Despicable Me 2 hits the record books

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA, August 19, 2013—Universal Pictures International (UPI) today announced that Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s Despicable Me 2 has become the highest-grossing film of 2013 at the U.K. box office.

After seven weeks in release, Despicable Me 2 has grossed £42.67 million ($66.78m), beating out Universal’s own Les Misérables (£40.85 million [$63.84m]), for the No. 1 spot in that territory. Despicable Me 2 has grossed $435.2 million internationally to date.

“When we first saw Despicable Me 2, we knew we had something quite special on our hands. The Minions are a force to be reckoned with, and their mischievous nature and good-hearted sense of humor is what makes the film such a fan favorite,” said David Kosse, president of international for Universal Pictures. “We’re delighted that U.K. audiences have continued to enjoy it as much as we do.”

Directed by Chris Renaud & Pierre Coffin and produced by Illumination Founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy, the blockbuster voice cast includes Steve Carell, Kristin Wiig Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand, Steve Coogan, Ken Jeong, Elsie Fisher, Dana Gaier and Moises Arias.

Despicable Me 2’s U.K. box office success comes on the heels of the studio reporting more than $1.8 billion at the international box office—making it UPI’s biggest year in history, passing the previous record set in 2012 when the studio grossed $1.794 for the year.

UPI’s international success has been propelled by hits such as Les Misérables ($293 million), Fast & Furious 6 ($547 million) and Despicable Me 2 ($435.2million) and also by the solid performance of films including Oblivion ($197.1 million) and Mama ($75.9 million).

Currently, Universal has the second and third highest-grossing films both internationally and worldwide with Fast & Furious 6 and Despicable Me 2, respectively.

More from Gru

With Despicable me 2 in cinemas, we have been sent over two great features about the film. both narrated by Steve Carell. One one the 3D aspect of the film and the other about what has happened in Gru's life since the first film.

CHRIS MELEDANDRI and his acclaimed filmmaking team create an all-new comedy adventure featuring the return of former super-villain Gru (STEVE CARELL of The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!), his adorable girls, the unpredictably hilarious Minions...and a host of new and outrageously funny characters.

Now that the ever-entrepreneurial Gru has left behind a life of super crime to raise Margo (MIRANDA COSGROVE of television's iCarly), Edith (DANA GAIER of Bullied) and Agnes ELSIE FISHER (television's Masha and the Bear), Gru, Dr. Nefario (RUSSELL BRAND of Get Him to the Greek, Hop) and the Minions have some free time on their hands. But just as he starts to adjust to his role as a suburban family man, an ultra-secret organization dedicated to fighting evil around the globe comes knocking. Now, it's up to Gru and his new partner, Lucy Wilde (KRISTEN WIIG of Bridesmaids, television's Saturday Night Live), to discover who is responsible for a spectacular crime and bring him to justice. After all, it takes the world's greatest ex-villain to catch the one vying to take his place… Joining the returning cast for Despicable Me 2 are KEN JEONG (The Hangover trilogy, television's Community) as Floyd Eagle-san, proprietor of the local hair replacement club for men and key suspect in the most despicable crime to hit the globe since Gru departed the game; STEVE COOGAN as Silas Ramsbottom, Lucy's boss in the Anti-Villain League and a superspy whose surname offers an endless source of amusement to the Minions; MOISES ARIAS (Hannah Montana, The Secret World of Arrietty) as Antonio, the oh-so-suave object of Margo's girlhood affection (and Gru's supreme annoyance); and BENJAMIN BRATT (Miss Congeniality, Snitch) as Eduardo Perez, Antonio's father, owner of Salsa & Salsa restaurant, and the man who may or may not be the most macho super-villain who ever villained, El Macho.

In UK cinemas now

GRU'S FIRST TELEVISION APPEARANCE!

For the first time since he created the signature voice for the infamous animated character, Steve Carell appeared in studio as the “real-life” Gru from Despicable Me 2.

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s worldwide blockbuster Despicable Me entertained audiences around the globe in 2010, grossing more than $540 million and becoming the 10th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history. In summer 2013, get ready for more Minion madness in Despicable Me 2. Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed filmmaking team create an all-new comedy adventure featuring the return of (former?) super-villain Gru (Steve Carell), his adorable girls, the unpredictably hilarious Minions...and a host of new and outrageously funny characters.

Minions run

Yesterday saw the annual Bupa Great Manchester Run. This time the run saw two special guests. these being some of Gru's minions.

“Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s worldwide blockbuster Despicable Me entertained audiences around the globe in 2010, grossing more than $540 million and becoming the 10th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history. In summer 2013, get ready for more Minion madness in Despicable Me 2. Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed filmmaking team create an all-new comedy adventure featuring the return of (former?) super-villain Gru (Steve Carell), his adorable girls, the unpredictably hilarious Minions...and a host of new and outrageously funny characters.

minions worth paying for

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s DESPICABLE ME 2 Stars in the Next ‘Moments Worth Paying For’ Trailer

This Summer, Get Ready for More Minion Madness in DESPICABLE ME 2 – in cinemas 28th June 2013.

The Minions are at it again! This time, they are here to help tackle consumer confusion around legal and illegal online movie sources by using their unique brand of irrepressible humour to shine a spotlight on the true value of official film!

To celebrate the release, FindAnyFilm.com has teamed up with Universal to create a bespoke new trailer, as part of the successful ‘Moments Worth Paying For’ campaign. The trailer is designed not only to celebrate the value of film, but also direct audiences to Findanyfilm.com – a gateway to official film services across a range of formats, both on and offline.

The new trailer, which features the iconic Minions sharing excerpts from Despicable Me 2 (released in cinemas nationwide on 28th June 2013), has been launched following new research which highlights the extent of consumer confusion when it comes to spotting pirate websites.

A recent online YouGov study has revealed that one in four of all UK adults are unable to differentiate any pirate websites from the real deal. The confusion was particularly high among parents: 36% of parents were unable to correctly identify any of the pirate websites.

The collaboration between Universal and FindAnyFilm will see the 30-second trailer shown in cinemas nationwide for a four week period, as well as supportive posters in outdoor locations from 26th April.

Universal and Illumination’s worldwide blockbuster Despicable Me entertained audiences around the globe in 2010, becoming the 10th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history. This summer, get ready for more Minion madness in Despicable Me 2.

Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed filmmaking team create an all-new comedy adventure featuring the return of (former?) super-villain Gru (Steve Carell), his adorable girls, the unpredictably hilarious Minions...and a host of new and outrageously funny characters.

Niels Swinkels, Managing Director UK and Eire, Universal Pictures International said: “Despicable Me is Universal's premium animation franchise and audiences are eager to see Gru and the Minions back in action this summer. We're delighted to be working with FindAnyFilm to integrate our top quality content in such an important educational message.”

Liz Bales from FindAnyFilm.com said: “Our research shows that consumers can often be confused when it comes to purchasing film and TV online, so we’re thrilled to be working with Universal to help address this issue. FindAnyFilm.com provides a wealth of official and safe ways to watch, including tonnes of digital services that can be accessed at the click of a button – perfect for catching up on Despicable Me before heading to the cinema for the new film.”

The Minions, and Gru are back

Not only do we get the evily new trailer for Dispicable Me, we also get three new images of The Minions. This time it seems that Gru has changed sides; from being an evil, super-villain to working for "the other side"...

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s worldwide blockbuster Despicable Me entertained audiences around the globe in 2010, grossing more than $540 million and becoming the 10th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history. In summer 2013, get ready for more Minion madness in Despicable Me 2. Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed filmmaking team create an all-new comedy adventure featuring the return of (former?) super-villain Gru (Steve Carell), his adorable girls, the unpredictably hilarious Minions...and a host of new and outrageously funny characters.

Meet the minions in UK cinemas from June 28, 2013

The Minions play rugby

DESPICABLE ME 2, the sequel to the original smash hit animation Despicable Me, is released in the UK June 28th. Ahead of the Six Nations games this weekend, Gru’s Minions have taken it upon themselves to celebrate the tournament by supporting England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s worldwide blockbuster Despicable Me entertained audiences around the globe in 2010, grossing more than $540 million and becoming the 10th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history. In summer 2013, get ready for more Minion madness in Despicable Me 2. Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed filmmaking team create an all-new comedy adventure featuring the return of (former?) super-villain Gru (Steve Carell), his adorable girls, the unpredictably hilarious Minions...and a host of new and outrageously funny characters.

The Minions are returning!

Dave and his minion buddies are back! I know, it's a bit of a shock for me as I had no idea that Despicable Me was getting a sequel!

So without further ado, I give you the first, US, teaser trailer for the film.

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s worldwide blockbuster, Despicable Me, delighted audiences around the globe in 2010, grossing more than $540 million and becoming the 10th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history. In Summer 2013, get ready for more minion madness in Despicable Me 2. Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed filmmaking team create an all-new comedy animated adventure featuring the return of Gru (Steve Carell), the girls, the unpredictably hilarious minions... and a host of new and outrageously funny characters.

Stealing UK cinemas from June 28, 2013