Universal Brand Development, Illumination and the LEGO Group expand their licensing partnership to include the Despicable Me franchise. Things kick off with a collection of LEGO building sets inspired by the upcoming feature film, Minions: The Rise of Gru. LEGO Minions building sets will be available in key international territories in 2020.
“We are excited to expand our partnership with Universal Brand Development to introduce the first LEGO sets based on Illumination’s Minions and the Despicable Me franchise,” said Jill Wilfert, vice-president, licensing and entertainment for LEGO Group. “The films have become global blockbusters and are beloved by fans of all ages, and we believe the characters and scenes lend themselves to a creative and engaging LEGO play experience.”
Coming to theaters worldwide in summer 2020, Illumination’s Minions: The Rise of Gru is the next chapter in the Despicable Me franchise, the highest-grossing animated film franchise in box office history to date.
“Universal is committed to giving fans richer, more engaging experiences through best-in-class consumer products, and we are thrilled to further expand our partnership with the LEGO Group to include Illumination’s Despicable Me franchise,” said Joe Lawandus, senior vice-president and general manager, global toys and hardlines, Universal Brand Development. “Illumination’s Minions, with their bigger-than-life personalities, are global pop-culture icons, and the LEGO building sets will open up new opportunities for fans to recreate and relive their favorite moments from Minions: The Rise of Gru.”
Details of the LEGO collection will be revealed at a later date.