Despicable Me 4 gets a 2024 release date

We're awaiting the return of cackling Gru and his ever-loyal Minions in this summer's Minions: The Rise of Gru. And here's some more good news: Despicable Me 4 has found its release date. Can we hear a gleeful "bottom" from you all?

The legacy series, from animations Illumination and distributor Universal, will reunite us with Steve Carell's loveable villain Gru on 3rd July 2024.

Reports Variety: 'Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Miranda Cosgrove and Steve Coogan will all be returning for the next chapter in the animated, family-friendly series about the reformed super-villain and his army of yellow Minions. Chris Renaud, who directed the first two Despicable Me movies, is back for the fourth installment. Patrick Delage will co-direct, and [School of Rock screenwriter] Mike White will pen the script. Illumination founder Chris Meledandri will produce. There are no details about the film as of yet, but expect plenty of zany shenanigans from Gru (Carell), Lucy Wilde (Wiig), Margo (Cosgrove), Silas Ramsbottom (Coogan) and a multitude of Minions, voiced by Coffin.'

How awesome is that? In the meantime, let us revel in the imminent arrival of the Minions sequel. The movie takes us back to Gru's childhood and his attempts to join the Vicious 6 organisation (a cheeky swipe at Marvel's Sinister Six collective). The all-star voice cast includes Taraji P. Henson, Michelle Yeoh, RZA, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lucy Lawless, Dolph Lundgren, Danny Trejo, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews and Alan Arkin.

After several COVID-related delays, Minions: The Rise of Gru will hit Cineworld screens on