Minions & Monsters Trailer Drops During Super Bowl, Sets July Release
The Minions are back and this time they’ve conquered Hollywood – and possibly unleashed a global crisis. Universal Pictures and Illumination unveiled the first official trailer for Minions & Monsters during Super Bowl, offering a glimpse into the seventh installment of the Despicable Me franchise and the third dedicated Minions film. The trailer quickly followed with a wider online release, generating immediate buzz.
The film’s premise, as revealed in the trailer and official synopsis, is decidedly ambitious for the diminutive yellow creatures. Minions & Monsters tells “the rambunctious, ridiculous and totally true story of how the Minions conquered Hollywood, became movie stars, lost everything, unleashed monsters onto the world and then banded together to try and save the planet from the mayhem they had just created.” The narrative suggests a period setting, with a director character played by Christoph Waltz hinting at a possible 1930s or 1940s aesthetic.
The project marks another directorial effort from Pierre Coffin, who has helmed all previous Despicable Me and Minions films. Coffin also continues to provide the distinctive vocalizations for the Minions themselves, a role he’s held since their debut in . He co-wrote the screenplay with Brian Lynch, known for his work on the Minions franchise and The Secret Life of Pets films. Producing the film are Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and Bill Ryan, with Lynch also serving as an executive producer.
Illumination’s bet on the Minions continues to pay off handsomely. According to Universal, the franchise has generated over $5.6 billion in global box office revenue. The previous installment, Minions: The Rise of Gru, exceeded expectations with a worldwide gross of over $940 million, and even sparked the viral “Gentleminions” trend on TikTok, demonstrating the enduring cultural impact of the characters.
The move to a release date represents a shift from the previously announced slot, signaling confidence in the project and potentially aiming to capitalize on the summer blockbuster season. The trailer’s debut during the Super Bowl, one of the most-watched television events in the United States, is a strategic move to maximize visibility and generate early excitement.
Beyond the core narrative, the trailer hints at a unique creative influence. The film introduces a monster character described as owing a debt to the Cthulhu mythos created by author H.P. Lovecraft, suggesting a playful blend of the Minions’ signature slapstick humor with elements of classic horror. This unexpected juxtaposition could broaden the film’s appeal beyond its core family audience.
The success of Illumination’s animated films has been a consistent force in the industry, and Minions & Monsters is poised to continue that trend. Meledandri’s leadership at Illumination has established a reputation for consistently delivering commercially successful and culturally relevant animated features. The studio’s ability to tap into evolving trends, as evidenced by the “Gentleminions” phenomenon, underscores its understanding of the modern entertainment landscape.
The film’s release comes at a pivotal moment for the animation industry, as studios continue to navigate the evolving dynamics of theatrical distribution and the rise of streaming platforms. Illumination has largely remained committed to the traditional theatrical model, and the strong performance of its previous films suggests that audiences remain eager to experience its content on the big screen.
With a proven track record, a dedicated fanbase, and a seemingly outlandish yet intriguing premise, Minions & Monsters is shaping up to be a major summer event. The trailer’s release has already ignited social media conversation, and the film’s July debut is eagerly anticipated by audiences of all ages.
