Universal and Illumination Entertainment are celebrating another box office success with Despicable Me 3, the latest instalment of the animated franchise.
Spurred on by a $66 million opening in China this past weekend, the film had grossed $477 million by close of play on Sunday, helping to push the series beyond the $3 billion mark combined at the global box office.
The first Despicable Me earned $543 million back in 2010, with its sequel Despicable Me 2 racking up $970 million in 2013 and the 2015 spinoff Minions setting a series high of $1.15 billion.
As well as hitting the $3 billion milestone for the series, this weekend’s takings for Despicable Me 3 also pushed animation house Illumination beyond the $5 billion mark.
Next up from the studio is Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, which opens in 2018, followed by sequels to The Secret Life of Pets, Minions and Sing.
Originally published July 11, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.