Despicable Me franchise sets record as first animated series to surpass $5 billion

The Despicable Me franchise is the first animated series to gross $5 billion worldwide. Despicable Me 4, released on July 3, 2024, helped reach the milestone and turned out to be a hit at the international box office. Its engaging storytelling, lovable characters and consistent box-office performance are some of its key factors.

As per Yahoo News, for the second straight weekend, DM4 is expected to top the global box office, with $136 million. The global total is now up to $441 million, including $210.45 million domestically and $230.7 million from international markets.

Despicable Me 4 earned $88 million in its opening weekend and excelled in nearly 80 foreign markets, including China. In the history of animated movies, it puts Despicable Me ahead of Disney and Pixar's Toy Story and Shrek.

The plot of the new film follows the reformed supervillain Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, who faces off against his old school rival, Maxime Le Mal, portrayed by Will Ferrell. Maxime, now a villain with cockroach-like enhancements, seeks revenge on Gru.

The cast of the film includes Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith and Agnes welcoming a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina, so the family is forced to go on the run.

The official synopsis of the film includes:

"Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith and Agnes welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina, and the family is forced to go on the run."

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Despicable Me 4: Breaking records and setting trends

The Despicable Me franchise has consistently achieved new record-breaking milestones with every subsequent release.

The series exceeding $5 billion in box office collection is due to its strategic distribution, worldwide popularity and distinctive characters. The wit of the characters and the themes of the Despicable Me franchise make it suitable for all family members regardless of age.

Inside Out 2, another animated blockbuster, earned $50.2 million, bringing its international total to $777.5 million. Despicable Me remains ahead, though, showing its market dominance.

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Plot of the movie

Gru, an AVL agent, attends a school reunion where he encounters his rival, Maxime, who has become a cockroach-human hybrid.

Maxime escapes prison with his girlfriend Valentina and plans to turn Gru's infant son, Gru Jr., into a hybrid. The AVL relocates Gru's family for safety, but Maxime tracks them down. Gru's neighbor, Poppy, an aspiring villain, blackmails Gru into helping her with a heist.

Maxime kidnaps Gru Jr., transforming him into a hybrid. With Poppy's help, Gru rescues his son, who defeats Maxime. The AVL arrests Maxime and Valentina. Dr. Nefario reverses Gru Jr.'s transformation. Gru and Maxime reconcile in prison, performing for inmates while Poppy enrolls in Gru's old school.

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Cast and crew of the fourth film

The franchise's fourth film features Steve Carell as Gru, Kristen Wiig as Lucy and Will Ferrell as Maxime Le Mal.

Additional prominent voices in the film include Pierre Coffin, Joey King, Miranda Cosgrove and Steve Coogan. Chris Renaud has directed the film, with Patrick Delage as the co-director. The screenplay is written by Mike White and Ken Daurio.

The franchise's $5 billion global box office success is a milestone for animated films. The franchise has maintained its popularity and drawn large audiences despite strong competition from other animated films.