The worldās favorite ex-supervillain returns in Despicable Me 5 (2025), a sequel that proves the franchiseās heart, humor, and sheer chaotic energy are as strong as ever. Gru, Lucy, the girls, and the Minions reunite for a globe-trotting escapade that mixes outrageous comedy with surprising emotional depth.

At the center of the story is Gru, voiced once again by Steve Carell, now semi-retired and trying to live a quieter family life. With Lucy by his side and baby Gru Jr. in the picture, Gru finally seems contentāuntil the arrival of a mysterious new villain known only as Phantom Z. His sinister goal: erase every record of villainy from history and rewrite the world in his image.
This premise sets the stage for Gruās reluctant return to action. When Phantom Z begins targeting past villains and stealing their technologyāincluding some of Gruās own gadgetsāGru realizes he has no choice but to dust off his old tricks. The stakes arenāt just global; theyāre personal, testing his growth as both a father and a former villain.

The adventure sprawls across continents, offering some of the most ambitious set pieces in the franchise yet. Tokyo becomes the stage for neon-lit chases, Paris trembles under Minion-led chaos in its catacombs, and ancient ruins provide the backdrop for Phantom Zās sinister plans. The globe-trotting nature of the film injects fresh energy and keeps the spectacle dynamic.
New characters join the ride, including Gruās flamboyant Italian cousin, Vittorio Gruzzi, whose charm and questionable schemes add layers of comedy and family tension. Even more surprising is the return of Vector, now reformed, who reluctantly teams up with Gru. Their uneasy alliance creates some of the filmās funniest exchanges, blending nostalgia with new dynamics.
Meanwhile, the Minions steal the spotlight as always. Forming their own resistance groupāThe Yellow Undergroundāthey arm themselves with banana-powered gadgets and absurd disguises. Whether storming lairs, bungling espionage missions, or causing mayhem in ways only they can, the Minions deliver wall-to-wall laughs while proving that even the smallest allies can make the biggest difference.

The film balances its comedy with themes of family, redemption, and legacy. Gruās struggle is not only with Phantom Z but with himselfālearning how to protect his family without losing the progress heās made since leaving villainy behind. This conflict makes the story resonate beyond slapstick, grounding the spectacle in heartfelt emotion.
Phantom Z emerges as a formidable antagonist, a villain whose power lies not only in stolen tech but in his ability to manipulate history. His plan to erase villainy challenges Gruās entire identity and forces him to confront what it truly means to change. In many ways, Phantom Z is the perfect foil for Gruāa reminder of who he once was and could still become.
The animation dazzles as expected, with Illumination pushing its visuals to new heights. Action sequences burst with color, detail, and momentum, while quieter family moments glow with warmth. From Tokyo skylines to Parisian tunnels, the environments feel alive, making the film as much a visual feast as it is a comedic romp.

The climax builds to a spectacular showdown aboard Phantom Zās flying fortress, a massive war machine powered by stolen villain technology. Here, Gru proves that strength doesnāt come from gadgets or villainy but from wit, heart, and the love of family. Itās a fitting resolution that blends comedy, action, and emotion in equal measure.
In the end, Despicable Me 5 (2025) delivers everything fans could want and moreālaughs that never stop, action that thrills, and a heartfelt story that cements Gru as one of animationās most unlikely yet beloved heroes. With a projected box office juggernaut on the horizon, this installment proves once again that when it comes to animated comedy, Gru and the Minions remain unbeatable.