Summary

• Despicable Me 5 is likely to follow Despicable Me 4's success, but not confirmed yet.
• Illumination may release another Minions spinoff before or after Despicable Me 5.
• Core cast , including Steve Carell as Gru and Kristen Wiig as Lucy Wilde, are expected to return.

With Despicable Me 4 already proving to be the Minions franchise's next smash hit, all eyes are turning to the future and the possibility of Despicable Me 5. Beginning in 2010 with the release of the eponymous film, the Minions franchise has blossomed into a multimedia juggernaut that centers around reformed supervillain Gru (Steve Carell) and his army of adorable yellow helpers. With each mainline entry and spinoff proving to be a financial boon for the animation studio Illumination, the chances of the franchise continuing in another sequel seem quite high.

Gru's latest adventure in Despicable Me 4 turned things into a family affair, and the introduction of the former supervillain's infant son, Gru Jr., changed the dynamic of the children's franchise. Though critical reception has been somewhat lackluster, it's in keeping with the series' relatively poor reception. On the other hand, Despicable Me 4 is already proving to be the next big moneymaker for Illumination, and that sort of cash is always a good indicator that another sequel is brewing. Though Despicable Me 5 hasn't been confirmed yet, it seems like a forgone conclusion, and a smart financial decision.

The entire Despicable Me franchise is available to stream on Peacock.

Despicable Me 5 Latest News

Despicable Me 4's Director Speaks Out

After the instant success of Despicable Me 4, the latest news sees the director discuss Despicable Me 5. The box-office-smashing franchise surely isn't over, and Chris Renaud essentially agreed in an interview with Variety.

Army of the Dead characters and a zombie

Of Despicable Me 5, Renaud said it was "certainly possible" but was quick to point out that it will depend on the quality of the movie's story. With Despicable Me 4 pushing the franchise into unprecedented story territory, the sequel will need to do the same.

Despicable Me 5 Is Not Confirmed (Yet)

Illumination Hasn't Announced A Sequel

With Despicable Me 4 already showing signs of being a crowd-pleasing summer blockbuster, it seems like only a matter of time before another Minions movie is announced

In Hollywood, critical reception only goes so far, and studios like Illumination instead look at box office figures before deciding on sequel plans. With Despicable Me 4 already showing signs of being a crowd-pleasing summer blockbuster, it seems like only a matter of time before another Minions movie is announced. With that said, Despicable Me 5 is not official yet, and it could take a few years before the green light is finally given. Though plans were put in place for Despicable Me 4 back in 2017, it wasn't until 2022 that it was formally announced.

Despicable Me 4 debuted in theaters on July 3, 2024.

Despicable Me 5 is the most logical next step for the franchise, but that doesn't necessarily mean Illuminations won't offer another spinoff in the interim. Though the mainline Despicable Me movies have all been smashing successes, 2015's Minions and 2022's Minions: Rise of Gru were both certified blockbusters in their own right. Not to mention, the Minions standalone movies have been released between the last two Despicable Me entries, forming a sure-fire moneymaking pattern.

Despicable Me 5 Cast

Will Gru & His Family Return?

Though the series has introduced a host of ing characters and one-off villains, the core cast of the Despicable Me franchise has remained largely intact. If Despicable Me 5 does end up happening, there are a few characters that will almost certainly return, bringing with them the franchise's familiar voice cast as well. Having led the series since 2010, Steve Carell will undoubtedly return as reformed supervillain Gru, and he'll probably be ed by Kristen Wiig as Lucy Wilde, Gru's wife.

The rest of Gru's family will also likely return, including Miranda Cosgrove as eldest daughter Margo, Dana Gaier as middle child Edith, and youngest daughter, Agnes, played by Madison Polan. However, Polan is the latest actor to voice the role, and Agnes has been played by three different actors across the Despicable Me movies. Another near-certain return is that of Pierre Coffin who voices all of Gru's beloved helpers, the Minions.

The presumptive cast of Despicable Me 5 includes:

Despicable Me 5 Story Details

Does Despicable Me 4 Set Up A Sequel?

As with previous films in the franchise, the ending of Despicable Me 4 doesn't necessarily set up a sequel, but the world is left open-ended enough to allow a host of storytelling possibilities. Gru and his family, along with their neighbor Poppy (Joey King), are able to stop the dastardly plans of villain Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell). With a bit of order restored to his life, Gru is able to come to grips with this new phase in his fatherhood journey, and he grows closer to his infant son, Gru Jr.

Despicable Me 5 could go in any number of directions, especially if the franchise wants to take a few risks. Gru could retire and focus on his family exclusively, only to be pulled back into the Anti Villains League, or his older kids could grow up and become rebellious teens. The next sequel will certainly introduce some new villain to vex Gru and his clan, but details will remain hazy until Despicable Me 5 is confirmed.