Minions: The Rise of Gru is a fast-paced animated comedy that serves as both a sequel to Minions (2015) and a prequel to the Despicable Me saga. It focuses on how a seemingly harmless kid becomes the world’s most lovable supervillain, with plenty of Minion chaos along the way.
Detailed Summary
Gru’s Big Dream: Becoming a Supervillain
The story is set in the 1970s. Gru is only 11 years old, living in the suburbs and dreaming of becoming the world’s greatest supervillain. He idolizes the Vicious 6, a notorious group of villains who have just overthrown their leader, Wild Knuckles.
Gru lives with his loyal Minions (Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and many others), who fully support his evil ambitions, even if they constantly mess things up.
The Vicious 6 Auditions
When the Vicious 6 announce they are recruiting a new member, Gru sees this as his big chance. He sneaks into their audition and surprises them with his confidence and gadgets. Although he briefly impresses them, they ultimately reject him because of his age.
This rejection becomes a turning point for Gru, pushing him to prove that he is far more dangerous than anyone thinks.
Stealing the Zodiac Stone
To get revenge and make a name for himself, Gru steals the Zodiac Stone, a powerful artifact tied to the Chinese zodiac. This humiliates the Vicious 6 and makes Gru their new enemy.
However, things escalate quickly when the Vicious 6 kidnap Gru, leaving the Minions to save him on their own.
The Minions’ Side Adventures
While trying to rescue Gru, the Minions split up:
- Kevin, Stuart, and Bob travel to San Francisco, where they meet Master Chow, an elderly kung fu master.
- Other Minions accidentally end up at a hippie commune, discovering a more “peaceful” lifestyle (which, of course, doesn’t last long).
The kung fu subplot is especially important, as it introduces discipline, teamwork, and growth, even if filtered through Minion-level absurdity.
Wild Knuckles and Gru
Gru escapes the Vicious 6 with the help of Wild Knuckles, the original leader they betrayed. Their relationship becomes a strange mentor-student bond. Wild Knuckles teaches Gru that being a villain isn’t just about power, but also about reputation, loyalty, and style.
This mentorship shapes Gru’s future identity in subtle but meaningful ways.
Movie Ending
In the climax, the Vicious 6 plan to use the Zodiac Stone during a Chinese New Year celebration to gain immense power. Gru and the Minions confront them, leading to a massive showdown.
Each member of the Vicious 6 transforms into a powerful zodiac-based creature. Just when it seems hopeless, the Minions’ kung fu training pays off. Kevin, Stuart, and Bob use their new skills to fight back, while Gru proves his intelligence and leadership rather than raw strength.
Wild Knuckles ultimately sacrifices his freedom to stop the Vicious 6, allowing Gru to escape and succeed. The Vicious 6 are defeated and arrested, and Gru officially earns his reputation as a rising supervillain.
The movie ends with Gru returning home with the Minions, stronger and more confident than ever. He may still be young, but this is the moment he truly becomes “Gru” as we know him from Despicable Me. His bond with the Minions is reaffirmed, setting the stage for his future criminal career.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
Yes. There is a mid-credits scene showing Gru and the Minions beginning to build their first underground lair, directly connecting this film to Despicable Me (2010). There is no additional post-post-credits scene.
Type of Movie
Minions: The Rise of Gru is an animated family comedy with strong elements of adventure and slapstick humor, aimed primarily at children but filled with pop-culture jokes for adults.
Cast
- Steve Carell – Gru
- Pierre Coffin – The Minions
- Alan Arkin – Wild Knuckles
- Taraji P. Henson – Belle Bottom
- Michelle Yeoh – Master Chow
- Julie Andrews – Gru’s Mom
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Heitor Pereira, a longtime collaborator on the Despicable Me franchise. The soundtrack heavily features 1970s-inspired music, including classic funk, rock, and soul tracks, reinforcing the film’s retro vibe.
Filming Locations
As an animated film, production took place mainly at Illumination’s studios in Paris and Los Angeles. The story itself is set in:
- Suburban America (Gru’s home life)
- San Francisco (the Minions’ kung fu journey)
San Francisco is particularly important, symbolizing chaos, cultural diversity, and growth outside Gru’s comfort zone.
Awards and Nominations
- Nominated for Kids’ Choice Awards – Favorite Animated Movie
- Multiple nominations at animation-focused and family film award ceremonies
While not a major awards contender, the film was a commercial success.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Steve Carell recorded many lines improvisationally, especially Gru’s frustrated reactions to the Minions.
- The kung fu scenes were inspired by classic Shaw Brothers martial arts films.
- The animators studied 1970s fashion and architecture to make the setting feel authentic.
- Michelle Yeoh recorded many of her lines while actively filming live-action projects.
Inspirations and References
- Classic kung fu movies from the 1970s
- Bruce Lee–era martial arts cinema
- Retro pop culture and fashion
- Earlier Despicable Me films and slapstick comedy traditions
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Several deleted scenes involve extended Minion sequences at the hippie commune. These were removed to keep the runtime shorter and the pacing faster. No fully alternate ending was released, but early drafts had Wild Knuckles surviving without being arrested.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The movie is not based on a book. It is an original story created specifically for the film franchise, expanding existing characters rather than adapting written material.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Gru’s disastrous audition in front of the Vicious 6
- The Minions learning kung fu
- The Zodiac-powered final battle
- Wild Knuckles mentoring Gru
Iconic Quotes
- “You’re too small to be a villain.” – Belle Bottom
- “I am not small. I am evil!” – Gru
- “Kung fu is not about strength. It is about balance.” – Master Chow
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Young Gru’s gadgets resemble early prototypes of weapons seen in Despicable Me (2010)
- The underground lair teaser mirrors the original Despicable Me opening
- The Vicious 6 headquarters contains visual nods to classic Bond villains
- Gru’s scarf color foreshadows his iconic outfit
Trivia
- This is the first time Gru’s mother appears extensively in the franchise
- The Minions speak more “Minionese” than in any previous film
- The film was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Over 60 Minions appear with unique designs
Why Watch?
If you enjoy lighthearted humor, fast pacing, and colorful animation, this movie delivers exactly what it promises. It also adds meaningful backstory to Gru, making the Despicable Me series more emotionally complete.
Director’s Other Works
- Minions (2015)
- Despicable Me 3 (2017)
- The Simpsons episodes (various years)
- Sing 2 (2021) – animation leadership role
