‘Despicable Me 4’ Trailer: Steve Carrell’s Gru Welcomes New Addition to the Family; Will Ferrell and Sofia Vergara Voice New Villains

Universal and Illumination Studios have delighted fans with the release of the first trailer for "Despicable Me 4," scheduled to hit theaters on July 3, 2024. The animated franchise, known for its heartwarming blend of humor and family-centric storytelling, brings back the lovable reformed supervillain Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, and his army of mischievous Minions for another exciting adventure.

Returning to reprise their roles are familiar voices such as Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Coogan, Chris Renaud, Dana Gaier, and Pierre Coffin. Additionally, the fourth installment introduces a stellar lineup of new characters, each brought to life by talented actors including Will Ferrell, Joey King, Sofia Vergara, Stephen Colbert, Chloe Fineman, and Madison Polan. Ferrell takes on the role of Maxime Le Mal, Gru's new nemesis, while Vergara lends her voice to Valentina, Maxime's femme fatale girlfriend.

The "Despicable Me" franchise has been a monumental success since its inception, captivating audiences with its heartwarming themes and memorable characters. The first film saw Gru adopting three daughters, setting the stage for a transformation from supervillain to a loving father figure. "Despicable Me 2" delved into Gru's romantic journey as he found love with Lucy Wilde, voiced by Wiig. The third installment, "Despicable Me 3," surprised fans with the introduction of Gru's long-lost twin brother, Dru, played by Carrell as well.

In "Despicable Me 4," the family expands as Gru and Lucy welcome a new member, their son Gru Jr. This promises to add another layer of familial dynamics to the narrative, further exploring the theme of love and connection that has been central to the series.

The success of "Despicable Me 3" in 2017 solidified the franchise's position as a box office powerhouse. Crossing the impressive $1 billion milestone globally, it even surpassed the iconic "Shrek" series, becoming the highest-grossing animated film franchise at that time. A significant contributor to this success is undoubtedly the franchise's most iconic characters – the Minions.

The Minions, those small, yellow, and incomprehensibly adorable creatures who speak their own language called Minionese, have become cultural phenomena in their own right. Originally serving as Gru's sidekicks, their popularity led to spinoff films dedicated entirely to their misadventures, namely "Minions" and "Minions: The Rise of Gru."

The enduring appeal of the "Despicable Me" series lies not only in its humor and entertaining plotlines but also in its underlying themes of family values. Despite the playful exterior that often parodies the James Bond franchise, the films are, as described by Peter Debruge in his Variety review of "Despicable Me 3," "marshmallow-centered affirmations of good old-fashioned family values."

Behind the scenes, Chris Meledandri, co-founder of Illumination, takes on the role of producer, ensuring the creative vision stays true to the franchise's roots. Co-directing the film are Chris Renaud, who directed the first two installments, and Patrick Delage. Mike White serves as the writer, bringing his storytelling expertise to the beloved characters.

As anticipation builds for "Despicable Me 4," it's clear that Gru and the Minions continue to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. The combination of humor, heart, and the introduction of new characters ensures that this latest installment will be another box office hit, creating laughter and warmth for audiences of all ages. As the summer release date approaches, fans eagerly await the return of one of animation's most beloved franchises.

The eagerly anticipated "Despicable Me 4" brings back a familiar and beloved cast of voice actors, with Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Coogan, Chris Renaud, Dana Gaier, and Pierre Coffin reprising their roles. Additionally, the fourth installment introduces a fresh and impressive lineup of characters, each given life by a talented ensemble that includes nd Madison Polan.