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Universal Pictures just dropped the first trailer for Minions & Monsters during Super Bowl LX, giving fans their first real look at the next chapter in the Despicable Me franchise. The film arrives in theaters July 1, 2026.
The trailer debuted during the big game and was simultaneously posted to the official @minions Instagram account, with the tagline: “Hollywood has a monster problem.”
What the Trailer Reveals
Set in 1920s Hollywood, Minions & Monsters follows three Minions who head to Tinseltown to pursue their dreams of becoming filmmakers. According to Variety, the Minions go on an odyssey to find frightening creatures to star in their monster movie. They partner with a cute green creature and then go head to head with sea beasts, a giant pink bunny with a bad attitude, and a mummy.
Cast and Crew
The film is directed by Academy Award nominee Pierre Coffin, who has directed the first three Despicable Me films and the original Minions movie. Coffin has also voiced the Minions since their first appearance in 2010. The screenplay is by Brian Lynch, who wrote the first Minions film and The Secret Life of Pets.
Minions & Monsters is produced by Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri alongside Bill Ryan, executive producer of The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Release Date and Box Office History
The film was originally scheduled for June 30, 2027, but Universal moved it up to July 1, 2026. It is the seventh installment in the Despicable Me franchise and the third standalone Minions film.
The Despicable Me franchise has generated over billion at the global box office over the past 15 years, making it the highest-grossing animated film franchise worldwide. Despicable Me 4 opened to million worldwide in 2024.
The Minions at Universal Theme Parks
The Minions remain one of Universal’s most recognizable intellectual properties at its theme parks. Minion Land on Illumination Avenue at Universal Studios Florida features Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and Villain-Con Minion Blast, along with themed dining and shopping. The characters also have a major presence at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan.
With a new film on the way, fans can expect fresh merchandise, character meet-and-greets, and potentially new entertainment offerings at Universal parks leading into the July 1 premiere.
Minions & Monsters arrives in theaters July 1, 2026. Watch the full trailer on Instagram. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
