Minions (film)

Lore & Background

The film's plot begins with the Minions, who have existed since the beginning of time, evolving from single-celled organisms into beings that serve history's most despicable masters. However, their clumsiness leads them to accidentally kill every boss they work for, driving them into isolation after an incident with Napoleon in Russia. After years in a cave, three Minions—Kevin, Stuart, and Bob—embark on a quest to find a new boss. In 1968, they travel to New York City, discover a commercial for Villain-Con, and hitchhike to Orlando with the Nelson family of thieves. At the convention, they meet Scarlet Overkill, the world's first female supervillain, who hires them to steal the Imperial State Crown from Queen Elizabeth II in London. During the heist, Bob pulls the Sword in the Stone, becoming king, but abdicates in favor of Scarlet. After a series of conflicts, including a giant Kevin, the Minions defeat Scarlet and are rewarded by the Queen. The film ends with a young Gru freezing Scarlet and Herb, prompting the Minions to chase after him as their new boss.

Reader's Guide

Minions was a significant commercial success, grossing $1.16 billion and finishing as the fifth-highest-grossing film of 2015, the second-highest-grossing animated film, and the tenth-highest-grossing film of all time at the time. It received mixed reviews from critics. The film's marketing campaign was described by Bloomberg News as the 'largest and most comprehensive' in Universal Pictures' history, with an estimated $593 million spent on promotion, including partnerships with McDonald's, Chiquita, and General Mills. Pantone created a new official color, 'Minion Yellow,' in collaboration with Illumination. The film's success led to a sequel, Minions: The Rise of Gru, released in 2022. The film also marked the first in the franchise where Chris Renaud did not serve as director, instead acting as executive producer.

Did You Know?

• The film features the voices of Pierre Coffin as the Minions, Sandra Bullock as Scarlet Overkill, and Jon Hamm as Herb Overkill.
• Minions premiered at the Odeon Leicester Square in London on June 11, 2015.
• The film's official soundtrack was released on July 10, 2015, by Back Lot Music, with original music composed by Heitor Pereira.
• A sequel, Minions: The Rise of Gru, was released in 2022.