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Despicable Me
A subversive spy-fi comedy wrapped in sweet familial warmth, where the icy, angular fortress of a villain's ambition gradually melts under the colorful, chaotic sunshine of three orphaned children's unconditional love.
Despicable Me
Despicable Me

"Superbad. Superdad."

08 July 2010 United States of America 95 min 7.3 (16,333)

Director: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud

Cast: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will Arnett

Crime Animation Family Comedy Science Fiction Found Family vs. Biological Validation Ego, Ambition, and Real Worth Innocence Softening Cynicism Redemption and Re-evaluating Identity
Budget: $69,000,000
Box Office: $543,284,256

Despicable Me — Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

Felonious Gru

Steve Carell

Archetype: Antihero / Reluctant Father Key Trait: Gruff and cynical on the outside, deeply softhearted and creative underneath.

Motivation

Initially seeks global recognition and maternal respect; later strives to protect and raise Margo, Edith, and Agnes.

Character Arc

Evolves from a self-absorbed, approval-seeking villain into a selfless, fiercely protective adoptive parent.

Vector / Victor Perkins

Jason Segel

Archetype: Shadow / Entitled Rival Key Trait: Immature, nerdy, self-aggrandizing, and obsessed with orange tracksuits and direction/magnitude puns.

Motivation

To surpass Gru and monopolize the villainy scene through high-tech crimes.

Character Arc

Remains a flat, static antagonist whose arrogance, nepo-baby entitlement, and high-tech gadgets lead to his comical isolation on the Moon.

Margo, Edith, and Agnes

Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, and Elsie Fisher

Archetype: Catalysts of Change / Innocent Trio Key Trait: Margo is cautious and protective; Edith is mischievous and thrill-seeking; Agnes is trusting and unicorn-obsessed.

Motivation

Finding a genuine family and a safe, loving parent.

Character Arc

Transition from vulnerable, distrustful orphans to secure, cherished daughters with a loving home.

Dr. Nefario

Russell Brand

Archetype: Mad Scientist Mentor / Foil Key Trait: Hearing-impaired, scientifically eccentric, traditionalist.

Motivation

Professional villainous ambition and scientific creation.

Character Arc

Initially pulls Gru back toward villainous duty by shipping the girls back to the orphanage, but ultimately aids Gru in saving the girls when he recognizes true love.

Cast

Steve Carell as Gru (voice)
Jason Segel as Vector (voice)
Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario (voice)
Julie Andrews as Gru's Mother (voice)
Will Arnett as Mr. Perkins (voice)
Kristen Wiig as Miss Hattie (voice)
Miranda Cosgrove as Margo (voice)
Dana Gaier Ellis as Edith (voice)
Elsie Fisher as Agnes (voice)
Pierre Coffin as Tim / Bob / Mark / Phil / Stuart (voice)
Chris Renaud as Dave (voice)
Jemaine Clement as Jerry (voice)
Jack McBrayer as Carnival Barker / Tourist Dad (voice)
Danny McBride as Fred McDade (voice)
Mindy Kaling as Tourist Mom (voice)

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