Despicable Me 3 (2017): Cast, Trailer & Where To Watch | Your Guide

07 May, 2025

Is it possible for a sequel to maintain the spark of its predecessors, or does the magic inevitably fade? "Despicable Me 3," the 2017 animated comedy, attempts to answer this question, but the results are, well, a bit of a mixed bag.

Directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda, "Despicable Me 3" is the fourth installment in the "Despicable Me" franchise and serves as a direct sequel to "Despicable Me 2," which was released in 2013. Produced by Universal Pictures and Illumination, the film premiered on June 30, 2017, in the United States. It brought back fan favorites like Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, and introduced new characters, including Dru, Gru's long-lost twin brother, also voiced by Carell. The movie follows Gru as he grapples with his newfound brotherly connection while facing off against a new villain, Balthazar Bratt, voiced by Trey Parker, a former child star who has embraced his villainous side.

The film, categorized as action, animation, comedy, family, and adventure, ran for 1 hour and 30 minutes and received a PG rating in the US. While it aimed to capture the hearts of audiences like its predecessors, "Despicable Me 3" faced criticisms. Some critics described the film as a "depressingly rote piece of corporate product," implying a lack of originality and a reliance on established formulas. Despite these critiques, the film achieved significant commercial success. It amassed $264.6 million in the United States and Canada, with an additional $770.2 million from other territories, for a worldwide total of $1.035 billion. This financial success highlights the enduring appeal of the "Despicable Me" franchise to audiences worldwide, even if the critical reception wasn't universally positive. The film's global earnings also demonstrated the franchise's capability to connect with viewers across cultural boundaries and age groups, cementing its position as a major player in the animated film market.

Feature	Details
Movie Title	Despicable Me 3
Year of Release	2017
Director(s)	Pierre Coffin, Kyle Balda, Eric Guillon
Main Cast	Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker, Miranda Cosgrove
Genre	Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family
Runtime	1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Production Companies	Universal Pictures, Illumination
Worldwide Box Office	$1.035 billion
Sequel to	Despicable Me 2 (2013)
Rating	PG (US)
Official Website (for reference)	Universal Pictures - Despicable Me 3

The films narrative introduces Dru, Grus flamboyant and eccentric twin brother. Steve Carell, who voices both Gru and Dru, had the unique challenge of portraying two distinct characters. This dynamic allows the film to explore themes of family, identity, and the complexities of sibling relationships. The introduction of Dru offered an opportunity to expand the world of Gru beyond the familiar. However, some critiques suggest that this narrative development didnt resonate as strongly as the previous installments. Alongside the introduction of Dru, the film features the supervillain Balthazar Bratt, voiced by Trey Parker. Bratt's character, a former child star stuck in the 1980s, adds a layer of nostalgia and humor to the storyline. Parker's performance brought a unique energy, yet even this element faced some critical observations, with some stating the Bratt character was underutilized or that his character arc was less developed compared to previous antagonists in the franchise.

The voice cast of "Despicable Me 3" is a major draw. Steve Carell, in his dual role as Gru and Dru, is a cornerstone of the film's success. Kristen Wiig returns as Lucy Wilde, Gru's wife, providing her signature blend of warmth and humor. Trey Parkers performance as Balthazar Bratt is a notable highlight, contributing to the film's comedic appeal. Miranda Cosgrove, as Margo, along with Dana Gaier (Edith) and Nev Scharrel (Agnes), return as the adopted daughters of Gru, adding their familiar voices to the ensemble. Furthermore, the contributions from other actors such as Russell Brand, Jason Segel, and Julie Andrews, in their respective roles, also contribute to the movie's appeal. These actors, with their established reputations, have helped solidify the franchise's position in popular culture, encouraging repeat viewings and solidifying the films fan base.

The movie's release on June 30, 2017, by Universal Pictures, was a major cinematic event. The film had a wide release, quickly reaching theaters across the United States and Canada, and subsequently, throughout the world. The marketing campaign for "Despicable Me 3" was extensive, including trailers, promotional clips, and merchandise. These efforts contributed to the film's high visibility and generated significant anticipation among audiences, contributing to its impressive opening weekend and continued box office success. The film capitalized on the previous successes of the "Despicable Me" franchise, leveraging its established fan base to guarantee significant viewership. The extensive advertising campaign made sure that the film reached a wide demographic, assuring its dominance in the animated film industry.

The technical aspects of "Despicable Me 3," including its animation, soundtrack, and overall visual style, further enhanced the viewing experience. The animation quality, a hallmark of Illumination Entertainment, maintained its high standards, showcasing detailed character designs and vibrant environments. The soundtrack, featuring a mix of original compositions and popular songs, complemented the film's narrative and provided an immersive auditory experience. The visual design of the film further contributed to its appeal, with visually appealing scenes and settings, especially in the action sequences that required precision and intricate animation work, making the overall experience visually stimulating.

The "Despicable Me" franchise has always been centered on the theme of family. "Despicable Me 3" continues this tradition, exploring the evolution of Gru's relationship with his adopted daughters and, in this installment, the introduction of his long-lost twin brother, Dru. Gru's journey from a criminal mastermind to a loving father is a central aspect of the series, and the film explores his evolving family dynamic. The movie emphasizes the importance of family, love, and acceptance. These themes resonate with audiences of all ages, making the film relatable and heartwarming. Despite the introduction of new characters and settings, the series stays true to its established narrative themes, strengthening the emotional connection between the audience and the characters.

The critical reception of "Despicable Me 3" was mixed. While many praised the animation quality and the vocal performances, some critics found the plot to be less compelling. The film's success at the box office suggested that audience members enjoyed the film, even if it didnt win over all critics. Critical assessments often pointed to the formulaic nature of the plot and the character development in the film. The audience response, however, indicated that the movie still had the capacity to entertain families and fans of the franchise. The financial success of the film demonstrates that despite the reservations from critics, "Despicable Me 3" remained a highly anticipated and enjoyable cinematic experience for a large number of viewers.

Comparing "Despicable Me 3" to its predecessors reveals both continuities and changes. The franchise's distinctive humor and visual style were consistent. The focus on Gru's evolution as a character and his relationship with his daughters continued to be central. However, the plot became more complicated, with the introduction of multiple new characters, potentially affecting the narrative's focus. The film also introduced new settings and scenarios, expanding the world of "Despicable Me." The overall structure followed the same formula, which the earlier films popularized, yet the effectiveness of this formula was debated, with some feeling that the franchises formula was wearing thin. Despite these changes, the film stayed true to the franchise's key elements, such as its comedic style and the central theme of family.

The impact of "Despicable Me 3" on the animation industry is significant. The film's financial success is a testimony to the strength of the animated film market. It also set a new standard for the franchise, cementing its place as a major player in the animated movie industry. The film's strong box office performance showed its wide appeal. It has inspired future animation projects, showcasing the significance of animated movies to the industry. This film demonstrates the potential for animation as a genre, and its ability to attract a global audience, reinforcing the franchise's cultural influence.

The international appeal of "Despicable Me 3" is notable. The films global box office success is proof of its ability to connect with audiences across a range of cultures. The films humor and story have a universal appeal that transcends cultural boundaries, allowing it to resonate with viewers worldwide. The franchises consistent international success has boosted the animated genres position in global cinema, showing the ability of animated films to entertain diverse audiences. The characters personalities and the overall tone of the film are structured in a way that makes the film accessible and entertaining to a broad audience.

The enduring appeal of the "Despicable Me" franchise in general can be attributed to various aspects. The characters, especially Gru and the Minions, have become cultural icons due to their charm and humor. The blend of comedy, action, and emotional elements in the story has made the series appealing to a wide audience. The focus on themes of family and acceptance has resonated with viewers, generating emotional connections. The consistently high-quality animation and imaginative visuals have added to the series' success. Moreover, the franchises appeal can be credited to the continuous evolution of its narrative, with the introduction of fresh characters and storylines. This dynamic strategy has kept the franchise current and engaging for audiences, ensuring its enduring success in the animation industry.

Beyond the movie itself, "Despicable Me 3" has also left its mark on popular culture. The films characters have appeared in various products, including toys, apparel, and video games, solidifying their influence on the cultural landscape. The success of the film has also boosted the careers of the voice actors involved, raising their visibility. The films soundtrack and memorable quotes have been integrated into popular culture. The "Despicable Me" franchise's sustained presence in pop culture is a symbol of its impact on entertainment and its lasting influence.

Looking ahead, the "Despicable Me" franchises future is promising. With additional installments planned, including a fourth movie in the main series, the franchise is set to grow. The enduring popularity of the franchise ensures the continued relevance of its characters and stories, capturing the audiences interest. Future entries have the potential to introduce new characters, explore fresh narrative concepts, and stay relevant in the dynamic world of animation. The "Despicable Me" franchise is poised to stay a major participant in animated films for years to come.

Despicable Me 3 (2017) Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB)

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