‘Despicable Me 4’.Photo:Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett
Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett
This summer is going to be ba-ba-ba, bananas!
Illumination and Universal Pictures are bringing more minion mayhem to the big screen withDespicable Me 4,the fourth installment of the animated comedy franchise, which hits theatres on July 3. After welcoming a new child, former supervillain Gru (Steve Carell) and his family must go into hiding as a nemesis from his past emerges and seeks revenge.
On a June 2024episode ofThe Tonight Show,Jimmy Fallonasked Carell what keeps people so invested in theDespicable Mefranchise. “It’s a lot of things, the minions are crazy funny [and] the writing is great,” he said.
Miranda CosgroveandKristen Wiigare among the stars reprising their roles alongside Carell, while newcomers includeStephen Colbert,Chloe Fineman,Joey KingandWill Ferrell.
Dana Gaier, Chloe Fineman, Will Ferrell, Chris Renaud, Madison Polan, Kristen Wiig, Chris Meledandri, Steve Carell, Miranda Cosgrove and Joey King attend the “Despicable Me 4” New York Premiere on June 09, 2024 in New York City.Dia Dipasupil/Getty
Dia Dipasupil/Getty
From their previous roles to off-screen relationships, here’s everything to know about the cast ofDespicable Me 4.
Carell returns as Gru, a former supervillain turned hero who adopts three orphaned girls and serves as a secret agent to fight other supervillains.
“I think the things that align with me in terms of Gru are the fact that all he cares about is being a good dad,” Carell toldTodayin June 2024. “And I think that reflects who I am.”
Born in Concord, Mass., the actor and comedian first rose to fame as a correspondent onThe Daily Showfrom 1995 to 2005. He is best known for his role as Michael Scott in NBC’sThe Officefrom 2005 to 2011, which led to a Golden Globe award for best actor in 2006.
As for his personal life, Carellmarried comedian Nancy Carellin 1995 and the couple have two children together: Elisabeth Anne and John.
Will Ferrell attends the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards on February 25, 2024 in Santa Monica, California. ; Maxime Le Mal in ‘Despicable Me 4’.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic ; Illumination
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic ; Illumination
Ferrell joins the franchise as Maxime Le Mal, also known as Max Superball, a villain who escapes from prison and seeks revenge on ex-classmate Gru.
Ferrell is entirely new to the cast and the franchise. On a June 2024Todayshow appearance,he revealed toHoda KotbandJenna Bush Hagerthat he had never seen the prior movies, and “didn’t even know who Gru was.” Playing a French villain, however, “was a bucket list thing.”
Despite not being well-versed in the franchise, he revealed onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonthat he thinksDespicable Me 4is the “greatest movie of all time.”
Outside of his career, Ferrell married his wifeViveca Paulinin 2000 and the coupleshare three children.
Miranda Cosgrove arrives for the “Despicable Me 4” premiere on June 9, 2024 in New York CIty. ; Margo in ‘Despicable Me 3’.JOHN LAMPARSKI/AFP/Getty ; Illumination/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock
JOHN LAMPARSKI/AFP/Getty ; Illumination/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock
“It’s been fun getting to play this character for so long. I started when I was 13 and now I’m 30, so it’s pretty crazy,” the actress toldHollywood InsideratDespicable Me 4’s Hollywood premiere. She revealed that she loves playing Margo because of her confidence and protectiveness toward her two younger sisters.
Wiig revisits her role as Lucy Wilde, Gru’s supervillain wife.
“There’s just something about being part of this family that I am so grateful for,” the actress toldHollywood Insiderin June 2024. “I love this movie [and] I’m so proud to be a part of these.”
Wiig’s breakout movie role wasBridesmaids(2011). However, she had previously gained fame as a performer on NBC’sSaturday Night Live,which earned her an Emmy nomination in 2009. While her voice isn’t new to the franchise, it might also be recognized from her roles inHow to Train Your DragonandBig Mouth.
She is also known for starring inThe Skeleton Twins(2014),Sausage Party(2016) andGhostbusters(2016).
She was formerly married to Hayes Hargrove and is currentlymarried to actor and producer Avi Rothman, with whom she sharestwin children, Luna and Shiloh.
Sofia Vergara attends “An Unforgettable Evening” Benefiting The Women’s Cancer Research Fund on April 10, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. ; Valentina in ‘Despicable Me 4’.Amy Sussman/Getty ; Illumination
Amy Sussman/Getty ; Illumination
Sofía Vergara joins theDespicable Mefranchise as Valentina, the girlfriend and sidekick of villain Maxime Le Mal.
The actress was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, and her breakthrough role was Gloria inModern Family(2009-2020), which led to four Golden Globe nominations and four Emmy nominations. Vergara is also a co-producer for her son’s show,Celebrity Family Food Battle, and Netflix’sGriselda,which she also starred in, as well as a judge onAmerica’s Got Talent.
In addition to her acting career, she has launched asuncare brand,Toty,a coffee line, ¡Díos Mio! Coffee, and a culinary brand,Toma.
Vergara shares one son,Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, with her ex-husband Joe Gonzalez. She was alsopreviously married to actor Joe Manganiellofrom 2015 to 2024. She is currently dating orthopedic surgeonJustin Saliman.
Pierre Coffin attends the Despicable Me Paris Premiere on June 27, 2017 in Paris, France. ; Minions in ‘Despicable Me 4’.Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis/Getty ; Illumination
Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis/Getty ; Illumination
Pierre Coffin is bringing back the distinct, high-pitched voices of the minions, the squishy yellow creatures who serve as Gru’s loyal aides throughout his adventures.
Born in France, Coffin has also co-directed some of theDespicable Meprojects.
Madison Skyy Polan is joining the franchise as the voice of Agnes, the youngest of Gru’s adopted daughters who has a love for unicorns and ballet.
Steve Coogan attends the 2024 BAFTA Television Awards on May 12, 2024 in London, England. ; Silas Ramsbottom in ‘Despicable Me 4’.Kate Green/BAFTA/Getty ; Illumination
Kate Green/BAFTA/Getty ; Illumination
Steve Coogan is returning as Silas Ramsbottom, director of the Anti-Villain League, who plays a part in the ongoing battle against the new supervillain, Maxime Le Mal. He has voiced several other characters in the franchise, such as Professor Flux and Blind Tower Guard.
Originally from the United Kingdom, the British comedian and producer is best known for his roles in24 Hour Party People(2002),Alan Partridge(2013) andPhilomena(2013).
Stephen Colbert arrives at Paley Fest LA 2024 on April 21, 2024 in Hollywood, California. ; Perry Prescott in ‘Despicable Me 4’.Kevin Winter/Getty ; Universal Pictures /Courtesy Everett
Kevin Winter/Getty ; Universal Pictures /Courtesy Everett
Stephen Colbert plays the role of Perry Prescott, neighbor to Gru and husband to Patsy.
He is a comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor and television host. While his breakout role was as the host ofThe Colbert Report, he is best known as the current host of the CBS talk programThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert,which began in 2015.
Colbertmarried Evelyn McGee-Colbertin 1993, and togetherthey share three children.
Chloe Fineman attends the “Despicable Me 4” New York Premiere on June 09, 2024 in New York City.Dia Dipasupil/Getty
Fineman joins the series as Patsy Prescott, neighbor to Gru and wife to Perry.
“It’s the dream summer movie, it’s literally for everybody, it’s joyous, it’s fun, it’s hilarious,” Fineman toldHollywood Insider. “I can’t believe I’m in the company of the funniest people in the world.”
She met her screen husband, Colbert, for the first time whilea guest on his talk show. “We need to talk about our marriage,” Colbert joked, revealing that the actors record their character’s lines alone in a booth.
When discussing her character’s voice with Colbert, Fineman said she had tried the “cousin of Jennifer Coolidge and the older sister ofReese Witherspoon.” However, knowing Colbert’s South Carolina roots, she chose a Southern-like accent instead. Fineman latertoldHollywood Insiderthat the final voice ended up sounding like the “cousin ofMeryl Streep.”
Joey King attends the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix’s “A Family Affair” on June 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. ; Poppy in ‘Despicable Me 4’.Phillip Faraone/WireImage ; Illumination
Phillip Faraone/WireImage ; Illumination
Joey King is the voice behind Poppy Prescott, the child of Patsy and Perry Prescott and one of Gru’s new neighbors who aspires to be a supervillain.
“I love my character. I just think she’s so casually sinister, she’s absolutely mad and she’s funny, I love her so much,” sheHollywood Insiderat the film’s premiere. “I grew up with these movies, my family loves these movies, I love these movies, and now I get to be in one of them. I’m just so happy."
Originally from Los Angeles, the actress first gained recognition for her role inRamona and Beezus(2010). She has since starred in films such asThe Kissing Booth, Stonewall, The Bullet TrainandThe Conjuring.
She alsoportrayed Gypsy Rose Blanchard in Hulu’sThe Act(2019). While on set,she met director Steven Piet, whom she married in 2023.
Dana Gaier attends the “Despicable Me 4” New York Premiere on June 09, 2024 in New York City. ; Edith in ‘Despicable Me 2’.Dia Dipasupil/Getty ; Illumination/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock
Dia Dipasupil/Getty ; Illumination/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock
Dana Gaier returns as Edith, the middle child of Gru’s three adopted daughters.
source: people.com