Universal

Why Minions and Monsters Is Worth Watching, Especially for Movie Lovers
Earlier this month, Minions and Monsters opened to a lower-than-expected box office. Personally, I found this installment to be one of my favorites in the Despicable Me universe. This made me wonder: does my love of movies and line of work make me especially receptive to its historical Hollywood setting and references? Below, Pierre Coffin and Chris Meledandri share […]
TRAILER: Illumination’s “Minions & Monsters”

TRAILER: Illumination’s “Minions & Monsters”

Avatar photoJerry Beck|
June 19th, 2026
Fresh off the worldwide blockbuster success of summer 2024’s funniest comedy, "Despicable Me 4", Illumination expands its joyful animated universe with an all-new festure: Minions & Monsters.  Opens July 1st, here's the trailer:
Illumination Highlights Heading Into Second “Mario” Movie

Illumination Highlights Heading Into Second “Mario” Movie

Avatar photoJackson Murphy|
March 24th, 2026
16 years after the first "Despicable Me", Illumination is widely regarded as one of the powerhouses in animation, in large part thanks to "Mario" and those Minions... some of the most iconic animated characters of all time.

Latest in Category: Universal

Executive Producers Tim Hedrick and Bret Haaland “Fast and the Furious: Spy Racers”

The “Fast and the Furious” franchise is getting animated with DreamWorks’ new series Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, premiering Dec. 26th on Netflix. Executive Producers Tim Hedrick and Bret Haaland share insights on their family-friendly entry in this saga – and working with Vin Diesel. Jackson Murphy: Were you fans of the “Fast & Furious” saga […]
Avatar photoJackson Murphy|December 23, 2019
Executive Producers Tim Hedrick and Bret Haaland “Fast and the Furious: Spy Racers”

Universal and Dreamworks Announce Exclusive Deals With “Dragon’s” Dean DeBlois

Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation today announced that the studios have entered into production agreements with Dean DeBlois, the Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning filmmaker behind DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, which has collectively grossed more than $1.6 billion globally, and his recently formed Anvil Pictures banner. Universal will have a first-look […]
Avatar photoJerry Beck|December 18, 2019
Universal and Dreamworks Announce Exclusive Deals With “Dragon’s” Dean DeBlois

Universal Kids Launches “Powerbirds” on January 19th

Universal Kids (previously Sprout!) has announced the launch date of its new preschool series Powerbirds – premiering on Sunday, January 19th at 10am ET/PT. Parakeet siblings Ace and Polly at first glance seem like ordinary pets, but they’re not your average birds, both possessing special super powers. Inspired by their owner Max’s love of comic […]
Avatar photoJerry Beck|December 11, 2019
Universal Kids Launches “Powerbirds” on January 19th

FIRST LOOK: Universal, DreamWorks, Netflix “Fast & Furious: Spy Racers”

Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation have released first look images and announced the cast of the Netflix original series Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, based on Universal’s multi-billion dollar franchise. The series is executive produced by Vin Diesel, Neal H. Moritz, Chris Morgan, Tim Hedrick and Bret Haaland and is slated to debut on Netflix […]
Avatar photoJerry Beck|November 18, 2019
FIRST LOOK: Universal, DreamWorks, Netflix “Fast & Furious: Spy Racers”

TRAILER: Dreamworks “Trolls World Tour”

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Another Trolls movie. But take a look at this trailer. It’s funny. It looks cool. Trolls World Tour is directed by Walt Dohrn, who served as co-director on the original Trolls, and is produced by returning producer Gina Shay. The film is co-directed by David P. Smith and co-produced […]
Avatar photoJerry Beck|November 14, 2019
TRAILER: Dreamworks “Trolls World Tour”

Universal Launches Animation Writers Program

Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG)’s Global Talent Development & Inclusion (GTDI) department today announced the launch of the Universal Animation Writers Program, a first-of-its-kind animation writing program for both feature film and television content. The one-year, paid program will partner with business units and production entities affiliated with UFEG including DreamWorks Animation, Illumination and Universal […]
Avatar photoJerry Beck|November 14, 2019
Universal Launches Animation Writers Program

INTERVIEW: Tom McGrath Brings “The Boss Baby” Back For “Family Business”

DreamWorks The Boss Baby was a box office smash hit in 2017 and earned longtime studio director Tom McGrath (Madagascar, Megamind) an Oscar nomination. Now comes sequel The Boss Baby: Family Business, which opens in theaters and debuts on Peacock this Friday July 2nd. McGrath discusses what inspired the follow-up, some of the smaller detailed […]