‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ Coming to Peacock

Steve Carrell stars as the master of evil in Illumination’s newest entry in the ‘Despicable Me’ franchise; the CG animated comedy debuts exclusively on the streamer later this month.

Illumination’s Minions: The Rise of Gru, the fifth entry in the hugely popular Despicable Me franchise, explores the origin story of how the world’s greatest supervillain first met his iconic Minions, forged cinema’s most dastardly crew, and faced off against the most unstoppable criminal force ever assembled – and it’s coming to Peacock on September 23.

Say “bello” to @Minions #TheRiseOfGru, streaming September 23 on Peacock pic.twitter.com/RuPNJYcW5T

— Peacock (@peacockTV) September 9, 2022

Long before he becomes the master of evil, Gru (Oscar nominee Steve Carell) was just a 12-year-old boy in 1970s suburbia, plotting to take over the world from his basement. Unfortunately, it’s not going particularly well. When Gru crosses paths with the Minions, including Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and Otto - a new Minion sporting braces and a desperate need to please - this unexpected family joins forces. Together, they build their first lair, design their first weapons, and strive to execute their first missions.

When the infamous supervillain supergroup, the Vicious 6, oust their leader—legendary martial arts fighter Wild Knuckles (Oscar winner Alan Arkin)— Gru, their most devoted fanboy, interviews to become their newest member. The Vicious 6 is not impressed by the diminutive, wannabe villain, but then Gru outsmarts (and enrages) them, and he suddenly finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. With Gru on the run, the Minions attempt to master the art of kung fu to help save him, and Gru discovers that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.

Minions: The Rise of Gru stars the Vicious 6: Taraji P. Henson as the cool and confident leader Belle Bottom, whose chain belt doubles as a lethal disco-ball mace; Jean-Claude Van Damme as the nihilistic Jean Clawed, who’s armed (literally) with a giant robotic claw; Lucy Lawless as Nunchuck, whose traditional nun’s habit hides her deadly nun-chucks; Dolph Lundgren as Swedish roller-skate champion Svengeance, who dispenses his enemies with spin kicks from his spiked skates; and Danny Trejo as Stronghold, whose giant iron hands are both a menace to others and a burden to himself.

The film also stars Russell Brand as Young Dr. Nefario, an aspiring mad scientist; Michelle Yeoh as Master Chow, an acupuncturist with mad kung fu skills; and Oscar winner Julie Andrews as Gru’s maddeningly self-absorbed mom.

Helmed by the franchise’s original creators, Minions: The Rise of Gru is produced by Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri, Janet Healy, and Chris Renaud. The film is directed by returning franchise filmmaker Kyle Balda (Despicable Me 3, Minions), co-directed by Brad Ableson (The Simpsons) and Jonathan del Val (The Secret Life of Pets films). It features the voice of Pierre Coffin as the Minions and a 70s soundtrack courtesy of Grammy-winning music producer Jack Antonoff.

In case you missed it – if that’s even possible, check out the Minions: The Rise of Gru trailer and mark your calendar for the September 23 Peacock debut!