---
title: "Despicable Me"
year: 2010
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/despicable-me-2010"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 20352
imdb_id: "tt1323594"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 95
community_rating: 7.3
vote_count: 16159
content_rating: "PG"
---

# Despicable Me (2010) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/despicable-me-2010

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Despicable Me is a 2010 American animated comedy film directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud. The production, which serves as the first feature film from Illumination Entertainment, features a screenplay written by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. The voice cast includes Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Will Arnett, and Julie Andrews. The story follows Gru, a criminal mastermind and supervillain who is determined to prove his status as the greatest villain by stealing the Moon. To execute his plan, Gru adopts three orphaned girls named Margo, Edith, and Agnes, intending to use them as pawns in his scheme. However, as he spends time with the children, his cold, villainous exterior begins to melt. His life takes an unexpected turn as the girls come to view the evildoer as their potential father. The word despicable, as used in the title, refers to someone or something that is deserving to be despised or regarded with distaste, disgust, or disdain.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A supervillain attempts to steal the Moon while managing the unexpected responsibility of three orphaned girls."

### Why Watch
- engaging premise
- character development

### Caveats & Content Note
- features a protagonist defined by villainous traits
- Tone & Suitability: The film centers on a protagonist described as a supervillain.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: animated, comedic, heartwarming, villainous

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | HBO Max Amazon Channel, Cinemax Amazon Channel, HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV Channel | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Sky Go, Now TV Cinema | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Crave, Club Illico, Crave Amazon Channel | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | BINGE, Foxtel Now | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin
- **Networks / Studios**: Illumination, Universal Pictures

## Key Cast Continuity

- **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** as *Edith (voice)*
- **Elsie Fisher** as *Agnes (voice)*
- **Pierre Coffin** as *Tim / Bob / Mark / Phil / Stuart (voice)*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Who is the main character?
The story follows a character named Gru.

### Q: What is the protagonist's goal?
Gru is determined to prove he is the greatest supervillain by stealing the Moon.

### Q: What is the protagonist's relationship to the children?
Gru adopts Margo, Edith, and Agnes to use them for his scheme.

### Q: Does the protagonist's personality change?
As Gru bonds with the girls, his cold exterior begins to melt.

### Q: What does the title mean?
The term refers to someone deserving to be despised or regarded as very unpleasant.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [DESPICABLE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/despicable)
- [Official site](http://despicable.me)
- [DESPICABLE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/despicable)
- [Despicable Me (film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Despicable_Me_(film))
- [Despicable Me (2010) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1323594/?n=%40)
- [DESPICABLE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com](https://www.dictionary.com/browse/despicable)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*