Ever wondered what makes a villain truly captivating? It's the unexpected humanity that simmers beneath the surface of their dastardly deeds, a characteristic exemplified perfectly by Gru, the protagonist of the "Despicable Me" franchise.

The "Despicable Me" franchise, an American media phenomenon conceived by Sergio Pablos, Cinco Paul, and Ken Daurio, has etched itself into the annals of animated film history. The original 2010 film, produced by Universal and Illumination, introduced audiences to Gru, a supervillain voiced by Steve Carell. Accompanied by a stellar cast including Jason Segel, Russell Brand, and Julie Andrews, the movie unveils Gru's audacious scheme to steal the moon, a plan complicated by the unexpected adoption of three orphaned girls: Margo, Edith, and Agnes. This heartwarming tale of redemption, humor, and the transformative power of family has resonated with audiences worldwide, spawning sequels, spin-offs, and a vast array of merchandise.

Category	Information
Franchise Name	Despicable Me
Original Film Release Date	2010
Creators	Sergio Pablos, Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio
Production Companies	Universal, Illumination
Genre	Animated Comedy
Main Protagonist	Gru
Voiced by	Steve Carell
Plot Summary	A supervillain attempts to steal the moon but is sidetracked by his adoption of three orphan girls.
Notable Cast Members	Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews
Number of Movies	7 (including sequels and spin-offs)
Number of Games	2
Number of Shorts	3
Number of Rides	1
Official Website	Illumination Entertainment

IMDb serves as a comprehensive resource for all things "Despicable Me," offering detailed information about the 2010 film. You can find the complete cast and crew list, explore user and critic reviews, and uncover interesting trivia, goofs, and memorable quotes. The site also provides an in-depth look at Steve Carell's portrayal of Gru, a criminal mastermind whose life takes an unexpected turn when he adopts three orphans.

For those curious about the voices behind the beloved characters, Behind the Voice Actors website offers a comprehensive list of voice actors, characters, and additional voices featured in the 2010 animated comedy. Discover who lent their vocal talents to Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes, and other memorable characters.

Gru's transformation from a villainous figure plotting to steal the moon to a loving and devoted father is at the heart of the franchise's appeal. Initially, the adoption of Margo, Edith, and Agnes was merely a strategic move in Gru's grand scheme. However, their innocence and affection gradually melt his cold heart, revealing a capacity for love and compassion that he never knew existed. This evolution is a testament to the power of family and the ability of even the most hardened individuals to change for the better.

The "Despicable Me" universe extends beyond the main films, encompassing a variety of spin-offs and related media. The "Minions" movie, released in 2015, delves into the origins of Gru's loyal yellow henchmen, exploring their history and their unwavering dedication to serving the most despicable master they can find. These spin-offs offer further insight into the world of "Despicable Me" and provide additional opportunities to engage with the franchise's beloved characters.

The impact of "Despicable Me" on popular culture is undeniable. The Minions, with their distinctive appearance and gibberish language, have become ubiquitous, appearing on everything from clothing and toys to advertisements and memes. Their popularity has transcended age groups, making them instantly recognizable icons of the 21st century.

The success of "Despicable Me" can be attributed to its blend of humor, heart, and memorable characters. The films appeal to both children and adults, offering a lighthearted and entertaining experience that resonates with audiences of all ages. The animation is visually appealing, the storylines are engaging, and the characters are relatable, even in their most outlandish moments.

The franchise continues to expand, with "Despicable Me 4" slated for release on July 3rd. The film promises to deliver more of the chaos and shenanigans that fans have come to expect, featuring the return of iconic characters and the introduction of exciting new additions to the cast, including Will Ferrell, Sofia Vergara, Chloe Fineman, and Stephen Colbert. With its prime release date just before the July 4th holiday weekend, "Despicable Me 4" is poised to make a significant impact at the box office.

Steve Carell's portrayal of Gru is a masterclass in voice acting. He imbues the character with a unique blend of villainy, vulnerability, and comedic timing, making him both despicable and endearing. Carell's performance is a key ingredient in the franchise's success, and his voice has become synonymous with the character of Gru.

Kristen Wiig's portrayal of Lucy Wilde, Gru's eventual love interest and partner in crime-fighting, adds another layer of humor and heart to the franchise. Lucy is a quirky and energetic secret agent who challenges Gru's worldview and helps him embrace his newfound role as a family man. Wiig's comedic talents and her chemistry with Carell make Lucy a memorable and beloved character.

The supporting cast of "Despicable Me" is filled with talented voice actors who bring their characters to life with humor and personality. Jason Segel as Vector, Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario, and Julie Andrews as Gru's mother all contribute to the franchise's comedic appeal and create a rich and diverse ensemble of characters.

The music of "Despicable Me" plays a crucial role in setting the tone and enhancing the emotional impact of the films. Pharrell Williams' upbeat and catchy songs, such as "Happy," have become synonymous with the franchise and have contributed to its widespread popularity. The soundtracks of the "Despicable Me" films are filled with memorable tunes that complement the on-screen action and create a joyful and uplifting viewing experience.

The visual style of "Despicable Me" is distinctive and appealing. The animation is colorful and expressive, and the character designs are both whimsical and memorable. The films create a visually rich and engaging world that draws viewers in and immerses them in the story.

The themes explored in "Despicable Me" resonate with audiences of all ages. The films celebrate the importance of family, the power of love, and the ability of individuals to change for the better. They also offer a message of acceptance and tolerance, encouraging viewers to embrace differences and to find the good in everyone.

The release calendar is dotted with top 250 movies, highlighting the franchise's enduring popularity. "Despicable Me" consistently ranks among the most popular animated films of all time, and its sequels and spin-offs have also achieved considerable success. The franchise's consistent performance at the box office is a testament to its enduring appeal and its ability to connect with audiences worldwide.

For those seeking information about the cast of "Despicable Me," various online resources are available. These resources provide details about the actors who voiced the characters, including their filmographies and biographical information. Exploring the cast list is a great way to learn more about the talented individuals who brought the "Despicable Me" characters to life.

Crossword enthusiasts may find "Despicable Me" related clues in various publications, including the New York Times crossword. These clues often refer to characters, plot points, or other aspects of the franchise, providing a fun and engaging way to test one's knowledge of "Despicable Me."

As of May 5, 2025, data indicates a continued interest in the "Despicable Me" franchise and its cast members. The popularity data reflects the enduring appeal of the films and their characters, suggesting that "Despicable Me" will continue to entertain audiences for years to come.

The "Despicable Me" franchise is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of animation to connect with audiences on a deep and emotional level. The films offer a blend of humor, heart, and memorable characters that resonate with viewers of all ages. With its continued success and its upcoming releases, "Despicable Me" is poised to remain a beloved and influential force in the world of animated entertainment.

The original "Despicable Me" (2010) credits Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud as directors. The film's writing credits are awaiting verification for a complete list. The full cast and crew list can be found on various online databases such as IMDb.

The film is approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes long and falls into the genres of animation, action & adventure, comedy, suspense, family, and science fiction. It has a PG rating and is often added to watchlists.

Moviefone offers a chance to meet the talented cast and crew behind 'Despicable Me (2010)'. Explore detailed bios, filmographies, and the creative team's insights to dive into the heart of this movie.

Images and sounds of the Despicable Me 3 cast of characters are available online, along with photos of the movie's voice actors.

The cast and crew members for the films of Despicable Me franchise are celebrated for bringing the beloved characters to life.

In "Despicable Me 2," Gru is voiced by Steve Carell (and 4 others), Lucy Wilde is voiced by Kristen Wiig (and 3 others), and El Macho is voiced by Benjamin Bratt (and 3 others).

"Eduardo/El Macho" is voiced by Miranda Cosgrove.