Despicable Me, LEGO Build Sets Announced

Universal Brand Development, Illumination and the LEGO Group are expanding their existing partnership by launching LEGO building sets inspired by the upcoming animated movie Minions: The Rise of Gru.

To coincide with the upcoming launch of the franchise’s latest installment, the new LEGO building sets are set to launch across key international territories in 2020. Product details have yet to emerge. The Despicable Me franchise is the highest-grossing animated film franchise of all time.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with Universal Brand Development to introduce the first LEGO sets based on Illumination’s Minions and the Despicable Me franchise,” says Jill Wilfert, vice president, licensing and entertainment, the LEGO Group. “The films have become global blockbusters and are beloved by fans of all ages, and we believe the characters and scenes lend themselves to a creative and engaging LEGO play experience.”

“Universal is committed to giving fans richer, more engaging experiences through best-in-class consumer products, and we are thrilled to further expand our partnership with the LEGO Group to include Illumination’s Despicable Me franchise,” says Joe Lawandus, senior vice president and general manager, global toys and hardlines, Universal Brand Development. “Illumination’s Minions, with their bigger-than-life personalities, are global pop-culture icons, and the LEGO building sets will open up new opportunities for fans to recreate and relive their favorite moments from Minions: The Rise of Gru.”

LEGO also recently partnered with other entertainment properties including “Stranger Things,” adding to a growing portfolio of unique building sets.