The Mega Minions Are Coming: A Deep Dive Into The Star-Studded Despicable Me 4 Cast And New Characters

The Despicable Me franchise is back, bigger and bolder than ever, with the highly anticipated fourth installment set to hit theaters on July 3, 2024. This latest chapter from Illumination promises a fresh dose of chaos, family dynamics, and super-villain antics, all powered by a blend of returning fan-favorite voices and an injection of major new star talent. The confirmed cast for Despicable Me 4 reveals that Gru's world is about to get a lot more complicated, thanks to a new baby, a new nemesis, and a new breed of super-powered Minions.

As of today, December 14, 2025, the official cast list confirms that the core family is returning, but the most exciting news revolves around the A-list comedians and actors joining the voice ensemble to play the new threats and allies. Fans can look forward to an epic showdown that forces Gru and his Anti-Villain League (AVL) agent wife, Lucy Wilde, to take their family on the run from a formidable new foe.

The Returning Despicable Me Core Family Cast (Gru's Biography)

The heart of the Despicable Me saga has always been the transformation of Felonius Gru from a nefarious super-villain to a loving, if still eccentric, family man. The original voice actors, who have defined these beloved characters across four main films and two spin-offs, are all back to anchor the narrative.

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• Character: Felonius Gru
• Voice Actor: Steve Carell
• Role in DM4: Gru is now a full-fledged agent for the Anti-Villain League (AVL) and a father of four, including his new son, Gru Jr. The film sees him facing his biggest challenge yet: a new arch-nemesis from his past and a baby who seems to actively dislike him.

• Character: Lucy Wilde
• Voice Actor: Kristen Wiig
• Role in DM4: Gru’s wife and fellow AVL agent, Lucy is the grounding force of the family, now navigating life as a working mother in the world of espionage and parenthood.

• Character: Margo
• Voice Actor: Miranda Cosgrove
• Role in DM4: The eldest of Gru’s adopted daughters, Margo continues to be the most responsible and level-headed member of the family.

• Character: Edith
• Voice Actor: Dana Gaier
• Role in DM4: The middle daughter, known for her tomboyish and mischievous nature, is integral to the family's chaotic dynamic.

• Character: Agnes
• Voice Actor: Madison Polan
• Role in DM4: The youngest daughter, famous for her love of unicorns, is also returning to complete the Gru family unit.

• Character: Minions (Kevin, Stuart, Bob, Otto, and others)
• Voice Actor: Pierre Coffin
• Role in DM4: The Minions are back, but this time, a select few are transformed into the powerful, vibrant blue "Mega Minions," thanks to a new serum, giving them incredible new abilities to assist Gru on his mission.

The Explosive New Characters and Their A-List Voice Actors

The addition of several major Hollywood names signals a significant escalation in the scope and humor of the Despicable Me franchise. These new entities are central to the film’s high-stakes plot, which revolves around Gru’s family going into witness protection after a prison break.

The New Antagonists: Maxime Le Mal and Valentina

The main threat to Gru and his family comes from a pair of escaped criminals who have a personal vendetta against the former super-villain.

• Character: Maxime Le Mal
• Voice Actor: Will Ferrell
• Character Details: Le Mal is the primary antagonist of the film, a former rival and schoolmate of Gru’s who harbors a deep, obsessive grudge. Self-nicknamed "The Cockroach Man," Maxime Le Mal is a flamboyant, dangerous, and brilliantly unhinged villain who escapes from prison seeking revenge on Gru.

• Character: Valentina
• Voice Actor: Sofía Vergara
• Character Details: Valentina is Maxime Le Mal’s formidable and equally stylish girlfriend and partner in crime. Her presence adds a layer of glamour and danger to the villainous duo, making them a dual threat to the Gru family.

New Allies and Key Supporting Roles

Not all new faces are enemies. The cast introduces a crucial new ally—a young girl who teams up with Gru’s family—and features a lineup of comedic heavyweights in supporting roles.

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• Character: Poppy
• Voice Actor: Joey King
• Character Details: Poppy is a new, smart, and ambitious character who is a key part of the mission. She is a potential ally or new friend for the girls as the family is forced to relocate and adopt new identities as part of the AVL’s protective measures.

• Character: Silas Ramsbottom
• Voice Actor: Stephen Colbert
• Character Details: While Ramsbottom (the former head of the AVL) is a returning character, he is now voiced by the acclaimed comedian and talk show host Stephen Colbert, replacing the original voice actor, providing a fresh comedic take on the AVL chief.

• Character: New AVL Agent
• Voice Actor: Chloe Fineman
• Character Details: The Saturday Night Live star joins the cast in an undisclosed but significant role, likely as a new agent within the Anti-Villain League, adding to the ensemble’s comedic firepower.

Plot Twists and Topical Authority: Gru Jr. and The Mega Minions

Beyond the star-studded cast, the core of Despicable Me 4's topical authority lies in two major, franchise-altering plot developments: the introduction of Gru Jr. and the creation of the Mega Minions.

The Gru Jr. Dynamic

The film introduces Gru and Lucy's biological son, Felonious Gru Jr., whose presence immediately throws a wrench into Gru’s already chaotic life. Unlike his adopted sisters, Gru Jr. seems to have inherited none of his father’s charm—or, at least, he shows a distinct preference for his mother, Lucy. The trailer highlights a hilarious dynamic where the baby actively avoids or even bites Gru, creating a new source of domestic comedy and stress for the reformed super-villain. This struggle to bond with his son, while simultaneously fighting a vengeful ex-rival, is a central emotional thread in the narrative.

The Rise of the Mega Minions

The Minions, the franchise’s global phenomenon, are getting a massive upgrade. In a major plot point, a selection of Minions is exposed to a new serum, transforming them into "Mega Minions." These aren't just Minions in a new outfit; they are super-powered entities with new abilities—including flight, super strength, and laser vision—that Gru will undoubtedly need to combat the threat posed by Maxime Le Mal and Valentina. This development is a brilliant piece of LSI content, expanding the Minions' lore and ensuring that the film offers a fresh, action-packed spectacle.

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Creative Team and Production Entities

The film’s success is also built on the foundation of its experienced creative team, ensuring continuity and quality within the Illumination universe. The film is directed by Chris Renaud, who helmed the first two Despicable Me films and The Secret Life of Pets. The screenplay was penned by Mike White, the Emmy-winning creator of The White Lotus, and Ken Daurio, a veteran writer of the franchise. This combination of directorial experience and fresh, sharp comedic writing promises a film that honors the series' past while injecting a new level of sophisticated humor. The film is the 15th full-length feature from the animation powerhouse, Illumination, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the modern animated comedy genre.

With its high-stakes plot, a vengeful villain in Maxime Le Mal, the introduction of the dynamic Gru Jr., and the sheer comedic power of a cast featuring Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, and Sofía Vergara, Despicable Me 4 is poised to be one of the biggest animated events of the year. The film’s focus on the evolving Gru family, combined with the epic action of the new Mega Minions, guarantees a thrilling and hilarious cinematic experience for fans worldwide on its July 2024 release date.