George Lucas, who enjoys a mostly private life at his gorgeous Skywalker Ranch, is returning to the silver screen, but not in the way you’d think. Is he making another Star Wars movie? Nope! He’s getting together with Illumination Animation for a surprise voice-acting role in the studio’s upcoming film, Minions & Monsters!
How did Lucas join the Minions & Monsters cast?
How did this happen? Let me explain. While speaking with Minions & Monsters producer Chris Meledandri, Collider uncovered the mystery.
“I had this privilege of meeting George about two years ago,” Meledandri said, “and what led to my meeting him is how much he loves Illumination movies, and specifically Despicable Me, and even more specifically, the Minions. It was such a thrill to learn that and then to share it with the team, because obviously he’s among a very small group of people who the entire studio shares a level of respect for that is just off the charts.”
After meeting with Lucas, lightning struck, and Meledandri thought it would be fun for Lucas to play a part in the upcoming film.
“An idea for a character came up out of the story,” Meledandri said, “and so I said to Pierre [Coffin], who co-wrote the movie with Brian Lynch, and Bill Ryan, who produces with me on the film, and I just said, ‘Well, what if we could get George?’ And they’re like, ‘Are you kidding me?’ I had no idea, but I got such a fast yes.”
Lucas wants more Minions madness
Lucas recorded his dialogue in France, and according to Meledandri, he had a great time. “I saw him recently,” Meledandri said, “and he’s already talking to me about the role he wants to do next in the next Minions movie. So, it’s pretty incredible.”
Wow! Does Lucas voice a Hollywood filmmaker (the new movie revolves around the Minions working in film before things go awry), or a Minion? It would be hilarious if Lucas spoke Minionese for the film.
Two years ago, I visited Skywalker Ranch to learn more about Ultraman: Rising, and let me tell you, that place is amazing! First, it’s massive, and the road to get there is insane to drive on. It’s like an elaborate animal sanctuary with a massive studio, dining hall, and other buildings stationed about the property. Lucas has his own theater, outfitted with the most incredible sound system I’ve ever heard. The thought of him watching the Despicable Me franchise in that decked-out cinema makes me smile.
What’s Minions & Monsters about?
Minions & Monsters serves as a prequel to 2010’s Despicable Me and a sequel to 2022’s Minions: The Rise of Gru. The Minions are, of course, Gru’s mischief-making helpers from the beloved Despicable Me franchise. They’re like Ubisoft’s Rabbids, but far more popular, even going so far as to get their own interactive ride at Universal Studios Florida. The newest adventure is set in the world of 1920s Hollywood as the beloved, highlighter-yellow underlings work to find the lead of their monster movie. Described as “rambunctious, ridiculous, and totally true,” the story follows how the Minions conquered the entertainment industry and became movie stars … only to lose everything and unleash monsters onto the world before (as everyone knows) they banded together to save the planet from their mayhem.
Minions & Monsters comes to theaters on July 1, 2026.
The comment section exists to allow readers to discuss the article constructively and respectfully, focused on the topic at hand.
What’s Not Allowed