Despicable Me 4 Director Talks Franchise’s Future Beyond Minions 3

Despicable Me 4 director Chris Renaud has recently shed light on the future of the extremely popular film series. The fourth entry in the Despicable Me franchise, which was released on July 3, 2024, has amassed great numbers at the worldwide box office, despite negative reviews from critics. The movie reportedly concluded its theatrical run with a mind-boggling global collection of around $850 million. In the wake of the film’s success, Renaud has come out to share his views on the franchise’s fate.

Chris Renaud explains what Despicable Me 4’s final scene means

While talking about the movie’s last scene, the American filmmaker suggested that Despicable Me 4 could be his final contribution to the fan-favorite film series.

In a recent interview with ComicBook.com, Renaud explained the context of the ending scene of the film. As the animated flick approaches its conclusion, fans see Gru participating in a prison talent show. Alongside the villainous Maxime Le Mal, all the other Despicable Me and Minions’ antagonists also make a surprise appearance.

Commenting on this sequence, the Despicable Me 4 director hinted at his future with the franchise. “Look, I can only speak for myself and I was a big part of pushing that scene and how it came together,” stated Renaud.

He continued, “I thought it was an interesting opportunity given the 15 — heck, 16 or 17 years for me personally working on it, to bring some of the characters across the ‘universe’ together for this great moment. And sort of have it as a fun reunion/crossover.”

Renaud also revealed the similarities that the Despicable Me franchise perhaps shares with Batman and how new filmmakers join the franchise and offer their takes, suggesting his potential exit from the series after Despicable Me 4.

“The best example is Batman, one of my favorite characters of all time. Even a guy like Matt Reeves very recently, they reinvent and reinvent and reinvent,” stated Renaud.

“So even though Chris Nolan’s Batman ended, well, hey, another filmmaker comes along and says, ‘I got an idea’… For me, that was in my head as we were doing it. I also completely understood that wasn’t the reality of the situation particularly,” he added.

At the time of writing, there is no official news on a possible Despicable Me sequel. Nevertheless, Minions 3 has already been greenlit and is scheduled to come out in 2027.