Despicable Me 3: Cast & Characters Guide - See Who Voiced Who!
Is it possible for a film to be both a financial juggernaut and a delightful cinematic experience? In the case of "Despicable Me 3," the answer appears to be a resounding yes, proving that even in the world of animated sequels, there's still room for laughter, heart, and box office success.
Released in 2017, "Despicable Me 3" marked yet another chapter in the wildly popular "Despicable Me" franchise. Produced by Universal Pictures and Illumination, and distributed by Universal, the film continued the story of Gru, his family, and the ever-present Minions. Serving as the sequel to "Despicable Me 2" (2013), it was the third main installment in the series, and the fourth overall entry, solidifying its place as a major player in the animated film landscape. The film, directed by Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin, and Eric Guillon, brought back the familiar voices of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker, and Miranda Cosgrove, ensuring that the core cast that audiences had come to love remained intact.
The plot of "Despicable Me 3" sees Gru and his wife Lucy facing a new challenge. They must now confront Balthazar Bratt, a former '80s child star who has turned to a life of villainy, determined to achieve world domination. The story allowed the filmmakers to incorporate elements of nostalgia, particularly through Bratt's character and the musical choices, which added a layer of fun for the adult audience members.
The film was met with a mixed reception from critics, some of whom viewed it as a somewhat formulaic offering within the franchise. However, the film's financial success underscored the enduring appeal of the "Despicable Me" universe. The enduring popularity of the characters and the consistent quality of the animation helped to ensure its place as a memorable entry in the series.
Name | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Steve John Carell |
Date of Birth | August 16, 1962 |
Birth Place | Concord, Massachusetts, USA |
Occupation | Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer |
Known For | "The Office," "Despicable Me" Franchise, "Anchorman," "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" |
Notable Roles | Michael Scott (The Office), Gru/Dru (Despicable Me Series) |
Spouse | Nancy Walls (Married 1995 - Present) |
Children | Elisabeth Anne Carell, John Carell |
Awards | Golden Globe Award for Best Actor Television Series Musical or Comedy (The Office) |
Reference | IMDb |
The film's success can be attributed to a number of factors. The animation quality remained high, the voice acting was top-notch, and the introduction of new characters, such as Balthazar Bratt, kept things fresh and exciting. The focus on family and the heartwarming message at the film's core made it a great fit for a family audience.
The ensemble cast, as usual, was a major draw. The core voice cast, including Steve Carell as Gru and Dru, Kristen Wiig as Lucy Wilde, Trey Parker as Balthazar Bratt, and Miranda Cosgrove as Margo Gru, delivered performances that were both entertaining and memorable. Steve Coogan as Fritz and Silas Ramsbottom, Jenny Slate as Valerie Da Vinci, Dana Gaier as Edith Gru, and Julie Andrews as Marlena Gru also contributed to the vibrant cast of characters.
While the film's plot was somewhat predictable, the vibrant animation and the performances of the voice actors more than compensated for any shortcomings in the storyline. The humor was consistently funny, with slapstick comedy balanced by moments of genuine heart. The return of the Minions, with their unique brand of nonsensical antics, also added another layer of entertainment for the audience. Even for the more seasoned moviegoers, the film offers a good measure of fun for the entire family.
The films release on June 30, 2017, saw a wide release in the US and many other territories, and the studio invested heavily in marketing, ensuring that "Despicable Me 3" was a major presence in cinemas and on promotional materials. This, combined with the franchises established popularity, helped to draw in a large audience from the very beginning.
As the film was released it was rated PG, indicating a family-friendly tone. The film's runtime of approximately 90 minutes proved to be perfectly suited for its narrative and target audience. This blend of ingredients, made "Despicable Me 3" a good viewing experience.
Title | Details |
---|---|
Title | Despicable Me 3 |
Year | 2017 |
Genre | Animation, Action, Comedy, Family, Adventure |
Runtime | 1 hour 30 minutes |
Rating | PG |
Director | Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin, Eric Guillon |
Producers | Chris Meledandri, Janet Healy |
Production Companies | Universal Pictures, Illumination |
Distributor | Universal Pictures |
One of the most interesting aspects of "Despicable Me 3" is the introduction of Trey Parker as Balthazar Bratt. This marked the first time Parker starred in a film he didnt direct. Parker brought his comedic sensibilities to the role, which perfectly matched the film's tone, and played off the 80s theme. The characters design, reminiscent of '80s pop culture, combined with Parker's vocal performance, ensured he became a memorable villain in the "Despicable Me" universe. The character, a former child star, perfectly embodied the over-the-top style and visual aesthetic of the decade, giving audiences an injection of nostalgia along with the primary story.
The film also benefited from its soundtrack, which included a variety of '80s hits, further enhancing the nostalgia factor. The music was expertly integrated into the story, adding another layer of enjoyment to the experience. The use of these songs helped enhance the film's fun atmosphere.
It's worth noting that, despite the mixed reviews, "Despicable Me 3" was a commercial success. This underscores the franchises enduring appeal and its ability to connect with audiences of all ages. The film proved that animated sequels can still deliver both critical acclaim and financial returns, and remain a popular choice for families looking for a fun and lighthearted experience at the cinema. The film, in addition to being a great source of entertainment, it presented a strong visual display and also had lessons for both children and parents.
While the plot and storyline were not the highest level of originality, the production value of the film, including the animation and voice work, ensured that the film remained a high quality entertainment experience. "Despicable Me 3" provides a good escape. The film's popularity also ensured the future of the franchise, confirming the audience's affinity for the characters and the world they inhabit. The consistent performance of the franchise at the box office ensured the film's place in popular culture.
The film's setting and themes also proved to be another point in the franchise's favor. As the "Despicable Me" franchise continues, audiences can expect that these characters and this world will continue to provide entertainment for years to come. The success of "Despicable Me 3" cemented its place in the world of animated films and offered a further confirmation of the quality of its characters, as well as the narrative that the films are known for.


