Minions & Monsters debuts July 1, Illumination’s new Hollywood‑themed animated film

Illumination Entertainment is set to release *Minions & Monsters* on 1 July 2026. The animated spin‑off, directed solo for the first time by franchise co‑creator Pierre Coffin and co‑written with Brian Lynch, follows the yellow Minions as they chase fame in the Golden Age of Hollywood, attempt to produce a monster movie and unwittingly unleash creatures that threaten the planet. The film pays homage to classic cinema, featuring cameo voices such as George Lucas and numerous references to historic films and stars.

Production is overseen by Chris Meledandri, founder of Illumination, with Bill Ryan (known for *Super Mario Bros.: The Film*) also serving as executive producer. Voice work includes a new Italian dub by Maccio Capatonda and other local actors, while the original English cast remains largely unchanged. The movie arrives just two years after the latest main‑series instalment, continuing the franchise’s rapid output that has generated over $5 billion worldwide, including two films that each crossed the $1 billion mark.

Targeted at families for the summer holiday season, the 90‑minute, slap‑slapstick comedy is expected to draw large box‑office crowds in Italy, Spain and other territories, reinforcing Illumination’s record of high‑gross animated releases.