Despicable Me 2#Box office

{{for|the soundtrack|Despicable Me 2 (soundtrack){{!}}Despicable Me 2 (soundtrack)}}

{{Infobox film

| image = Despicable Me 2 poster.jpg

| alt = A bald man in dark jacket with his hands behind his back, is standing on a platform and looking out at a crowd of yellow creatures. The film’s tagline reads “When the world needed a hero, they called a villain.”

| caption = Theatrical release poster

| director = {{Plainlist|

}}

| writer = Cinco Paul
Ken Daurio

| producer = {{Plainlist|

}}

| starring = {{Plainlist|

}}

| editing = Gregory Perler

| music = {{Plainlist|

Heitor Pereira (score)
Pharrell Williams (songs and themes)

}}

| studio = {{Plainlist|

Universal Pictures{{cite web |last=Adams |first=Mark |title=Despicable Me 2 |url=https://www.screendaily.com/despicable-me-2/5057402.article |website=Screen Daily |access-date=27 July 2024 |date=16 June 2013}}
Illumination Entertainment

}}

| distributor = Universal Pictures

| released = {{Film date|2013|6|5|Australia|2013|7|3|United States}}

| runtime = 98 minutes{{Cite web |title=Despicable Me 2 |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/despicable-me-2-film-qxnzzxq6vlgtodk1nze5 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210915132026/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/despicable-me-2-film-qxnzzxq6vlgtodk1nze5 |archive-date=September 15, 2021 |access-date=September 15, 2021 |website=British Board of Film Classification }}

| country = United States

| language = English

| budget = $76 million{{cite web|last=McClintock|first=Pamela|title=Box Office Preview: 'Despicable Me 2' Set to Upstage 'Lone Ranger'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-preview-despicable-me-578148|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706024940/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-preview-despicable-me-578148|archive-date=July 6, 2013|access-date=July 2, 2013|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 1, 2013|url-status=live}}

| gross = $971 million{{cite Box Office Mojo |title=Despicable Me 2 |id=1690953 |access-date=January 17, 2021}}{{cbignore}}

}}

Despicable Me 2 is a 2013 American animated comedy film produced by Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment, and distributed by Universal. It is the sequel to Despicable Me (2010) and the second installment in the Despicable Me franchise. The film was directed by Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin, produced by Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy, and written by the writing team of Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. It stars the voices of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand, Steve Coogan, and Ken Jeong. In the film, secret agent Lucy Wilde recruits retired supervillain Gru to investigate the theft of a powerful mutagen by El Macho, a supervillain who pursues world domination.

Development of Despicable Me 2 began in 2010 following the success of the original film, with the directors, producers, and writers returning. Production was underway by February 2012, with the majority of the cast returning to voice the characters, along with new cast members, while animation services were provided by Illumination Mac Guff in France. Al Pacino was cast as the voice of El Macho, recording all of his dialogue, but left in May 2013 over creative differences; Bratt was brought in to replace Pacino, and used him as an inspiration after finding imitating his voice impossible. Heitor Pereira and Pharrell Williams returned for the sequel's music.

Despicable Me 2 premiered in Australia on June 5, 2013, and was theatrically released in the United States on July 3. It received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its humor and animation. It earned $971 million worldwide, becoming the third-highest-grossing film of 2013 and the most profitable film for Universal Pictures at the time. It was nominated for two awards at the 86th Academy Awards, and received numerous other accolades. A sequel, Despicable Me 3, was released in 2017.

Plot

A mysterious aircraft steals a highly potent mutagen known as PX-41 from a laboratory in the Arctic Circle. Silas Ramsbottom, director of the Anti-Villain League (AVL), sends agent Lucy Wilde to recruit former supervillain Gru, who is forcibly brought to their headquarters and asked to help them track down the culprit and recover the mutagen. However, Gru refuses and informs Silas and Lucy that he has enough responsibilities as a father and as the owner of a jelly-producing business. Later, Dr. Nefario, Gru's assistant, quits to accept a job offer to assist another villain; this causes a reluctant Gru to decide to work with the AVL after all. He and Lucy are partnered and stationed at a shopping mall, with a cupcake store as their front.

Gru immediately suspects that Mexican restaurant owner Eduardo Pérez might be "El Macho", a supervillain who was presumed dead after riding a shark into an active volcano with two hundred fifty pounds of dynamite strapped to his chest. That night, Gru and Lucy break into Eduardo's restaurant, but find no evidence that Eduardo has done anything villainous. Meanwhile, Gru's three adopted daughters, Margo, Edith and Agnes, who dream of having a mother one day, believe that Gru will eventually fall in love with Lucy. Gru denies it, saying his relationship with Lucy is only professional.

Despite holding Eduardo as his prime suspect, Gru agrees to pursue other leads, including the shop of wig merchant Floyd Eaglesan, where Lucy discovers traces of the mutagen. After witnessing Eduardo's son, Antonio, woo Margo, Gru renews his focus on Eduardo, who in turn invites the family to his Cinco de Mayo party. Gru's neighbor, Jillian, sets him up on a blind date that goes wrong with Shannon, who tries to take Gru's wig, but Lucy saves Gru from embarrassment by shooting Shannon in the behind with a tranquilizer dart; Lucy helps Gru escape and the two form a friendship. The AVL arrests Floyd after finding a nearly empty jar of the mutagen in his shop. Despite Floyd's protest of being framed, Ramsbottom then closes the investigation and reassigns Lucy to Australia, leaving Gru heartbroken.

At the party, Gru follows Eduardo and discovers that he is indeed El Macho. Having faked his death and with Nefario as his assistant, El Macho has kidnapped most of Gru's Minions and used the mutagen to mutate them into purple mindless and indestructible monsters, intent on using them to conquer the world. El Macho offers Gru the chance to team up with him, but Gru becomes terrified and leaves with his daughters, including Margo, who was recently dumped by Antonio. Suspicious, El Macho sends one of the mutated Minions, Kevin, after them.

Lucy, having decided to disobey orders and return home, arrives at the party right after Gru leaves. Realizing that Gru and Lucy are working for the AVL, El Macho holds Lucy hostage; this is witnessed by Nefario, who subsequently informs Gru of the situation. Gru infiltrates El Macho's fortress by pretending to have been captured by two mutated Minions (who are normal Minions in disguise), but the real mutated Minions see through the ruse and attack them. Meanwhile, Kevin breaks into Gru's house and attacks Margo and Agnes. They lure him to Gru's lab, where Nefario arrives with an antidote to reverse Kevin's mutation. Nefario laces Gru's jelly with the antidote. He, the girls, and the surviving Minions hurry to Gru's aid and cure the mutated Minions. El Macho, distraught, threatens to murder Lucy by sending her into the volcano where he previously faked his death and uses the mutagen himself to battle Gru, but Gru and Nefario manage to defeat him.

Gru attempts to free Lucy from the rocket she is tied to, but El Macho's pet chicken, Pollito, activates it. Lucy accepts Gru's invitation for a date and they jump into the ocean before the rocket enters the volcano. Months later, after going on 147 dates, Gru and Lucy get married, and Lucy becomes the girls' adoptive mother.

Voice cast

File:Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Carell, Australian premiere, Despicable Me 2-2.jpg

Steve Carell as Gru, a former supervillain-turned father and later a member of the Anti-Villain League.
Kristen Wiig as Lucy Wilde, an Anti-Villain League agent and Gru's love interest and later wife.{{cite web| last=Puchko| first=Kristy| title=Gru Meets His Match In Latest Despicable Me 2 Trailer| url=https://www.cinemablend.com/new/Gru-Meets-His-Match-Latest-Despicable-Me-2-Trailer-36460.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211033908/https://www.cinemablend.com/new/Gru-Meets-His-Match-Latest-Despicable-Me-2-Trailer-36460.html|archive-date=December 11, 2013|access-date=March 19, 2013| publisher=CinemaBlend|date=March 19, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web| url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/04/30/igns-summer-2013-movie-preview?page=3| title=IGN's Summer 2013 Movie Preview| website=IGN|date=April 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504070951/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/04/30/igns-summer-2013-movie-preview?page=3|archive-date=May 4, 2013|access-date=May 1, 2013|url-status=live}}
Benjamin Bratt as Eduardo Pérez / El Macho, the owner of Salsa & Salsa, a Mexican restaurant at Paradise Mall, and the perpetrator of the PX-41 mutagen's theft.{{cite news| last=Gaztambide| first=Raul| title=Benjamin Bratt as Super Villain 'El Macho' in "Despicable Me 2"| url=http://www.entertainmentaffair.com/2013/06/benjamin-bratt-as-super-villain-el-macho-in-despicable-me-2/| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105080641/http://www.entertainmentaffair.com/2013/06/benjamin-bratt-as-super-villain-el-macho-in-despicable-me-2/|archive-date=November 5, 2013|access-date=June 26, 2013| newspaper=Entertainment Affair| date=June 12, 2013| quote=Gru is resolute in his belief that 'El Macho' has adopted the guise of Eduardo Pérez, the owner of Salsa & Salsa restaurant in the Paradise Mall.|url-status=live}} Al Pacino was originally cast in the role and had recorded all his lines, but left the film due to creative differences.
Miranda Cosgrove as Margo, the eldest of the three girls.
Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario, Gru's elderly and hearing-impaired gadget man.
Steve Coogan as Silas Ramsbottom, the director and CEO of the Anti-Villain League.{{cite news| last=Child| first=Ben| title=Despicable Me 2: evil genius or just plain bad?| url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/mar/22/despicable-me-2| access-date=March 24, 2013| newspaper=The Guardian| date=March 22, 2013| archive-date=November 9, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109205602/http://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/mar/22/despicable-me-2| url-status=live}}
Ken Jeong as Floyd Eaglesan, the owner of Eagle Hair Club, a wig store at Paradise Mall.{{cite news| last=Rechtshaffen| first=Michael| title=Despicable Me 2: Film Review| url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movie/despicable-me-2/review/569433|access-date=June 15, 2013| newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906081748/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movie/despicable-me-2/review/569433|archive-date=September 6, 2015|date=June 15, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web| last=Wolfe| first=Jennifer| title=New Despicable Me 2 Trailer Released| url=http://www.awn.com/news/new-despicable-me-2-trailer-released| access-date=November 10, 2012| publisher=Animation World Network| date=October 31, 2012| archive-date=December 13, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213050637/http://www.awn.com/news/new-despicable-me-2-trailer-released| url-status=live}}

Additionally, Elsie Fisher voices Agnes, the youngest of the three girls, Dana Gaier voices Edith, the middle of the three girls,{{cite web|url=http://behindthethrills.com/2012/07/despicable-me-minion-mayhem-is-now-open-at-universal-studios/|title=Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is now open at Universal Studios|author=Racheal|date=July 2, 2012|publisher=Behind the Thrills|access-date=August 20, 2012|archive-date=June 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630161936/http://behindthethrills.com/2012/07/despicable-me-minion-mayhem-is-now-open-at-universal-studios/|url-status=live}} Moisés Arias voices Antonio Pérez, El Macho's son and Margo's love interest,{{cite web| title=IMTA Alum Moises Arias in We The Party!| url=http://that-imta-blog.blogspot.com/2012/04/imta-alum-moises-arias-in-we-party.html| access-date=April 9, 2012| publisher=That IMTA Blog| date=May 16, 2012| author=IMTA| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024183729/http://that-imta-blog.blogspot.com/2012/04/imta-alum-moises-arias-in-we-party.html| archive-date=October 24, 2013| url-status=dead}}{{cite news| last=Debruge| first=Peter| title=Film Review: 'Despicable Me 2'| url=https://variety.com/2013/film/reviews/film-review-despicable-me-2-1200497163/| access-date=June 16, 2013| newspaper=Variety| date=June 15, 2013| archive-date=June 18, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618093750/http://variety.com/2013/film/reviews/film-review-despicable-me-2-1200497163/| url-status=live}} Nasim Pedrad voices Jillian, Gru's irritating matchmaking neighbor who wants Gru to date her friends,{{cite press release| title=Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment Present the American Premiere of Despicable Me 2 Universal CityWalk and Gibson Amphitheatre Universal City, CA Saturday, June 22, 2013| author=Universal Pictures| url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universal-pictures-and-illumination-entertainment-present-the-american-premiere-of-despicable-me-2-universal-citywalk-and-gibson-amphitheatre-universal-city-ca-saturday-june-22-2013-211445691.html| access-date=June 14, 2013| publisher=PR Newswire| date=June 13, 2013| archive-date=June 27, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627214603/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universal-pictures-and-illumination-entertainment-present-the-american-premiere-of-despicable-me-2-universal-citywalk-and-gibson-amphitheatre-universal-city-ca-saturday-june-22-2013-211445691.html| url-status=live}}{{cite web| title=Despicable Me 2 Production Notes| url=http://despicableme.com/assets/DESPICABLEME2_ProductionNotes.pdf| publisher=Universal Pictures| access-date=June 26, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016210256/http://despicableme.com/assets/DESPICABLEME2_ProductionNotes.pdf| archive-date=October 16, 2014}} Kristen Schaal voices Shannon, Jillian's superficial friend, and Pierre Coffin voices the Minions. According to Coffin, he lent his voice to eight hundred ninety-nine of them.{{cite web| title=Despicable Me 2 Premiere — Pierre Coffin| date=June 23, 2013| url=http://www.traileraddict.com/despicable-me-2/premiere-pierre-coffin| access-date=June 26, 2013| publisher=Trailer Addict| archive-date=July 14, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714150717/http://www.traileraddict.com/despicable-me-2/premiere-pierre-coffin| url-status=live}}

Other cast members include Chris Renaud as additional Minions and an Italian waiter, Vanessa Bayer as a flight attendant, and Nickolai Stoilov as the Arctic lab guards.

Production

=Development=

Development of Despicable Me 2 began following the unexpected financial success of Despicable Me (2010).{{Cite web |last=Fleming |first=Mike Jr. |date=July 13, 2010 |title=Chris Meledandri's Illumination Game Plan Includes Despicable Me Sequel, Minion Spinoffs, Dr. Seuss, The Addams Family |url=https://deadline.com/2010/07/chris-meledandris-illumination-game-plan-includes-despicable-me-sequel-minion-spinoffs-dr-seuss-the-addams-family-53479/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109114922/https://deadline.com/2010/07/chris-meledandris-illumination-game-plan-includes-despicable-me-sequel-minion-spinoffs-dr-seuss-the-addams-family-53479/ |archive-date=November 9, 2014 |access-date=August 19, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} In June 2011, Universal announced that the sequel would be released on July 3, 2013.{{Cite web |last=Frankel |first=Daniel |date=June 16, 2011 |title=Universal Sets July 3, 2013 Release Date for 'Despicable Me 2' |url=https://www.thewrap.com/universal-sets-july-3-2013-release-date-despicable-me-2-28308/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202061217/https://www.thewrap.com/universal-sets-july-3-2013-release-date-despicable-me-2-28308/ |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |access-date=September 26, 2021 |website=TheWrap }} Chris Meledandri, CEO of Illumination Entertainment, confirmed in February 2012 that they had started working on the film.{{cite web| last=Radish| first=Christina| title=Producer Chris Meledandri Talks Dr. Seuss Biopic and DESPICABLE ME 2; Confirms Biopic Will Probably Be Live-Action with Animated Seuss Characters| url=https://collider.com/chris-meledandri-dr-seuss-biopic-despicable-me-2-interview/143631/| access-date=May 2, 2012| publisher=Collider| date=February 7, 2012| archive-date=May 2, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502110755/http://collider.com/chris-meledandri-dr-seuss-biopic-despicable-me-2-interview/143631| url-status=live}} An idea featuring the Minions with superpowers was cut, so the filmmakers decided to use the evil versions of them instead; it was later used in Despicable Me 4 (2024).{{Cite web |last=Giardina |first=Carolyn |date=July 15, 2024 |title=Despicable Me 4: How the Mega Minions Got Their Superpowers |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/despicable-me-4-mega-minions-chris-renaud-1236051326/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715191118/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/despicable-me-4-mega-minions-chris-renaud-1236051326/ |archive-date=July 15, 2024 |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=Variety}}

=Casting=

In October 2011, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Javier Bardem was negotiating to voice a villain, named El Macho,{{cite news|last=Kit|first=Borys|title=Javier Bardem in Negotiations to Voice Villain in 'Despicable Me 2' (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/javier-bardem-negotiations-voice-villain-244603|access-date=October 31, 2016|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=October 5, 2011|archive-date=November 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101043041/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/javier-bardem-negotiations-voice-villain-244603|url-status=live}} but the negotiations failed.{{cite news|last=Kit|first=Borys|title=Lily Collins Drops Out of 'Evil Dead,' Warner Bros.'s adaptation of 'Elfquest' Hits the Skids|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lily-collins-evil-dead-javier-bardem-despicable-me-284552|access-date=October 31, 2016|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=January 24, 2012|archive-date=November 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101043442/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lily-collins-evil-dead-javier-bardem-despicable-me-284552|url-status=live}} By February 2012, Al Pacino had joined the cast to voice the villain.{{cite web| last=Fleming| first=Mike Jr.| title=Al Pacino Makes Animated Film Debut In "Despicable Me 2"| url=https://deadline.com/2012/02/al-pacino-signs-on-for-despicable-me-2-225488/| access-date=February 4, 2012| website=Deadline Hollywood| date=February 3, 2012| archive-date=September 12, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912164600/http://deadline.com/2012/02/al-pacino-signs-on-for-despicable-me-2-225488/| url-status=dead}} In April 2012, producers confirmed that Steve Carell, Russell Brand, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier and Elsie Fisher were returning to reprise their roles. Kristen Wiig, who voiced Miss Hattie in the first film, voices Lucy Wilde, an agent of the Anti-Villain League who recruits Gru to track and take down a tough, Mexican villain named El Macho. Steve Coogan joined the cast as Silas Ramsbottom, the head of the Anti-Villain League.{{cite news| last=Kit| first=Borys| title=Steve Coogan Joining Voice Cast for 'Despicable Me 2' (Exclusive)| url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/steve-coogan-despicable-me-sequel-318736|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506053614/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/steve-coogan-despicable-me-sequel-318736|archive-date=May 6, 2012| access-date=May 2, 2012| newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter| date=May 1, 2012|url-status=live}}

In May 2013, producers announced that Al Pacino had left the film over creative differences about how his character should come to life.{{cite web| last=Fleming| first=Mike| title=Say Goodbye To My Little Friend: Al Pacino Exits Summer Sequel 'Despicable Me 2'| url=https://deadline.com/2013/05/say-goodbye-to-my-little-friend-al-pacino-exits-summer-sequel-despicable-me-2-490012/| access-date=May 4, 2013| website=Deadline Hollywood| date=May 3, 2013| archive-date=September 12, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912153633/http://deadline.com/2013/05/say-goodbye-to-my-little-friend-al-pacino-exits-summer-sequel-despicable-me-2-490012/| url-status=live}}{{cite news| last=Longsdorf| first=Amy| title=Director Chris Renaud talks 'Despicable Me 2' (interview)| url=http://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_23535099/director-chris-renaud-talks-despicable-me-2-interview| access-date=July 2, 2013| newspaper=San Jose Mercury News| date=June 25, 2013| archive-date=October 16, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016035531/http://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_23535099/director-chris-renaud-talks-despicable-me-2-interview| url-status=live}} At the time of his departure, Pacino's character had already been fully voiced and animated. Chris Renaud, co-director of the film, commented on Pacino's departure: "So we don't want an unhappy actor, and we want something that is well realized on all sides. If you don't see eye to eye, sometimes it's easier to (part company) and move on from there." Benjamin Bratt, who had already been considered before Pacino, stepped in to voice Eduardo.{{cite web| last=Fleming| first=Mike| title=Benjamin Bratt Replaces Al Pacino On 'Despicable Me 2'| url=https://deadline.com/2013/05/benjamin-bratt-replaces-al-pacino-on-despicable-me-2-490114/| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910085807/https://deadline.com/2013/05/benjamin-bratt-replaces-al-pacino-on-despicable-me-2-490114/|archive-date=September 10, 2015|access-date=May 4, 2013| website=Deadline Hollywood| date=May 3, 2013|url-status=live}} Chris Meledandri, producer of the film, admitted that he was not "aware of any of the major animated films of the last 15 years that has brought an actor in at such a late stage".{{cite news| last=Debruge| first=Peter| title=How Replacement Villain Became Unlikely Hero in 'Despicable Me 2'| url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/despicable-me-2-el-macho-1200504833/| access-date=July 8, 2013| newspaper=Variety| date=July 3, 2013| archive-date=July 6, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706184854/http://variety.com/2013/film/news/despicable-me-2-el-macho-1200504833/| url-status=live}} Due to the finished animation, Bratt had to match his timing exactly to the character's mouth movement.{{cite web| last=McWeeny| first=Drew| title=Benjamin Bratt speaks frankly about his last-minute addition to 'Despicable Me 2'| url=http://www.hitfix.com/motion-captured/benjamin-bratt-speaks-frankly-about-his-last-minute-addition-to-despicable-me-2| access-date=June 27, 2013| publisher=Hit Fix| date=June 26, 2013| archive-date=June 29, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629191300/http://www.hitfix.com/motion-captured/benjamin-bratt-speaks-frankly-about-his-last-minute-addition-to-despicable-me-2| url-status=live}} Initially, during his five-day recording, he tried to imitate Pacino's voice, but found it impossible, saying "no one can out-Al Pacino Al Pacino". He ended up only using Pacino as an inspiration, and resolved to go with his own interpretation of the character.{{cite web| last=Roberts| first=Sheila| title=Benjamin Bratt Talks DESPICABLE ME 2, Replacing Al Pacino, and CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2| url=https://collider.com/benjamin-bratt-despicable-me-2-interview/| access-date=July 8, 2013| publisher=Collider| date=July 2, 2013| archive-date=July 7, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707173552/http://collider.com/benjamin-bratt-despicable-me-2-interview| url-status=live}} His work was commended by Variety, saying: "You'd never guess he wasn't the filmmakers' first choice."

=Animation=

The animation was handled by Illumination Mac Guff in Paris using Autodesk Maya, over 400 artists worked on the sequel, in contrast of the team of 100 artists the first film required.

One of the biggest challenges for the animation team was creating visual effects (such as water and jelly), which led to the crashing and replacement of some of the studio's drives.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVWuOJkRrCM|title=Despicable Me 2 - Steve Carell Explains 3D Animation - Illumination|author=Illumination|date=June 19, 2013|publisher=YouTube|access-date=July 25, 2019|archive-date=December 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205125447/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVWuOJkRrCM|url-status=live}}

=Music=

{{Main|Despicable Me 2 (soundtrack)|l1 = Despicable Me 2 (soundtrack)}}

Following the success of the predecessor's music, the composers, Heitor Pereira and Pharrell Williams collaborated again for the music of Despicable Me 2.{{Cite web |title=Heitor Pereira & Pharrell Williams Reteam for 'Despicable Me 2' |url=https://www.awn.com/news/heitor-pereira-pharrell-williams-reteam-despicable-me-2 |access-date=2022-07-17 |website=Animation World Network |language=en}} The soundtrack to the film, titled Despicable Me 2: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack was released on July 2, 2013, through Back Lot Music.{{cite web |date=May 21, 2013 |title='Despicable Me 2' Soundtrack Announced |url=http://filmmusicreporter.com/2013/05/21/despicable-me-2-soundtrack-announced/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610063239/http://filmmusicreporter.com/2013/05/21/despicable-me-2-soundtrack-announced/ |archive-date=June 10, 2013 |access-date=June 23, 2013 |publisher=Film Music Reporter}} The album featured eight songs and 16 score tracks, combining for 24 tracks in the album.{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/Despicable-Me-2-Various-Artists/dp/B00CMB8MXC/ |title=Despicable Me 2: Various Artists: Music |website=Amazon |access-date=May 22, 2013 |archive-date=December 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201225427/https://www.amazon.com/Despicable-Me-2-Various-Artists/dp/B00CMB8MXC/ |url-status=live }} The songs consisted of three original and five incorporated tracks, and two of the songs were already featured in its predecessor.

Williams' original song "Happy" was the only single from the album, released five months after the film's release, on November 21, 2013. It was accompanied by a 24-hour music video upon release, a first for any film,{{Cite magazine |last=Grow |first=Kory |date=2013-11-21 |title=Pharrell Williams Creates First 24-Hour Music Video |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/pharrell-williams-creates-first-24-hour-music-video-192627/ |access-date=2022-07-17 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}} which received a viral response, contributing to the song's global success.{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Aisha |date=2013-11-21 |title=Pharrell's New 24-Hour Video Is the Ultimate Musical Clock |url=https://slate.com/culture/2013/11/pharrell-happy-video-24-hours-of-happy-first-24-hour-music-video-stream-and-watch-video.html |access-date=2022-07-17 |website=Slate Magazine |language=en}} It topped the charts in over 19 countries, became the best-selling song in United Kingdom and United States, with over 1.5 and 6.45 million copies sold in 2014,{{cite web |last=Copsey |first=Rob |date=January 1, 2015 |title=The Official Top 40 Biggest Selling Singles of 2014 |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-official-top-40-biggest-selling-singles-of-2014-3389/ |access-date=January 1, 2015 |publisher=Official Charts Company}}{{cite web |last=Grein |first=Paul |date=December 31, 2014 |title=It's Official: Pharrell Has 2014's Best-Selling Song |url=https://www.yahoo.com/music/its-official-pharrell-has-2014s-best-selling-106748836876.html |access-date=April 22, 2015 |publisher=Yahoo! Music}} and was nominated for Best Original Song at the 86th Academy Awards.{{cite web |title=2013 Nominations |url=http://www.pressacademy.com/award_cat/current-nominees/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419014132/http://www.pressacademy.com/award_cat/current-nominees/ |archive-date=April 19, 2014 |access-date=August 19, 2015 |publisher=International Press Academy}}

The soundtrack additionally debuted at US Billboard 200 in number 86,{{cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/despicable-me-2-mw0002543448/awards| title=Despicable Me 2 - Original Soundtrack Awards| publisher=AllMusic| access-date=March 18, 2014| archive-date=December 22, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222193911/http://www.allmusic.com/album/despicable-me-2-mw0002543448/awards| url-status=live}} while also featured at the Independent Albums (number 19) and Top Soundtracks (top-three) charts. It also listed in Official Charts Company's Compilation Chart (number 48) and Soundtracks Chart (number 8).{{cite web|url=http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/140118cluk.txt|title=CHART: CLUK Update 18.01.2014 (wk2)|publisher=Zobbel|access-date=March 18, 2014|archive-date=February 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202092813/http://zobbel.de/cluk/140118cluk.txt|url-status=live}} A single "Just a Cloud Away" released on March 25, 2022, eight years after the film and soundtrack release.{{cite web |title=Top 40/M Future Releases |url=https://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329100343/https://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |access-date=March 29, 2022 |website=All Access}}

Marketing and release

In March 2013, a blimp dressed to appear as a Minion, named "Despicablimp", in which Universal and Van Wagner Communications owns an American Blimp Corporation A-150 model, traveled through the United States for a {{convert|20000|mi|km|-long|adj=mid}} tour to promote the film's release. As one of the largest airships in the world, it measured {{convert|165|ft}} in length, {{convert|55|ft}} in height,{{cite news| last=Miller| first=Daniel| title='Despicable Me 2' blimp enters new frontier of movie marketing| url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2013-mar-28-la-et-ct-despicable-me-2-blimp-20130327-story.html| access-date=June 25, 2013| newspaper=Los Angeles Times| date=March 28, 2013| archive-date=July 2, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702133940/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/mar/28/local/la-et-ct-despicable-me-2-blimp-20130327| url-status=live| url-access=limited}} and weighed {{convert|8000|lb|t}}.{{cite web| last=Goldberg| first=Matt| title=Matt Takes a Ride on DESPICABLE ME 2's "Despicablimp"| url=https://collider.com/despicable-me-2-despicablimp/| access-date=June 25, 2013| publisher=Collider| date=April 21, 2013| archive-date=June 26, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626004447/http://collider.com/despicable-me-2-despicablimp| url-status=live}} Universal Pictures partnered the film with licensing and promotional partners valued at an unprecedented $200–$250 million in the next three years.{{cite news| last=Miller| first=Daniel| title=Universal Pictures back in the game with 'Despicable Me 2' toys| url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2013-mar-28-la-et-ct-despicable-me-2-blimp-20130327-story.html| access-date=December 5, 2020| newspaper=Los Angeles Times| date=February 8, 2013| archive-date=July 6, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706224137/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/feb/08/local/la-fi-ct-despicable-me-toys-20130209| url-status=live| url-access=limited}} One of the partners was McDonald's, which included in its Happy Meals various Minion toys, some of them unique to a specific country. To take advantage of banana-loving Minions, Chiquita ran various sweepstakes,{{cite web|last=Getzler|first=Wendy Goldman|title=McDonald's, General Mills among Despicable Me 2 marketing minions| url=https://kidscreen.com/2013/05/21/mcdonalds-general-mills-among-despicable-me-2-marketing-minions/| access-date=December 8, 2020|website=Kidscreen| date=May 21, 2013| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009052820/https://kidscreen.com/2013/05/21/mcdonalds-general-mills-among-despicable-me-2-marketing-minions/|archive-date=October 9, 2013}} and a Minion, voiced by Pierre Coffin, performed the song "Chiquita Banana" in the film. Thinkway Toys released various toys and figures,{{cite web|last=Graser|first=Marc|title=U, Thinkway do 'Despicable' deal| url=https://variety.com/2012/film/news/u-thinkway-do-despicable-deal-1118048123/|website=Variety|date=January 5, 2012|access-date=December 8, 2020| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208103845/https://variety.com/2012/film/news/u-thinkway-do-despicable-deal-1118048123/| archive-date=December 8, 2020| df=mdy-all}} and Hasbro made special games. The campaign featured 600 toy brands.{{Cite web |last=Malone |first=Clare |date=October 20, 2015 |title=The Serious Business of Animated Films, by the Numbers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/20/t-magazine/movies-animation-pixar-disney-by-the-numbers.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023054232/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/20/t-magazine/movies-animation-pixar-disney-by-the-numbers.html |archive-date=October 23, 2015 |access-date=October 14, 2023 |website=T}} As a promotional tie-in, Despicable Me: Minion Rush was released.{{Cite web |last=O'Connel |first=Sean |date=May 30, 2013 |title=Despicable Me Game: Our Exclusive First Look at Minion Rush |url=http://www.fandango.com/movieblog/despicable-me-game-our-exclusive-first-look-at-minion-rush-738612.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702075031/http://www.fandango.com/movieblog/despicable-me-game-our-exclusive-first-look-at-minion-rush-738612.html |archive-date=July 2, 2013 |access-date=August 15, 2023 |publisher=Fandango Media}}

Despicable Me 2 debuted on June 5, 2013, at Event Cinemas in Bondi Junction, Sydney, Australia,{{cite news| last=Moran| first=Jonathan| title=Steve Carell to appear at Sydney premiere of Despicble Me 2| url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/steve-carell-to-appear-at-sydney-premiere-of-despicble-me-2/story-e6frg6n6-1226634331175| access-date=June 5, 2013| newspaper=The Australian| date=May 3, 2013| archive-date=February 6, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206151722/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/steve-carell-to-appear-at-sydney-premiere-of-despicble-me-2/story-e6frg6n6-1226634331175| url-status=live |url-access=subscription}} followed by a premiere on June 12, at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival.{{cite news| last=Hopewell| first=John| title='Despicable Me 2' Gets Standing O at Annecy Fest| url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/despicable-me-2-storms-annecy-film-festival-1200496266/| access-date=December 2, 2014| work=Variety| date=June 12, 2013| archive-date=December 26, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226120730/http://variety.com/2013/film/news/despicable-me-2-storms-annecy-film-festival-1200496266/| url-status=live}} In the United States, the film's premiere took place on June 22, at the Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles,{{Cite web |last=Ferguson |first=Dana |date=June 23, 2013 |title='Despicable Me 2' premiere celebrates the return of the minions |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-despicable-me-2-premiere-minions-return-20130623-story.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211004234059/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-despicable-me-2-premiere-minions-return-20130623-story.html |archive-date=October 4, 2021 |access-date=October 4, 2021 |website=Los Angeles Times }}{{Cite web |date=July 15, 2013 |title='Despicable Me 2' minions top Sandler's 'Grown Ups 2' at box office |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2013/07/15/despicable-me-2-minions-top-sandlers-grown-ups-2-at-box-office/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211004225749/https://www.mercurynews.com/2013/07/15/despicable-me-2-minions-top-sandlers-grown-ups-2-at-box-office/ |archive-date=October 4, 2021 |access-date=October 4, 2021 |website=The Mercury News }} and was released in theaters on July 3. It was digitally re-mastered into IMAX 3D format and released in select international IMAX theatres.{{Cite web |last=Vlessing |first=Etan |date=April 18, 2013 |title=Imax to Supersize 'Despicable Me 2' for International Release |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/despicable-me-2-imax-supersize-442159/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211005001810/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/despicable-me-2-imax-supersize-442159/ |archive-date=October 5, 2021 |access-date=October 5, 2021 |website=The Hollywood Reporter }}

As with the first film, which did not have a theatrical release in China, the film's distributor Universal Pictures had troubles releasing the sequel.{{cite web| last=Lang| first=Brent| title='Despicable Me 2' Denied Release in China (Exclusive)| url=https://www.thewrap.com/movies/article/despicable-me-2-denied-release-china-exclusive-105271/| access-date=July 24, 2013| website=TheWrap| date=July 23, 2013| archive-date=July 26, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726113830/http://www.thewrap.com/movies/article/despicable-me-2-denied-release-china-exclusive-105271| url-status=live}} When it was reported in July 2013 that the film had been denied a theatrical release in China, then the second-largest film market in the world, some analysts attributed this to the protection of locally produced animation.{{cite news| last=Miller| first=Daniel| title=Universal Pictures' 'Despicable Me 2' denied release in China| url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-universal-pictures-despicable-me-2-denied-release-in-china-20130723,0,4113325.story| access-date=July 30, 2013| newspaper=Los Angeles Times| date=July 23, 2013| quote=One could speculate that (Chinese authorities) are saying, 'OK, enough American animated movies this summer,'" Cain said. "Animation is an important area for China domestically.| archive-date=July 28, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728115737/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-universal-pictures-despicable-me-2-denied-release-in-china-20130723,0,4113325.story| url-status=live| url-access=limited}}{{cite news| last=Tsui| first=Clarence| title='Despicable Me 2' Blocked from Chinese Theaters| url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/despicable-me-2-blocked-chinese-591169| access-date=July 30, 2013| newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter| date=July 23, 2013| quote=Universal Pictures' Despicable Me 2 has been denied a release in mainland China, with commentators seeing the decision as part of the country's attempts to dampen enthusiasm for imported animated features.| archive-date=July 27, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727170536/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/despicable-me-2-blocked-chinese-591169| url-status=live}} There were also rumors that the film's release was banned in China because the film's minions too much resembled former Chinese president Jiang Zemin. China's Film Bureau was "furious" about the negative comments, stating that the film was not submitted for censorship approval.{{cite news| last=Coonan| first=Clifford| title=China Denies 'Despicable Me 2' Ban| url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/china-denies-despicable-me-2-599606| access-date=August 5, 2013| newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter| date=August 5, 2013| archive-date=August 7, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807235653/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/china-denies-despicable-me-2-599606| url-status=live}} In fact, there was reportedly a "commercial conflict" between Universal and Edko Films, the film's local distributor, over which titles are to be imported.{{cite web| url=http://www.filmbiz.asia/news/china-govt-denies-banning-despicable-me-2| title=China govt denies banning Despicable Me 2| last=Cremin| first=Stephen| work=Film Business Asia| date=August 5, 2013| access-date=December 6, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208121149/http://www.filmbiz.asia/news/china-govt-denies-banning-despicable-me-2| archive-date=December 8, 2014| url-status=dead| df=mdy-all}} Edko had decided that the film "would not do well in China and decided against using one of the precious quota slots for the film." In December 2013, a few weeks after the Universal Pictures' announcement that it would open a Beijing office, it was reported that Despicable Me 2 would be theatrically released in China on January 10, 2014.{{cite news| last=Coonan| first=Clifford| title='Despicable Me 2' To Finally Open in China Next Month| url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/despicable-me-2-finally-open-663362| access-date=December 6, 2013| newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter| date=December 6, 2013| archive-date=December 9, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209013900/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/despicable-me-2-finally-open-663362| url-status=live}}

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment released Despicable Me 2 for digital download on November 26, 2013, and on Blu-ray and DVD on December 10. Physical copies contain an audio commentary; behind-the-scenes featurettes; characterizations of Gru and the evil Minions; deleted scenes; an overview of Gru's equipment; short films Puppy, Panic in the Mailroom, and Training Wheels; and a visit in Illumination Studios Paris.{{Cite web |last=Nicholson |first=Max |date=October 7, 2013 |title=Despicable Me 2 Blu-ray Release in Time for Christmas |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/07/despicable-me-2-blu-ray-release-in-time-for-christmas |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007225302/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/07/despicable-me-2-blu-ray-release-in-time-for-christmas |archive-date=October 7, 2013 |access-date=November 3, 2023 |website=IGN}} A 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray version was released in 2017.{{Cite web |last=Strowbridge |first=C.S. |date=June 6, 2017 |title=Home Market Releases for June 6th, 2017 |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/news/222440830-Home-Market-Releases-for-June-6th-2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610132716/https://www.the-numbers.com/news/222440830-Home-Market-Releases-for-June-6th-2017 |archive-date=June 10, 2017 |access-date=November 26, 2023 |website=The Numbers}}

Reception

=Box office=

Despicable Me 2 earned $368 million in the United States and Canada and $602.7 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $971 million. It was the third-highest-grossing film of 2013.{{Cite web |title=2013 Worldwide Box Office |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/world/2013/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121132535/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/world/2013/ |archive-date=November 21, 2019 |access-date=August 22, 2023 |website=Box Office Mojo}} Deadline Hollywood calculated the film's net profit as $394.5 million, placing it third on their list of 2013's "Most Valuable Blockbusters".{{cite web| last=Fleming| first=Mike Jr.| title=2013 Most Valuable Blockbuster – #6 'Fast & Furious 6' Vs. #11 'The Croods'; #3 'Despicable Me 2' Vs. #14 Star Trek Into Darkness'| url=https://deadline.com/2014/03/fast-furious-6-star-trek-into-darkness-despicable-me-2-profit-most-profitable-movies-2013-701690/| website=Deadline Hollywood| access-date=March 22, 2014| date=March 21, 2014| archive-date=March 21, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321225053/http://www.deadline.com/2014/03/fast-furious-6-star-trek-into-darkness-despicable-me-2-profit-most-profitable-movies-2013/| url-status=live}} With a budget of $76 million, the film is the most profitable film in the 101-year history of Universal.Multiple sources:

{{cite web| title=Universal's 'Despicable Me 2' Crosses $800M Worldwide; #1 Animated Pic Of 2013| url=https://deadline.com/2013/08/despicable-me-2-crosses-800m-worldwide-box-office-571190/| access-date=December 25, 2020| website=Deadline Hollywood| date=August 24, 2013| archive-date=August 24, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824174646/http://www.deadline.com/2013/08/despicable-me-2-crosses-800m-worldwide-box-office/| url-status=live}}
{{cite news| last=Szalai| first=Georg| title=NBCUniversal CEO: 'Despicable Me 2' Will Be Most Profitable Film in Universal's History| url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/nbcuniversal-ceo-despicable-me-2-597070| access-date=December 25, 2020| newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter| date=July 31, 2013| archive-date=March 29, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329040524/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/nbcuniversal-ceo-despicable-me-2-597070| url-status=live}}
{{cite news| last=Brzeski| first=Patrick| title='Despicable Me 2' Finally Opens in China| url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/despicable-me-2-finally-opens-669810|access-date=December 25, 2020| work=The Hollywood Reporter| date=January 10, 2014| archive-date=June 13, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613010556/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/despicable-me-2-finally-opens-669810| url-status=live}}
{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/03/despicable-me-2-frozen-most-profitable-movie-2013-704578/|title=2013 Most Valuable Blockbuster Final Four – #2 'Frozen' Vs. #3 'Despicable Me 2'|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|date=March 26, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=December 25, 2020|archive-date=February 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220235943/https://deadline.com/2014/03/despicable-me-2-frozen-most-profitable-movie-2013-704578/|url-status=live}}

In the United States and Canada, Despicable Me 2 was released with The Lone Ranger on July 3, 2013,{{Cite web |last=Stewart |first=Andrew |date=July 4, 2013 |title=Lone Ranger a Train Wreck While Despicable Me 2 Shines for Explosive Fourth |url=https://variety.com/2013/more/box-office/despicable-me-2-on-track-for-125-mil-while-lone-ranger-tanks-1200509356/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706014804/https://variety.com/2013/more/box-office/despicable-me-2-on-track-for-125-mil-while-lone-ranger-tanks-1200509356/ |archive-date=July 6, 2013 |access-date=December 20, 2022 |website=Variety}} leading into the Independence Day holiday weekend.{{Cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Amy |date=July 7, 2013 |title=No. 1 Despicable Me 2 rules box office as Lone Ranger flops |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2013-jul-07-la-et-ct-box-office-lone-ranger-despicable-me-20130707-story.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219233033/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2013-jul-07-la-et-ct-box-office-lone-ranger-despicable-me-20130707-story.html |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |access-date=December 19, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times}}{{Cite magazine |last=Coggan |first=Devan |date=July 2, 2015 |title=Box office preview: Magic Mike XXL faces off against Terminator Genisys |url=https://ew.com/article/2015/07/02/box-office-preview-magic-mike-xxl-terminator-genisys/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703143739/https://ew.com/article/2015/07/02/box-office-preview-magic-mike-xxl-terminator-genisys/ |archive-date=July 3, 2015 |access-date=December 19, 2022 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} It earned $35 million on its first day, including $4.7 million from Tuesday night previews. The film made $24.5 million the following Thursday, the third-highest-ever total for the holiday behind Spider-Man: Far From Home ($25.1 million in 2019) and Transformers ($29 million in 2007).{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=July 4, 2019 |title=Spider-Man: Far From Home $27M Wednesday Is A Record For Marvel Cinematic Universe – Update |url=https://deadline.com/2019/07/spider-man-far-from-home-july-4th-weekend-box-office-midsommar-1202641901/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 19, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=July 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703214734/https://deadline.com/2019/07/spider-man-far-from-home-july-4th-weekend-box-office-midsommar-1202641901/ }} Despicable Me 2 debuted earning $142.1 million across 3,957 theaters, and grossed $82.5 million on its three-day opening weekend. Its second-weekend earnings dropped by 49% to $43 million, edging Grown Ups 2 and Pacific Rim.{{Cite web |last=Finke |first=Nikki |author-link=Nikki Finke |date=July 14, 2013 |title='Pacific Rim' #3 As 'Grown-Ups 2' Edged By #1 'Despicable Me 2' For Domestic Weekend |url=https://deadline.com/2013/07/pacific-rim-opens-only-4-in-australia-and-begins-baffling-global-roll-out-538945/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211001004153/https://deadline.com/2013/07/pacific-rim-opens-only-4-in-australia-and-begins-baffling-global-roll-out-538945/ |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood }} before being dethroned in its third week by The Conjuring.{{Cite web |last=Finke |first=Nikki |author-link=Nikki Finke |date=July 21, 2013 |title=#1 'The Conjuring' Scares Up $41.5M Weekend But Other New Films Sink Or Soft: 'R.I.P.D.', 'Turbo', 'Red 2', As Sizzling Summer Fizzles |url=https://deadline.com/2013/07/the-conjuring-big-1-with-a-cinemascore-but-every-other-new-film-soft-or-sinking-545448/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211001004204/https://deadline.com/2013/07/the-conjuring-big-1-with-a-cinemascore-but-every-other-new-film-soft-or-sinking-545448/ |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood }} Despicable Me 2 completed its theatrical run in the United States and Canada on January 16, 2014.{{Cite web |title=Despicable Me 2 - Domestic Release |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl105874945/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211001005030/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl105874945/ |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |website=Box Office Mojo }}

Worldwide, on its first weekend, Despicable Me 2 opened only in Australia with $6.66 million,{{cite web| title=Australia Box Office, June 20–23, 2013| url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/australia/?yr=2013&wk=25&p=new| publisher=Box Office Mojo| access-date=August 24, 2013| archive-date=December 9, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209130215/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/australia/?yr=2013&wk=25&p=new| url-status=live}} ahead of Monsters University (2013) which opened on the same weekend.{{cite web| last=Loria| first=Daniel| title=GLOBAL: 'Monsters University' Opens With $136.5M, 'WWZ' Trails At $111.8M, 'Man Of Steel' Nears $400M| url=http://pro.boxoffice.com/latest-news/2013-06-23-global-monsters-university-scores-the-2nd-highest-pixar-opening-weekend-with-1365m| access-date=August 21, 2013| publisher=BoxOffice| date=June 23, 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201074333/http://pro.boxoffice.com/latest-news/2013-06-23-global-monsters-university-scores-the-2nd-highest-pixar-opening-weekend-with-1365m| archive-date=February 1, 2016| df=mdy-all}} The film set an opening-day record in Latvia.{{cite web| last=Loria| first=Daniel| title=UPDATED GLOBAL: 'Pacific Rim' Posts $53M Overseas Debut, 'Fast 6' Breaks $700M Global| url=http://pro.boxoffice.com/latest-news/2013-07-14-global-pacific-rim-posts-58m-overseas-debut-fast-6-breaks-700m-global| access-date=August 24, 2013| publisher=BoxOffice| date=July 14, 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201074333/http://pro.boxoffice.com/latest-news/2013-07-14-global-pacific-rim-posts-58m-overseas-debut-fast-6-breaks-700m-global| archive-date=February 1, 2016| df=mdy-all}} In total, it opened at number one in 67 territories,{{cite web| last=Finke| first=Nikki| author-link=Nikki Finke| title='Despicable Me 2' Passes $900M Worldwide| url=https://deadline.com/2013/10/despicable-me-2-passes-900m-worldwide-621334/| access-date=October 27, 2013| website=Deadline Hollywood| date=October 27, 2013| archive-date=August 30, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830002834/http://deadline.com/2013/10/despicable-me-2-passes-900m-worldwide-621334/| url-status=live}} and set opening-weekend records among animated films in Latin America, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam,{{cite web| title=GLOBAL: 'Despicable Me 2' Reaches $293.2M| url=http://pro.boxoffice.com/latest-news/2013-07-04-global-despicable-me-2-enters-july-4-with-100m| access-date=August 24, 2013| publisher=BoxOffice| date=July 5, 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201074333/http://pro.boxoffice.com/latest-news/2013-07-04-global-despicable-me-2-enters-july-4-with-100m| archive-date=February 1, 2016| df=mdy-all}} and Lebanon,{{cite web| title=UPDATED GLOBAL: 'The Smurfs 2' Opens To $80.2M, 4% Under The Original| url=http://pro.boxoffice.com/latest-news/2013-08-04-global-fast-6-despicable-me-2-and-monsters-university-stay-on-course| access-date=August 24, 2013| publisher=BoxOffice| date=August 4, 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201074333/http://pro.boxoffice.com/latest-news/2013-08-04-global-fast-6-despicable-me-2-and-monsters-university-stay-on-course| archive-date=February 1, 2016| df=mdy-all}} as well as opening-weekend records among all films in South Africa and Venezuela. In Japan, it topped the box office ($3.3 million) beating Elsyium (2013).{{Cite web|url=https://animeanime.jp/article/2013/09/24/15680.html|title=「怪盗グルーのミニオン危機一髪」興収早くも8億円突破週末興収1位スタート|website=アニメ！アニメ！|date=September 24, 2013 |language=ja|access-date=2019-02-20|archive-date=February 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220181403/https://animeanime.jp/article/2013/09/24/15680.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/japan/?yr=2013&wk=38&p=new|title=Japan Box Office, September 21–22, 2013|publisher=Box Office Mojo|access-date=2019-02-20|archive-date=February 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220235916/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/japan/?yr=2013&wk=38&p=new|url-status=live}} The film remained in the first position at the box office for two consecutive weekends during July 2013.{{cite news| last=Subers| first=Ray| title=Weekend Report: 'Despicable' Defeats 'Ranger' Over Busy Fourth of July| url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3700&p=.htm| access-date=August 21, 2013| publisher=Box Office Mojo| date=July 7, 2013| archive-date=August 15, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130815231919/http://boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3700&p=.htm| url-status=live}}{{cite news| last=Subers| first=Ray| title=Weekend Report: 'Pacific Rim' Loses to Family Sequels| url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3702&p=.htm| access-date=August 21, 2013| publisher=Box Office Mojo| date=July 7, 2013| archive-date=August 18, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818050109/http://boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3702&p=.htm| url-status=live}} The film's largest openings occurred in the United Kingdom ($22.5 million), China ($15.4 million), and Mexico ($14.9 million). In total earnings, its largest markets were the United Kingdom ($72.2 million), China ($53.0 million), and Mexico ($47.7 million).

=Critical response=

Despicable Me 2 has an approval rating of {{RT data|score}} based on {{RT data|count}} professional reviews on the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of {{RT data|average}}. Its critical consensus reads: "Despicable Me 2 offers plenty of eye-popping visual inventiveness and a number of big laughs."{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes |id={{RT data|rtid|noprefix=y}} |type=m |title=Despicable Me 2 |access-date={{RT data|access date}}}}{{RT data|edit}}{{cbignore}} Metacritic (which uses a weighted average) assigned the film a score of 62 out of 100 based on 39 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.{{cite Metacritic|title=Despicable Me 2|type=movie | id=despicable-me-2|access-date=November 24, 2020}}{{cbignore}} Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale.{{cite web| last=Finke| first=Nikki| author-link=Nikki Finke| title=July 4th Global Weekend: 'Despicable Me 2' Giant $293.2M and #1, 'Lone Ranger' Dismal $73.2M For Depp, 'Let Me Explain' $17.3M| url=https://deadline.com/2013/07/despicable-me-2-opens-with-huge-4-7m-late-shows-534878/| access-date=July 4, 2013| website=Deadline Hollywood| date=July 4, 2013| archive-date=September 19, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140919054223/http://deadline.com/2013/07/despicable-me-2-opens-with-huge-4-7m-late-shows-534878/| url-status=live}}

Stephen Whitty of The Star-Ledger gave the film three stars out of four, writing: "Not only a fun cartoon but—that rare thing—a sequel which actually improves on the original."{{cite web| last=Whitty| first=Stephen| title='Despicable Me' review: A bad guy makes good| url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/07/despicable_me_review_a_bad_guy_makes_good.html| access-date=July 5, 2013| publisher=The Star-Ledger| location=Newark| date=July 2, 2013| archive-date=July 4, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704235431/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/07/despicable_me_review_a_bad_guy_makes_good.html| url-status=live}} Mary Pols of Time wrote: "As a sequel it stands level with the first film, and may have the edge on it."{{cite news |last=Pols |first=Mary |url=https://entertainment.time.com/2013/07/03/despicable-me-2-its-gru-love/ |title=Despicable Me 2: It's Gru Love |newspaper=Time |date=July 3, 2013 |access-date=July 21, 2013 |archive-date=July 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730052103/http://entertainment.time.com/2013/07/03/despicable-me-2-its-gru-love/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} Peter Travers of Rolling Stone also gave it three stars out of four, saying: "Co-directors Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin, who do Minion voices expertly, never let up on the laughs. A fart joke in 3-D may not be three times as wacky, but the high spirits of Despicable Me 2 are irresistible fun."{{cite news |last=Travers |first=Peter |author-link=Peter Travers |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/despicable-me-2-20130708 |title=Despicable Me 2 |newspaper=Rolling Stone |date=July 8, 2013 |access-date=July 21, 2013 |archive-date=July 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130712003103/http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/despicable-me-2-20130708 |url-status=live |url-access=limited }} Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune wrote positively too, saying: "Steve Carell's Slavic inflections as Gru do the trick, as before. Wiig's clever hesitations and comic timing help save the day."{{cite news| last=Phillips| first=Michael| author-link=Michael Phillips (critic)| title='Despicable Me 2': Carell helps calm cheap scares| url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/sc-mov-0701-despicable-me-2-20130703,0,5586450.column| access-date=July 5, 2013| newspaper=Chicago Tribune| date=July 3, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011002210/http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/sc-mov-0701-despicable-me-2-20130703,0,5586450.column| archive-date=October 11, 2013| url-status=dead| url-access=limited}} Tom Russo of The Boston Globe wrote: "The scope of the 'toon espionage-adventure goings-on is surprisingly limited. But the filmmakers so clearly love working on these characters, their creative joy is infectious."{{cite news| last=Russo| first=Tom| title=Less 'Despicable,' still funny| url=https://www.boston.com/ae/movies/2013/07/02/movie-review-despicable/AgLAK1pN0oAPz31wMp0ETO/story.html| access-date=July 5, 2013| work=The Boston Globe| date=July 2, 2013| archive-date=July 6, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706062815/http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/2013/07/02/movie-review-despicable/AgLAK1pN0oAPz31wMp0ETO/story.html| url-status=live| url-access=limited}} Stephanie Merry of The Washington Post gave the film three stars out of four, saying "The animation is beguiling, particularly when Lucy drives her car into the ocean, transforming it into a submarine that scoots around sharks and fish."{{cite news| last=Merry| first=Stephanie| title=Movie review: 'Despicable Me 2'| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/movie-review-despicable-me-2/2013/07/02/4d67d33a-e311-11e2-aef3-339619eab080_story.html| access-date=July 5, 2013| newspaper=The Washington Post| date=July 2, 2013| archive-date=December 15, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215022918/http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/movie-review-despicable-me-2/2013/07/02/4d67d33a-e311-11e2-aef3-339619eab080_story.html| url-status=live| url-access=limited}}

Peter Debruge of Variety wrote: "While not quite as charming or unique as the original, Despicable Me 2 comes awfully close, extending co-directors Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin's delightfully silly sensibility to a bit larger universe."{{cite news|last=Debruge|first=Peter|title=Film Review: ‘Despicable Me 2’|date=June 15, 2013|newspaper=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/reviews/film-review-despicable-me-2-1200497163/}} Michael Rechtshaffen of The Hollywood Reporter wrote: "While the new edition doesn’t quite catch that inspired spark, there’s still plenty to enjoy here courtesy of those zippy visuals and a pitch-perfect voice cast led by the innately animated Steve Carell."{{cite news|last=THR|first=Staff|title=Despicable Me 2: Film Review|date=June 15, 2013|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/despicable-me-2-film-review-569433/}}

However, there was criticism, even from those who liked the movie. Peter Hartlaub of the San Francisco Chronicle gave the film three stars out of four, saying: "It's a credit that the writing can be so funny in the moment, that it takes time to realize there's no cohesive story, zero dramatic tension and nary a practical lesson for either the characters in the film or the people watching in the theater."{{cite news| last=Hartlaub| first=Peter| title='Despicable Me 2' has Minion-size plot| url=http://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/Despicable-Me-2-has-Minion-size-plot-4642812.php| access-date=July 5, 2013| newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle| date=July 3, 2013| archive-date=November 3, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103020413/http://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/Despicable-Me-2-has-Minion-size-plot-4642812.php| url-status=live| url-access=limited}} Soren Anderson of The Seattle Times gave it two-and-a-half stars out of four, writing: "It's fun. It's cheerful. It's lollipop colorful. Best of all, it features lots of minion mischief, which guarantees plenty of laughs. But what it doesn't have is an edge."{{cite news|last=Andersen|first=Soren|title='Despicable Me 2:' Funny minions steal this sequel|url=http://seattletimes.com/html/entertainment/2021308975_despicableme2xml.html|access-date=July 5, 2013|newspaper=The Seattle Times|date=July 2, 2013|archive-date=October 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029201011/http://seattletimes.com/html/entertainment/2021308975_despicableme2xml.html|url-status=live|url-access=limited}} Stephen Holden of The New York Times gave the film two-and-a-half stars out of five, saying: "It is consistently diverting and so cute you'll want to pet it. Yet it is also weightless and lacks a center."{{cite news| last=Holden| first=Stephen| title=An Ex-Villain Returns as Mr. Sweets| url=https://movies.nytimes.com/2013/07/03/movies/despicable-me-2-stars-steve-carell-and-kristen-wiig.html| access-date=July 5, 2013| newspaper=The New York Times| date=July 2, 2013| archive-date=December 1, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201225538/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/03/movies/despicable-me-2-stars-steve-carell-and-kristen-wiig.html|url-status=live|url-access=limited}}

Among the negative reviews, Tirdad Derakhshani of The Philadelphia Inquirer gave the movie two-and-a-half stars out of five, writing: "If you're looking for quality prepackaged, predigested Hollywood family fun this summer, you could do a lot worse than Despicable Me 2."{{cite web| last=Derakhshan| first=Tirdad| url=http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/movies/20130703__Despicable_Me_2__still_delivers.html| title='Despicable Me 2' still delivers| work=The Philadelphia Inquirer| date=July 3, 2013| access-date=July 21, 2013| archive-date=July 8, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708235644/http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/movies/20130703__Despicable_Me_2__still_delivers.html| url-status=live}} Alonso Duralde of TheWrap also wrote negatively, saying: "The minions are still wacky scene-stealers—and once again, we don't get nearly enough of them—but Gru and his daughters have been blanded down to bad-sitcom level."{{cite web |last=Duralde |first=Alonso |author-link=Alonso Duralde |url=https://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/despicable-me-2-review-less-despicable-less-funny-100971/ |title='Despicable Me 2' Review: Less Despicable, Less Funny |website=TheWrap |date=June 30, 2013 |access-date=August 16, 2013 |archive-date=August 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808114308/http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/despicable-me-2-review-less-despicable-less-funny-100971 |url-status=live }}

Claudia Puig of USA Today gave the film two stars out of four, saying: "With its predecessor having made a whopping $540 million globally, it's no wonder that Universal saw fit to order a sequel. But it's not enough just to trot out legions of minions and cobble together a plot. Audiences deserve more imagination and inventiveness than this wan recycling."{{cite news| last=Puig| first=Claudia| title='Despicable Me 2': Turns out a good Gru is less fun| url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2013/07/02/despicable-me-2-review/2438231/| access-date=July 5, 2013| newspaper=USA Today| date=July 2, 2013| archive-date=July 5, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705224922/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2013/07/02/despicable-me-2-review/2438231/| url-status=live}} Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly gave the film a 'C' grade, saying "By the end, every child in the audience will want his or her own monster-minion toy. Adults will just regret the way that Despicable Me 2 betrays the original film's devotion to bad-guy gaiety."{{cite news| last=Gleiberman| first=Owen| title=Despicable Me 2 Movie Review| url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20687798,00.html| access-date=July 5, 2013| newspaper=Entertainment Weekly| date=July 4, 2013| archive-date=July 4, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704050242/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20687798,00.html| url-status=dead}} A.A. Dowd of The A.V. Club also gave it a 'C' grade, writing: "What's missing—and this was the crucial component of part one—is a little sour to undercut the sweet. Like its protagonist, a bad guy gone boringly good, Despicable Me 2 has no edge. It's fatally nice and insufficiently naughty."{{cite web |last=Dowd |first=A.A. |url=https://www.avclub.com/review/despicable-me-2-99656 |title=Despicable Me 2 |website=The A.V. Club |date=July 2, 2013 |access-date=August 16, 2013 |archive-date=January 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107095332/http://www.avclub.com/review/despicable-me-2-99656 |url-status=live }}

=Accolades=

{{Main|List of accolades received by Despicable Me 2{{!}}List of accolades received by Despicable Me 2}}

At the 86th Academy Awards, Despicable Me 2 received nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.{{Cite web |last=Nordyke |first=Kimberly |date=March 2, 2014 |title=Oscars 2014 Winners: The Complete List |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/oscar-winners-2014-full-list-results-86th-academy-awards-kodak-theater-684748/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516171104/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/oscar-winners-2014-full-list-results-86th-academy-awards-kodak-theater-684748/ |archive-date=May 16, 2021 |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} Among the film's nominations include ten Annie Awards (winning one),{{Cite web |date=February 1, 2014 |title=Annie Awards 2014: Complete list of winners and nominees |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-complete-list-of-2013-annie-award-noms-20131202-story.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609234307/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-complete-list-of-2013-annie-award-noms-20131202-story.html |archive-date=June 9, 2015 |access-date=August 19, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times}} a British Academy Film Award,{{Cite web |last=Kemp |first=Stuart |date=February 16, 2014 |title=BAFTA Awards: 12 Years a Slave Wins Best Film |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/bafta-awards-12-years-a-680340/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629234258/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/bafta-awards-12-years-a-680340/ |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} two Critics' Choice Movie Awards,{{Cite web |date=January 17, 2014 |title=Critics' Choice Awards: The Winners |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/2014-critics-choice-awards-winners-671707 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017063852/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/2014-critics-choice-awards-winners-671707 |archive-date=October 17, 2014 |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} and a Golden Globe Award.{{Cite web |last=Nordyke |first=Kimberly |date=January 12, 2014 |title=Golden Globes: Complete Winners List |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/golden-globes-2014-winners-list-670159/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521230601/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/golden-globes-2014-winners-list-670159/ |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}

Sequels and prequels

Following the box-office take of Despicable Me 2, it enabled any additional Despicable Me film to improve the franchise's success.{{Cite web |last=Debruge |first=Peter |date=November 17, 2015 |title=Minions and Illumination Create a Blockbuster Animation Unit for Universal |url=https://variety.com/2015/film/spotlight/universal-illumination-minions-animation-1201641899/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118150615/https://variety.com/2015/film/spotlight/universal-illumination-minions-animation-1201641899/ |archive-date=November 18, 2015 |access-date=August 23, 2023 |website=Variety}} Spin-off prequels Minions (2015),{{Cite web |last=Graser |first=Marc |date=September 20, 2013 |title=Universal, Illumination Move their 'Minions' to Summer 2015 |url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/universal-illumination-move-their-minions-to-summer-2015-1200654294/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907200017/https://variety.com/2013/film/news/universal-illumination-move-their-minions-to-summer-2015-1200654294/ |archive-date=September 7, 2015 |access-date=January 25, 2025 |website=Variety}} Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022),{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Rebecca |date=March 4, 2021 |title=F9 Postponed for the Third Time, Minions Sequel Pushed to 2022 |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/f9-release-date-postponed-summer-1234883492/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304233401/https://variety.com/2021/film/news/f9-release-date-postponed-summer-1234883492/ |archive-date=March 4, 2021 |access-date=December 22, 2022 |website=Variety}} and Minions 3 (2026);{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=January 10, 2025 |title=Universal Delays Shrek 5, Moves Up Minions 3 & More |url=https://deadline.com/2025/01/shrek-5-minions-3-release-dates-1236254122/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250111053845/https://deadline.com/2025/01/shrek-5-minions-3-release-dates-1236254122/ |archive-date=January 11, 2025 |access-date=January 10, 2025 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} and sequels Despicable Me 3 (2017) and Despicable Me 4 have been released.{{Cite web |last=McClintock |first=Pamela |date=January 15, 2014 |title=Universal Dates Despicable Me 3, New Grinch Who Stole Christmas |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/universal-dates-despicable-me-3-new-grinch-who-stole-christmas-671303/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517152723/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/universal-dates-despicable-me-3-new-grinch-who-stole-christmas-671303/ |archive-date=May 17, 2021 |access-date=January 25, 2025 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter}}{{Cite web |last=Grobar |first=Matt |date=February 18, 2022 |title=Illumination & Universal Set Dates For Animated Films Migration & Despicable Me 4 |url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/despicable-me-4-migration-get-release-dates-from-illumination-universal-1234956816/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218203450/https://deadline.com/2022/02/despicable-me-4-migration-get-release-dates-from-illumination-universal-1234956816/ |archive-date=February 18, 2022 |access-date=February 14, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}