In theDespicable MeMinionsworld, even if I didnt direct it, Im either an executive producer or producer.
Its a very different vibe, he says.
Minions: The Rise Of Grugot delayed.
‘Despicable Me 4’Illumination/Universal
There was a lot of knock-on effects not just for us but for everybody, recounts Renaud.
And then, whos the new villain that Gru is up against, says Renaud.
Will Ferrell felt perfect for the role against Steve Carell, says Renaud.
The White Lotuscreator Mike White and long-time Illumination collaborator Ken Daurio take co-writer credits.
Mike came in and gave us a script that was very funny.
He did a couple of drafts.
It had the witness protection idea.
We had a great foundation from Mike.
It was very grounded in its setting and character interactions.
Renaud describes the enduring popularity and cult status of the Minions as a gift.
There are other things that have worked that way.
If you look atStar Warsand something like R2-D2.
Hes a fun character.
you’re free to only hope for that kind of dedication, and fans taking ownership.
There were a lot of things that came together, which you just cant predict, he says.
Thats really what you wish for.
Like most directors involved in the Illumination productions, Renaud is based out of the companys Paris HQ.
Think of the school, the location, it feels like the Alps.
Thats the fun part of having the French and American team… its everywhere and nowhere, he says.
They get there in a hot air balloon, we were originally thinking but its so far.
Then we realise we dont have to worry about those rules.
Its our world, its made up.
Renaud says there are no plans to age the girls and expand their storylines into puberty or college years.
Its funny, it comes up a lot.
I dont think the audience cares, he says.
Theyre frozen in time.
Renaud cannot confirm whether Maxime Le Mal or Poppy might reappear in futureDespicable Meinstalments or other spin-off works.
I never say never but were not like Marvel where we have decades of comic books.
We have the Minions so thats a help.
I love that in this character design their tights are their skin colour with a zipper up the back.
Has it changed of course, he says of the current box office environment.
Is it ever going to be as huge as it was previously?
IfInside Out 2orDespicable Me 4does well thats good news for everybody and lets not argue with it.
