Will There Be a Despicable Me 5? Here’s What We Know So Far

Will There Be a Despicable Me 5? Since its debut in 2010, the Despicable Me franchise has become one of the most beloved and bankable animated series in cinematic history. With four mainline films and two Minions spin-offs, Illumination and Universal Pictures have built a billion-dollar empire around Gru, his adopted daughters, and the banana-loving Minions. The most recent entry, Despicable Me 4, released in 2024, raked in over $971 million globally, reaffirming the franchise’s unstoppable momentum.

So, will there be a Despicable Me 5?

While there’s no official confirmation yet, the signs are promising. Director Chris Renaud, who helmed multiple entries in the series, recently told Variety that a fifth film is “certainly possible” if the creative team can “cover some fresh territory”. This cautious optimism suggests that Illumination is open to continuing the saga—provided the story evolves in meaningful ways.

As for timing, fans shouldn’t expect Despicable Me 5 before 2027. Illumination has already slated Minions 3 for a summer 2026 release, which means any new Gru-centric film would likely follow that project. Given the studio’s typical production cycle and the franchise’s high standards for animation and storytelling, a multi-year gap is expected.

What could Despicable Me 5 explore?

Speculation points to deeper development of Gru’s family, especially his son Gru Jr., introduced in Despicable Me 4. There’s also room to expand the Minions’ chaotic universe or introduce a new villain that challenges Gru in unexpected ways. With the franchise’s history of blending heart, humor, and high-stakes hijinks, the possibilities are endless.

From an industry standpoint, the financial incentive is undeniable. With each installment outperforming expectations and maintaining strong merchandise sales, Despicable Me 5 isn’t just a creative opportunity—it’s a commercial inevitability.

Stay tuned—Gru’s next chapter may be closer than we think.