time coming
The filmmakers behind Universal and Illumination’s “Despicable Me 4” – which has grossed more than $400 million at the global box office – had been having conversations about giving the minions superpowers since the second film in the animated franchise. Instead, they opted to transform the yellow pill-shaped scene stealers into mutated purple evil minions for 2013’s “Despicable Me 2.”
The latest installment introduces a “Fantastic Four”-like band of minions with superpowers that create their own minion-estic brand of chaotic comedy.
As a starting point for the Mega Minions, the filmmakers looked at early designs from when they were developing the second movie for some inspiration.
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“We pulled out some of those old drawings by Eric Guillon to look at what those conversations and designs looked like,” said director Chris Renaud, who co-created the minions with Guillon and Pierre Coffin. He also wanted to keep them fairly simple and archetypal, “not just for the comedy we needed, but also just the amount of screen time that Mega Minions actually had.”
Renaud did additional sketches and talked with the character designers. the five Mega Minions include Jerry, who is shaped like a round rock and has great strength; Dave, who is top-heavy and muscular but with small arms; and Tim, a tall Minion with uncontrollable stretchable arms. Mel is a one-eyed minion, so he became “a sort of Cyclops with heat vision coming out of that single eye.” And Renaud says of Gus, “all he can do really is fly but he’s got a cape, like Superman and an aerodynamic head like a human bullet, which just is kind of ridiculous, but also it kind of reinforces the idea that he flies through the air.”
One of the challenges in creating these characters, Renaud admits, “was trying to find fresh expressions of superheroes” as there are so many in pop culture today, as well as comedic takes on superheroes, in movies and TV, both in live action and animation.
“Ultimately, we found the place to look as always is the fact that they’re minions, which was the way to give them a little bit of a distinction, even though there’s such a breadth of superhero material that’s been done,” he said. “Part of what we were looking for with the Mega Minions was that they weren’t really good at using their powers, just to kind of get comedy out of them.”
This weekend, the “Despicable Me” movies became the first animated franchise to cross $5 billion at the box office. The series began in 2010 with a voice cast that included Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Kristen Wiig, and Miranda Cosgrove.
Exploring the evolution of the minions
The journey of the minions from mere sidekicks to superpowered beings is a fascinating one. Initially, these yellow, gibberish-speaking creatures were designed to be simple, lovable, and slightly mischievous. Their transformation into Mega Minions is a testament to the creative evolution within the franchise.
The decision to revisit old designs and concepts shows a deep respect for the franchise’s roots while also pushing the boundaries of what these characters can become. The Mega Minions are not just a gimmick; they represent a thoughtful expansion of the minion universe, adding layers of humor and complexity.
The voice behind the chaos
One cannot discuss the success of the “Despicable Me” franchise without mentioning the stellar voice cast. Steve Carell’s portrayal of Gru, the reformed supervillain, has been a cornerstone of the series. His unique voice and comedic timing bring a depth to Gru that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Kristen Wiig, who voices Lucy Wilde, Gru’s wife, adds another layer of humor and heart to the series. Her dynamic with Carell’s Gru is both endearing and hilarious, providing a perfect balance to the minions’ chaotic antics.
The future of the franchise
With the introduction of the Mega Minions, the future of the “Despicable Me” franchise looks brighter than ever. The creative team behind these films has shown a remarkable ability to keep the content fresh and engaging, ensuring that audiences will continue to flock to theaters.
As the franchise continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the Mega Minions are integrated into future storylines. Will they become permanent fixtures, or will they be a one-time experiment? Only time will tell.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the hilarity and heart of the “Despicable Me” series, now is the perfect time to dive in. Check out the trailer for “Despicable Me 4” here and get ready for a wild ride with Gru, Lucy, and the Mega Minions.
Reflecting on the impact
The “Despicable Me” franchise has not only been a commercial success but also a cultural phenomenon. The minions, with their unique language and quirky behavior, have become iconic characters in their own right. They have transcended the films to become a part of popular culture, appearing in everything from memes to merchandise.
The introduction of the Mega Minions is a bold move that could potentially redefine the franchise. It shows a willingness to take risks and innovate, which is essential for any long-running series. As we look forward to more adventures with Gru and his minions, one thing is certain: the “Despicable Me” franchise will continue to entertain and delight audiences for years to come.
