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Minions: The Rise of Gru

Minions: The Rise of Gru is a 2022 American animated comedy film that serves as a prequel in the Despicable Me franchise.

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

Minions: The Rise of Gru is a 2022 American animated comedy film that serves as a prequel in the Despicable Me franchise. Directed by Kyle Balda and produced by Illumination and Universal Pictures, it follows a young Gru and his Minions as he tries to join the supervillain group known as the Vicious 6.

Premise

The film is set before the events of Despicable Me and follows 11-year-old Gru as he attempts to join the supervillain group the Vicious 6. The Minions support him in his efforts.

Production and release

Minions: The Rise of Gru was directed by Kyle Balda, with Brad Ableson and Jonathan del Val also credited as directors. The screenplay was written by Matthew Fogel based on a story by Fogel and Brian Lynch. Produced by Universal Pictures and Illumination, the film was released in theatres on July 1, 2022, with a runtime of 87 minutes. It received a PG rating.

Cast

Steve Carell voices the young Gru, while Pierre Coffin provides the voices of the Minions. Returning franchise cast members include Julie Andrews and Russell Brand. Newcomers to the franchise include Taraji P. Henson, Michelle Yeoh, and Alan Arkin, the latter of whom voiced the character Wild Knuckles in what became his final film role.

Franchise context

The film is the second installment in the Minions prequel series and the fifth overall in the Despicable Me franchise. It continues the narrative begun in Minions (2015) and expands the backstory of Gru and his relationship with the Minions. The story is set in the 1970s.

Key facts

  • It is the second film in the Minions prequel series and the fifth overall film in the Despicable Me franchise.
  • The story is set in the 1970s and focuses on 11-year-old Gru's attempt to become a supervillain.
  • The film features Steve Carell as Gru and Pierre Coffin as the Minions.
  • New cast members include Taraji P. Henson, Michelle Yeoh, and Alan Arkin.
  • Alan Arkin's role as Wild Knuckles was his final film role.
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Canadian context

The film was released in Canada as part of the global theatrical rollout and was widely covered by Canadian entertainment media through its box-office performance and family-audience appeal.

Frequently asked questions

What is Minions: The Rise of Gru?
It is a 2022 animated comedy film and a prequel to Despicable Me that tells the origin story of young Gru and the Minions.
Who directed the film?
Kyle Balda is the primary director, with Brad Ableson and Jonathan del Val also credited as directors.
Who voices Gru?
Steve Carell voices Gru.
What is the Vicious 6?
The Vicious 6 is the supervillain group that young Gru wants to join in the film.
When was the film released?
It was released in theatres on July 1, 2022.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minions:_The_Rise_of_Gru
    Supports: Basic release year, directors, writers, franchise position, plot premise, and cast details.
  2. Illumination — https://www.illumination.com/movie/minions-the-rise-of-gru/
    Supports: Official studio description of the film's 1970s setting and premise.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/minions_the_rise_of_gru
    Supports: Release date, runtime, rating, and genre classification.
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/minions-the-rise-of-gru
    Supports: Plot summary, rating, runtime, and main voice cast.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5113044/
    Supports: Plot summary and cast information.