Despicable Me 4 Sets A New Post-COVID Record

The box office is buzzing with excitement as Gru and his mischievous minions make their mark once again!

“Despicable Me 4,” the latest installment in the beloved franchise, has just achieved an extraordinary milestone, especially in China.

The film has surpassed Pixar’s “Soul” to become Hollywood’s highest-grossing animated feature in China post-COVID, and it’s still going strong.

Let’s dive into the details of this cinematic triumph.

A Record-Breaking Run in China

“Despicable Me 4” has been on a tear at the Chinese box office, setting records and leaving its competition in the dust.

The movie, which opened to an enthusiastic audience, recently eclipsed the $55 million-plus haul of Pixar’s “Soul.”

This achievement marks a significant milestone as it now stands as the highest-grossing Hollywood animated feature in China in the post-pandemic era.

On its eighth Saturday alone, “Despicable Me 4” pulled in $425,000 across over 9,000 screenings, pushing its cumulative total in China to $57.4 million, edging past “Soul’s” $57.3 million.

But the momentum didn’t stop there. On its eighth Sunday, pre-sales showed that the movie raked in another $45,000, with an impressive 10,000 screenings, an increase from the previous day.

The film’s incredible performance is a proof to the enduring popularity of the Despicable Me franchise and its ability to resonate with audiences worldwide, particularly in the competitive Chinese market.

A Star-Studded Adventure

One of the key elements behind the success of “Despicable Me 4” is its stellar voice cast.

Steve Carell returned to lend his voice to the lovable villain-turned-hero, Gru. Alongside him, Kristen Wiig reprised her role as Lucy Wilde, bringing charm and wit to the screen.

The movie also introduced new characters, with Will Ferrell and Sofia Vergara joining the cast as villains, adding even more star power to the film.

The dynamic ensemble cast, combined with the movie’s engaging storyline and vibrant animation, made “Despicable Me 4” a must-see for audiences of all ages.

Crushing It Domestically and Globally

The success of “Despicable Me 4” isn’t confined to China. The film has been making waves in the United States and around the globe.

Domestically, the movie opened with a bang, pulling in $75 million during its debut weekend, setting the stage for a phenomenal box office run.

As of now, it has collected a staggering $350.9 million in the U.S. alone.

Globally, the numbers are equally impressive. “Despicable Me 4” has grossed $536.72 million overseas, bringing its worldwide total to an astounding $887.6 million.

This makes it the third highest-grossing movie of 2024, both in the U.S. and internationally.

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Big Returns on a Modest Budget

One of the most remarkable aspects of “Despicable Me 4” is how it has managed to achieve such tremendous success on a relatively modest budget.

The film was produced on an estimated budget of $100 million, yet it has already brought in over 787.6% of that amount.

This is a huge win for Illumination and Universal Pictures, the studios behind the franchise, as it proves that smart budgeting and strong franchise branding can yield substantial profits.

The Legacy of ‘Soul’ and Its Impact

Before “Despicable Me 4” stole the spotlight, Pixar’s “Soul” was the animated film to beat.

Released in 2020, “Soul” was lauded for its deep, existential themes and beautiful animation. The film featured a voice cast that included Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, and Angela Bassett, among others.

“Soul” garnered critical acclaim and became a significant box office success, especially considering it was released during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Soul” collected $946,150 at the North American box office, while its global earnings reached $121.97 million.

While these figures are impressive, they pale in comparison to the juggernaut that “Despicable Me 4” has become, highlighting the shift in audience preferences and the ongoing appeal of the Despicable Me series.

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The Future of the Despicable Me Franchise

With “Despicable Me 4” setting new records and continuing to draw in audiences worldwide, it’s clear that the franchise shows no signs of slowing down.

The film’s success, particularly in the post-COVID landscape, demonstrates that audiences are eager for entertaining, family-friendly content that delivers both humor and heart.

As the global box office continues to recover and grow, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for Gru, his minions, and the Despicable Me universe.

If the success of “Despicable Me 4” is any indication, the next installment could very well shatter even more records.

“Despicable Me 4” is not just another sequel; it’s a powerhouse of a film that has captivated audiences around the world, proving that Gru and his minions still have plenty of tricks up their sleeves.

Conclusion

• “Despicable Me 4” has become the highest-grossing Hollywood animated feature in China post-COVID, surpassing Pixar’s “Soul.”
• The film achieved significant box office success, with a domestic haul of $350.9 million and a global total of $887.6 million.
• The movie’s stellar voice cast, including Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig, contributed to its widespread appeal.
• Made on a $100 million budget, the film has returned over 787.6% of its production costs, proving the franchise’s enduring profitability.
• The success of “Despicable Me 4” underscores the franchise’s ongoing popularity and sets the stage for potential future installments.

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