Despicable Me 3 is the third main installment of Illumination’s wildly popular animated franchise. Released in 2017, the film expands Gru’s story in unexpected directions while doubling down on Minion chaos, colorful villains, and family-centered themes.
Detailed Summary
Opening: Balthazar Bratt Enters the Stage
The movie opens with a show-stealing villain introduction. Balthazar Bratt, a former 1980s child TV star, is now a full-time supervillain stuck emotionally and stylistically in the decade of neon lights, cassette tapes, and shoulder pads. His dramatic heist sequence immediately establishes the film’s retro tone and comedic energy.
Gru Loses His Job
Gru and Lucy are now officially married and working together as agents of the Anti-Villain League (AVL). When they fail to capture Bratt during a mission, they are fired by the league’s new, stricter director. This moment becomes crucial because it strips Gru of the one thing that kept his villainous instincts in check: purpose.
The Surprise Twin: Dru
Gru discovers that he has a long-lost twin brother named Dru, who lives in the extravagant country of Freedonia. Unlike Gru, Dru is cheerful, optimistic, and fabulously wealthy. Their reunion is one of the film’s emotional cores, exploring themes of identity and belonging. Dru reveals that their father was a famous villain and wants Gru to return to his roots.
Minion Rebellion
Meanwhile, the Minions feel neglected because Gru refuses to be evil again. In classic fashion, they rebel and end up in prison after attempting petty crimes. Their prison subplot is pure slapstick comedy and reinforces how deeply the Minions crave villainy, even when it’s clearly a bad idea.
Lucy’s Motherhood Anxiety
Lucy struggles with becoming a “good enough” mother to Margo, Edith, and Agnes. Her insecurity leads to a series of awkward and heartfelt moments that ground the film emotionally, reminding viewers that Despicable Me is as much about family as it is about gadgets and jokes.
Training for One Last Heist
Gru reluctantly agrees to train Dru in villainy, claiming he’ll help him pull off a final heist without actually doing anything illegal. Of course, this plan goes sideways. Gru slowly realizes that suppressing who he is doesn’t work forever, but embracing it responsibly might.
Movie Ending
In the final act, Balthazar Bratt launches his ultimate revenge plan, using stolen diamond-powered technology to destroy Hollywood as payback for being written out of his childhood TV show. Gru and Dru fully team up as brothers for the first time, combining their strengths: Gru’s experience and Dru’s enthusiasm.
They infiltrate Bratt’s giant robot, engage in an over-the-top showdown, and ultimately defeat him by exploiting his obsession with his younger self. Bratt is captured and handed over to the authorities, finally ending his retro-fueled reign of terror.
Gru officially rejects returning to full villainy but accepts that he can still use his skills creatively and ethically. Dru decides to continue the family villain tradition in a less destructive way, effectively becoming a “gentleman villain.” Lucy gains confidence as a mother, realizing she doesn’t need to be perfect to be loved.
The Minions are released from prison and joyfully reunite with Gru. The film ends with the family together, stronger and more honest than before, while Gru finally embraces every part of who he is—past included.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
Yes. There is a post-credits scene featuring the Minions performing a hilariously chaotic musical number. It serves no plot purpose but exists purely for fun and fan service, staying true to the franchise’s tradition.
Type of Movie
Despicable Me 3 is a family-friendly animated comedy with strong elements of action and adventure. It balances slapstick humor with emotional storytelling centered on family, identity, and self-acceptance.
Cast
- Steve Carell as Gru / Dru
- Kristen Wiig as Lucy Wilde
- Trey Parker as Balthazar Bratt
- Miranda Cosgrove as Margo
- Dana Gaier as Edith
- Nev Scharrel as Agnes
- Pierre Coffin as The Minions
Film Music and Composer
The score is composed by Heitor Pereira, continuing the franchise’s energetic musical identity. The film heavily features 1980s pop music, reinforcing Bratt’s character and nostalgia-driven humor, including tracks inspired by synth-pop and disco.
Filming Locations
As an animated film, Despicable Me 3 was produced primarily at Illumination Studios in France and the United States. While there are no traditional filming locations, the fictional country of Freedonia draws inspiration from European architecture and luxury aesthetics, emphasizing Dru’s extravagant lifestyle and contrasting with Gru’s suburban roots.
Awards and Nominations
- Nominated for Kids’ Choice Awards – Favorite Animated Movie
- Nominated for Annie Awards in animation-related categories
While not as critically acclaimed as earlier entries, the film performed strongly with family audiences.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Trey Parker insisted Bratt’s entire personality be rooted in authentic 1980s pop culture.
- Steve Carell recorded Gru and Dru’s voices separately to give each brother a distinct rhythm.
- The Minion prison scenes were partially improvised by Pierre Coffin.
- Illumination deliberately leaned into visual comedy over emotional drama compared to the second film.
Inspirations and References
- 1980s pop culture, MTV aesthetics, and VHS-era action shows
- Child star burnout narratives
- Classic sibling rivalry tropes
- Spy movies with exaggerated villains
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Several extended Minion prison scenes were cut for pacing. Early story drafts reportedly considered Dru becoming the main villain, but this idea was scrapped to preserve the family-friendly tone and sibling bond.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film is not based on a book. It is an original screenplay developed specifically for the Despicable Me franchise.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Gru and Dru’s first meeting at Dru’s mansion
- The Minions turning prison into a musical playground
- Bratt’s final fight using a giant robot powered by nostalgia
- Lucy’s awkward attempts at bonding with the girls
Iconic Quotes
- Balthazar Bratt: “I was bad, then good, then bad again.”
- Gru: “I have been a bad boy… but I am done with that.”
- Agnes: “He looks like you, but happy.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Bratt’s gadgets mimic real 1980s toys and electronics
- Gru’s dance moves mirror earlier films
- Prison Minions reference Sing (2016) with musical choreography
- Freedonia’s name nods to classic comedy films
Trivia
- This is the first Despicable Me film where Gru is not the primary antagonist at any point.
- Trey Parker wrote many of Bratt’s lines himself.
- The Minions speak more intelligible English than in previous films.
- The movie was one of the highest-grossing animated films of 2017.
Why Watch?
If you enjoy fast-paced humor, colorful villains, and stories about family and self-acceptance, Despicable Me 3 delivers. While lighter on emotional depth than its predecessor, it shines with creativity, nostalgia, and sibling dynamics.
