This summer, from the biggest global animated franchise in history, comes the origin story of how the world’s greatest supervillain first met his iconic Minions, forged cinema’s most despicable crew and faced off against the most unstoppable criminal force ever assembled in Minions: The Rise of Gru.
Universal Pictures and animation hitmakers Illumination have released a brand-new trailer for the highly anticipated prequel today, which makes the most of Gru’s flair for gadgets, introduces the mighty kung fu master/acupuncturist Master Chow (voiced by Michelle Yeoh), reveals more of the Vicious 6, led by Belle Bottom (Taraji P. Henson) and comes to a smashing crescendo with a massive monster battle!
Minions: The Rise of Gru hits theaters July 1.
Synopsis: Long before he becomes the master of evil, Gru (Oscar nominee Steve Carell) is just a 12-year-old boy in 1970s suburbia, plotting to take over the world from his basement … It’s not going particularly well. When Gru crosses paths with the Minions, including Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto — a new Minion sporting braces and a desperate need to please — this unexpected family joins forces. Together, they build their first lair, design their first weapons, and strive to execute their first missions.
When the infamous supervillain supergroup, the Vicious 6, oust their leader — legendary martial arts fighter Wild Knuckles (Oscar winner Alan Arkin) — Gru, their most devoted fanboy, interviews to become their newest member. The Vicious 6 is not impressed by the diminutive, wannabe villain, but then Gru outsmarts (and enrages) them, and he suddenly finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. With Gru on the run, the Minions attempt to master the art of kung fu to help save him, and Gru discovers that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.
The voice cast also features Jean-Claude Van Damme as the nihilistic Jean Clawed, who’s armed (literally) with a giant robotic claw; Lucy Lawless as Nunchuck, whose traditional nun’s habit hides her deadly nun-chucks; Dolph Lundgren as Swedish roller-skate champion Svengeance, who dispenses his enemies with spin kicks from his spiked skates; and Danny Trejo as Stronghold, whose giant iron hands are both a menace to others and a burden to him; Russell Brand as Young Dr. Nefario, an aspiring mad scientist, and Oscar winner Julie Andrews as Gru’s maddeningly self-absorbed mom. Pierre Coffin once again provides the iconic voice of the Minions.
Minions: The Rise of Gru is produced by Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri, Janet Healy and Chris Renaud. The film is directed by returning franchise filmmaker Kyle Balda (Despicable Me 3, Minions), co-directed by Brad Ableson (The Simpsons) and Jonathan del Val (The Secret Life of Pets films), and features a ’70s soundtrack courtesy of legendary Grammy-winning music producer Jack Antonoff.
