‘Minions & Monsters’ Director Pierre Coffin on His Tribute to Hollywood, the Exhausting Work of Voicing the Yellow Creatures and Crafting Comedy That’s ‘More Irreverent Than Some of the Competition’

Pierre Coffin, co-director of four films in the "Despicable Me" franchise and the voice of the Minions, discussed his latest directorial effort, "Minions & Monsters," in an interview this week. The "Despicable Me" series has grossed over $5.5 billion worldwide across six films, making it the highest-grossing animated franchise in history. Coffin expressed that he felt he was finished with the Minions after nearly two decades of work on the universe. He described "Minions & Monsters" as a tribute to Hollywood, aiming for a comedic tone that is "more irreverent than some of the competition." Coffin also detailed the demanding nature of voicing the yellow creatures, a task he has undertaken for years. His involvement in the franchise began with the first "Despicable Me" film in 2010, and he has since played a significant role in shaping the characters and stories that have achieved global success. The success of the franchise highlights the enduring appeal of the Minions character and the comedic style developed under Coffin's direction.