Few characters command global attention quite like the Minions. With that being said, during Super Bowl 2026, Universal Pictures proved they still know how to steal the spotlight.
In a perfectly timed Big Game moment, a brief but chaotic spot aired featuring a Minion sprinting toward a stark white background, shouting “Minions!”. Then abruptly switching to “Monster!” before an unseen creature’s roar cut through the screen. The message was simple and effective — “Watch the trailer”.
Just like that, Universal officially revealed the title of its newest animated adventure — Minions & Monsters with the full trailer released online moments later.
A Tease Built For Maximum Impact
Rather than debuting a full trailer during the broadcast, Universal opted for restraint, using the Super Bowl’s unmatched reach to spark instant curiosity. The minimalist visual, absurd energy, and sudden monster tease created a watercooler moment that sent audiences straight to their screens. It was classic Minions logic. Loud, strange, and irresistibly funny. Perfectly engineered for a live audience of millions.
A Franchise Fueled By Mischief and Momentum
Minions & Monsters arrives in theaters July 1st, with longtime franchise architect Pierre Coffin returning to direct. Coffin, who helmed the first three Despicable Me films and the original Minions spinoff, also once again voices the iconic yellow mischief-makers.
The film is written by Brian Lynch and produced by Chris Meledandri and Bill Ryan, continuing the Illumination formula that has turned playful chaos into box-office dominance.
Originally introduced as sidekicks to supervillain-turned-dad Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) in 2010’s Despicable Me, the Minions have since evolved into cultural icons of their own.
Nearly $5 Billion In Box Office Mischief
The numbers tell the story. Between the Despicable Me and Minions films, the franchise has generated nearly $5 billion worldwide, making it one of the most successful animated properties in cinema history. The Minions were last seen in 2024’s Despicable Me 4, following their standalone hit Minions: The Rise of Gru in 2022. Each installment has expanded the universe while maintaining the slapstick charm and cross-generational appeal that keeps audiences coming back.
Keeping The Chaos Fresh
In a 2024 interview timed to the release of Despicable Me 4, director Chris Renaud acknowledged that the creative team has long been exploring new directions for the characters.
“There are always conversations like that. Where else can they go? What changes can we make? How can we keep it exciting and fresh?” Renaud shared.
Minions & Monsters appears to be that next step. In doing so, they have teased a new kind of threat while preserving the anarchic spirit fans expect.
Super Bowl Is The Perfect Stage
Premiering the teaser during the Super Bowl positioned Minions & Monsters squarely at the center of pop culture conversation. It wasn’t just a trailer drop. It was a reminder that the Minions remain one of Hollywood’s most reliable engines for laughter, spectacle, and box-office power. This summer, the Minions aren’t just back. They’re bringing monsters with them.