DESPICABLE ME 4 Makes Hollywood History

Published: July 30, 2024

DESPICABLE ME 4 Makes Hollywood History

By Movieguide® Contributor

DESPICABLE ME 4 just crossed the $600 million mark at the box office, making the franchise one of the highest-earning in movie history.

“Illumination and Universal’s DESPICABLE ME 4 handily crossed the six-century mark at the global box office this week, now with $632M through Thursday,” Deadline reported, noting that this means the DESPICABLE ME/MINIONS franchise has now made $5.3 billion worldwide.”

The outlet continued, “This puts the franchise at No. 12 on the all-time global chart.”

Audiences and critics alike are loving this latest installment in the DESPICABLE ME series. The Movieguide® review reads:

DESPICABLE ME 4 opens with Gru and three minions traveling to Gru’s old School of Villainy to capture Maxime Le Mal. With help from the Anti-Villain League, Gru captures Maxime, who’s transformed himself into a human-sized cockroach with superpowers. However, Maxime escapes from prison and vows to track down Gru and his family. So, Gru and his family go into witness protection. Gru and his family still aren’t safe. The young teenage girl next door, Poppy, recognizes Gru. She wants to be a villain and blackmails him into helping her steal the School of Villainy’s mascot, a mean honey badger. The heist exposes the family’s secret location and endangers his infant son.

DESPICABLE ME 4 is often hilarious. It focuses a lot on the comical chaos that the minions bring. DESPICABLE ME 4 has a strong moral, pro-family worldview. Gru protects his family and must save his son from the villain. Also, little Agnes refuses to tell a lie. However, much of the humor focuses on the comical slapstick chaos that the minions cause. So, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for younger children.

DESPICABLE ME 4 has made millions at the box office and is about to make even more on VOD, with Forbes reporting that it “will premiere on digital streaming via premium video on demand on Tuesday, August 6.”

Steve Carell, who voices Gru, has spoken about his connection with the role over the years.

”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 explained. “And I think that reflects who I am.”

Kristen Wiig (Lucy Wilde) has also spoken about what the DESPICABLE ME movies mean to her, saying, “There’s just something about being part of this family that I am so grateful for. I love this movie [and] I’m so proud to be a part of these.”