The Star-Studded Cast Of Despicable Me: Who’s Voicing Gru, The Minions, And The New Villains In DM4?
The Despicable Me franchise has cemented its status as the highest-grossing animated series in history, captivating global audiences with the unlikely family adventures of Gru, his wife Lucy, their three adopted girls, and, of course, the ever-chaotic Minions. As of December 19, 2025, the excitement is surging for the latest installment, *Despicable Me 4*, which introduces a fresh lineup of A-list talent to the beloved cast of characters.
This article provides a deep dive into the iconic voices that bring the world of Illumination to life, from the long-standing core family to the exciting new villains and allies joining the fray. The longevity and success of the series are a direct result of this incredible ensemble cast, blending comedic legends with established dramatic and musical talent.
The Core Family: Gru, Lucy, and the Girls
The heart of the Despicable Me universe lies in the transformation of Felonius Gru from a supervillain to a devoted family man and secret agent. The principal cast has remained remarkably consistent, providing a comforting continuity for fans across multiple films and spin-offs.
Steve Carell as Felonius Gru and Dru Gru
Steve Carell is the unmistakable voice behind Gru, the lovable, bald, and perpetually grumpy protagonist. Carell, born on August 16, 1962, is an American actor, comedian, producer, and writer, best known for his Emmy-nominated role as Michael Scott in the US version of *The Office* and his dramatic turn as John du Pont in *Foxcatcher*. His performance as Gru, complete with the unique Eastern European-esque accent, is one of the most recognizable voices in modern animation. In *Despicable Me 3*, Carell also took on the dual role of Gru's long-lost, cheerful twin brother, Dru Gru, adding another layer of comedic complexity to the franchise.
Kristen Wiig as Lucy Wilde
Kristen Wiig, born August 22, 1973, is an American actress, comedian, and writer famous for her seven seasons on *Saturday Night Live* and her Oscar-nominated screenplay for *Bridesmaids*. Wiig originally voiced the villainous orphanage owner Miss Hattie in the first film. However, starting with *Despicable Me 2*, she became the voice of Lucy Wilde, the Anti-Villain League (AVL) agent who later becomes Gru’s wife and the girls’ stepmother. Lucy’s energetic, quirky personality is perfectly channeled by Wiig’s signature comedic style, making her a fan favorite.
Miranda Cosgrove as Margo Gru
Margo, the eldest of the three adopted sisters, is voiced by Miranda Cosgrove (born May 14, 1993), who rose to fame as a child star on Nickelodeon's *iCarly* and *Drake & Josh*. Margo is the most responsible, intelligent, and cynical of the siblings, often serving as the voice of reason. Cosgrove has consistently returned to the role since the first film in 2010, providing a mature and grounding presence to the family dynamic.
- Dana Gaier as Edith Gru: The middle sister, known for her tomboyish and mischievous nature.
- Nev Scharrel as Agnes Gru: The youngest sister, whose boundless optimism and love for unicorns define her character. Agnes was initially voiced by Elsie Fisher in the first two films.
The Minions: The Secret Behind the Banana-Loving Hordes
The Minions—Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and the countless others—are arguably the breakout stars of the entire franchise, spawning their own successful spin-off film series. Their unique language, a gibberish mix of French, Spanish, Italian, and "bananese," is a key part of their charm.
The secret behind their voices is surprisingly simple: a single person voices nearly all of them. That person is Pierre Coffin, a French animator, director, and writer. Coffin co-directed *Despicable Me*, *Despicable Me 2*, and *Minions*, and has consistently provided the iconic squeaks, giggles, and shouts for the Minions in every single installment, including the upcoming *Despicable Me 4*. His work is a masterclass in vocal performance, creating distinct personalities like Minion Dave, Stuart, and Bob through sound alone.
New Stars and Characters in Despicable Me 4
The latest film, *Despicable Me 4*, promises to shake up the Gru family's life by introducing a new wave of characters, including a formidable new villain and a mysterious new ally. This influx of talent ensures the franchise remains fresh and continues to attract new audiences.
Will Ferrell as Maxime Le Mal
Comedic icon Will Ferrell (born July 16, 1967), known for his legendary tenure on *Saturday Night Live* and classic films like *Elf* and *Anchorman*, joins the cast as the main antagonist, Maxime Le Mal. Maxime is a French supervillain who escapes from prison and is Gru's new arch-nemesis. Ferrell’s ability to blend over-the-top comedy with genuine menace makes him the perfect choice to challenge Gru's reformed life.
Sofía Vergara as Valentina
The star-studded villainous duo is completed by Sofía Vergara, the Colombian-American actress famous for her Emmy-nominated role as Gloria Pritchett on the hit sitcom *Modern Family*. Vergara voices Valentina, Maxime Le Mal’s stylish, formidable, and equally villainous girlfriend and sidekick. Her distinctive voice and comedic timing are sure to make Valentina a memorable addition to the franchise's gallery of bad guys.
The Prescott Family: Joey King, Stephen Colbert, and Chloe Fineman
Further bolstering the cast are three major names who voice the Prescott family, a new set of characters critical to the plot of *DM4*. These additions highlight the franchise's commitment to securing top-tier comedic talent:
- Joey King as Poppy Prescott: King, known for her roles in *The Kissing Booth* and *Bullet Train*, voices Poppy Prescott, a young girl who is a key new character in the film.
- Stephen Colbert as Perry Prescott: The host of *The Late Show* and former host of *The Colbert Report*, Stephen Colbert, voices the father, Perry Prescott.
- Chloe Fineman as Patsy Prescott: Current *Saturday Night Live* cast member Chloe Fineman voices the mother, Patsy Prescott. Fineman’s versatility and knack for celebrity impressions will bring a unique energy to the role.
Topical Authority: The Legacy of the Despicable Me Voice Cast
The enduring success of the Despicable Me franchise, which has surpassed $5 billion at the worldwide box office, is intrinsically linked to the vocal performances of its cast.
The franchise, produced by Illumination Entertainment and distributed by Universal Pictures, has always prioritized casting actors who can bring genuine depth and humor to their roles. Even secondary characters from the earlier films, such as Jason Segel as Vector and Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario, were voiced by major stars, establishing a high benchmark for the animation industry. The latest film, *Despicable Me 4*, continues this tradition, ensuring that every character, from the main family to the new villains, is brought to life by a recognizable and talented voice actor, guaranteeing both comedic brilliance and emotional resonance for audiences of all ages.
Detail Author:
- Name : Joyce Ledner
- Username : kwisozk
- Email : jacinthe.baumbach@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 1975-03-24
- Address : 9653 Electa Mountains Suite 225 Lake Lillie, TX 44802-7320
- Phone : +1-308-903-7091
- Company : McKenzie-Keeling
- Job : Substance Abuse Counselor
- Bio : Qui et quia iure sint necessitatibus. Dolores at aspernatur ipsum iste ex eum quidem. Sapiente alias aut tempora ratione quibusdam atque.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/tre_bins
- username : tre_bins
- bio : Totam omnis rerum culpa quas.
- followers : 3940
- following : 425
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/tre_bins
- username : tre_bins
- bio : Dolor id voluptatum a pariatur. Ipsa itaque nesciunt voluptas est. Maiores aut eligendi quo quo cumque sed.
- followers : 2600
- following : 1033
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/trebins
- username : trebins
- bio : Optio fuga minus quos est. Quae qui dolor ut. Qui repellat fuga id aliquam quod enim.
- followers : 489
- following : 817
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/tbins
- username : tbins
- bio : Ut rerum delectus aut voluptas vel deleniti.
- followers : 948
- following : 2862
