The Despicable Me/Minions franchise has once again proved its dominance in the global box office with the release of Despicable Me 4. The latest installment has helped the franchise surpass the $5 billion mark, making it the first animated franchise ever to achieve this milestone. With an estimated $136 million in its second weekend, the film is expected to continue its reign as the number one movie globally.
After premiering in select markets four weeks ago, Despicable Me 4 has continued to expand its reach, adding countries like France, Germany, UK, and China to its list. With upcoming releases in Japan, Korea, and Italy, the film is set to conquer even more international markets. Already, 26 countries have reported the biggest opening weekends for the franchise, showcasing its universal appeal.
As of Friday, the top five offshore markets for Despicable Me 4 are Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, and Argentina. These countries have contributed significantly to the film’s overall global success. Domestically, the Despicable Me/Minions franchise has secured its position as the 10th highest-grossing franchise of all time, surpassing iconic series like Transformers, Hunger Games, and Shrek.
Future of the Franchise
In a bold move, Universal recently announced the release date for Minions 3, set for June 30, 2027. The film will be written by Brian Lynch and directed by Pierre Coffin, the mastermind behind the success of the Despicable Me films and the first Minions movie. With Chris Meledandri and Bill Ryan on board as producers, the future looks bright for the Minions franchise.
The Despicable Me/Minions franchise’s achievement of surpassing the $5 billion mark is a testament to its enduring popularity and universal appeal. With a solid fan base, strong international performance, and a promising future with upcoming releases, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. As it continues to break records and capture the hearts of audiences worldwide, it solidifies its position as a powerhouse in the animation industry.