Since its humble debut seven years ago, Universal’s Despicable Me franchise has gone from strength to strength, pulling in extraordinary numbers at the box office and even seeding the creation of a Minions-centric spinoff series – expect those lovable little critters to return via Minions 2 in 2020.
Closer to home though, Universal and Illumination Entertainment is on the verge of launching Despicable Me 3 into theaters this summer, and a new trailer released today spells double trouble for Steve Carell and his merry band of misfits. Opening at a time when Gru (Carell) and Lucy (Kristen Wiig) have carved out a life of their own, replete with a white picket fence and three adorable daughters – namely Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Nev Scharrel) – Despicable Me 3 throws a spanner in the works by introducing Dru, the long-lost brother who is essentially the sprightly ying to Gru’s yang. Fun fact: he’s also voiced by Steve Carell.
With a crop of bleach-blonde hair and enough energy to tire out even the Minions, Dru is a force to be reckoned with, though Gru and the rest of the gang will need all the help they can muster if they’re to ward off Trey Parker’s malevolent Balthazar Bratt. He is Gru’s most formidable nemesis yet, according to Universal, and up above you’ll get a small taste of the shenanigans that await.
Pierre Coffin, Kyle Balda and Eric Guillon leveraged directing duties between them, working from a script turned in by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. June 30th is the date for your diaries, as that’s when Despicable Me 3 will be going up against The House, Amityville: The Awakening, and Sofia Coppola’s old-timey remake of The Beguiled.