The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›Despicable Me 4
Entertainment • Film

Despicable Me 4

Despicable Me 4 is a 2024 American animated comedy film directed by Chris Renaud and produced by Illumination and Universal Pictures.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Despicable Me 4 is a 2024 American animated comedy film directed by Chris Renaud and produced by Illumination and Universal Pictures. It is the fourth main installment in the Despicable Me franchise and follows Gru and his family as they are relocated for protection after his old rival Maxime Le Mal seeks revenge. The film premiered on June 9, 2024, and was released in Canadian and U.S. theatres on July 3, 2024.

Premise

The story takes place after Despicable Me 3 and centres on Gru, Lucy, and their children being moved into a safe house after Gru’s old rival Maxime Le Mal seeks revenge. The plot also features the Minions and a new family member, Gru Jr.

Production

Despicable Me 4 was directed by Chris Renaud and written by Mike White and Ken Daurio. It was produced by Illumination for Universal Pictures.

Cast and characters

Steve Carell voices Gru, with Kristen Wiig as Lucy and Pierre Coffin voicing the Minions. The cast also includes Joey King, Miranda Cosgrove, Stephen Colbert, Sofía Vergara, and Will Ferrell.

Release and reception

The film premiered on June 9, 2024, and was released widely in the United States on July 3, 2024. It became a major box-office success, grossing about $986.7 million worldwide.

Key facts

  • It is the fourth main installment in the Despicable Me series and the sixth film overall in the franchise.
  • The film follows reformed supervillain Gru after his family is relocated for protection.
  • Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Joey King, Miranda Cosgrove, Stephen Colbert, Sofía Vergara, and Will Ferrell are among the voice cast.
  • The film premiered on June 9, 2024, and was released in U.S. theatres on July 3, 2024.
  • It grossed about $986.7 million worldwide.
🍁
Canadian context

The film was released in Canadian theatres through Universal Pictures’ North American rollout and was part of the widely distributed 2024 summer cinema slate for Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Despicable Me 4 about?
It follows Gru and his family after they are placed in protective hiding when his former rival Maxime Le Mal returns and threatens them.
Who directed Despicable Me 4?
Chris Renaud directed the film.
Who wrote Despicable Me 4?
The screenplay was written by Mike White and Ken Daurio.
Who are the main voice actors?
The voice cast includes Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Joey King, Miranda Cosgrove, Stephen Colbert, Sofía Vergara, and Will Ferrell.
When was Despicable Me 4 released?
It premiered on June 9, 2024, and was released in the United States on July 3, 2024.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Despicable_Me_4
    Supports: Director, writers, production companies, cast, release dates, runtime, country, language, budget, and box office.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/despicable_me_4
    Supports: Release date, runtime, rating, genre, distributor, and basic film details.
  3. The Hollywood Reporter — https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/despicable-me-4-review-1235933955/
    Supports: Director, screenplay credits, and general description of the film as a continuation of the franchise.
  4. NBC — https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/despicable-me-movies-recap
    Supports: Plot context, release timing, and characters including Maxime Le Mal and Gru Jr.