‘Despicable Me 3′ and New ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas’ are Coming in 2017
Though perhaps not thought of as a mega-blockbuster, 'Despicable Me 2' grossed $368 million domestically and $935 million worldwide, and is currently the 25th highest grossing film in America and 24th worldwide. So, no surprise, Universal has dated 'Despicable Me 3' for 2017.
Both it and a new animated version of 'The Grinch Who Stole Christmas' will be coming from Illumination Entertainment, who have also made 'The Lorax' and 'Hop.' 'Despicable Me 3' is dated for June 30, 2017, while 'The Grinch' will hit theaters November 17, 2017. Illumination has also announced a film that has yet to be titled for December 21, 2016.
Studios seem as important as the filmmakers when it comes to animation -- we think more of Pixar and DreamWorks Animation as a whole over creators like Pete Docter or Chris Miller -- so it will be interesting to see how Illumination stakes their brand. Right now they've got two franchises, 'Despicable Me' (including the spinoff 'Minions' movie, which is due July 10, 2015) and Dr. Seuss material, but have yet to forge an identity outside of that. Perhaps they will over the next few years.
This will be the second go-around for 'The Grinch' as a feature film. Ron Howard directed a version starring Jim Carrey in 2000, and it made $260 million, though it never seemed to morph into a holiday classic. Maybe because it's creepy and weird, but that could be just us.