Star Wars creator George Lucas has been cast in Minions & Monsters, and he’s already talked to Illumination about appearing in more Minions movies.
The animated movie company’s CEO, Chris Meledandri, confirmed the sci-fi moviemaking legend lent his voice to its latest Despicable Me spin-off during an interview with Collider. It’s an unexpected role for Lucas that will see him leaving his mark on Minions & Monsters when it premieres in a few weeks.
“An idea for a character came up out of the story, and so I said to Pierre [Coffin], who co-wrote the movie with Brian Lynch, and Bill Ryan, who produces with me on the film, and I just said, ‘Well, what if we could get George?’ And they’re like, ‘Are you kidding me?’ I had no idea, but I got such a fast yes,” Meledandri said. “It was incredible. So, we’re thrilled to have him in the film.”
Meledandri didn’t share much about how Lucas will fit into the film. He could show up as an original character, or, considering Illumination has said its plot will see the Minions spending some time in Hollywood, we also wouldn’t be surprised to see him play an animated version of himself.
Lucas is best known as the mastermind behind Star Wars and has cemented himself as a Hollywood legend thanks to his work off-camera, but he’s popped in for the occasional on-screen part here and there, too. That said, it’s been years since he’s taken on an acting role. So, why did he pick up the phone when Illumination called? It’s simple: He loves Minions.
“I had this privilege of meeting George about two years ago, and what led to my meeting him is how much he loves Illumination movies, and specifically Despicable Me, and even more specifically, the Minions,” Meledandri explained. “It was such a thrill to learn that and then to share it with the team, because obviously he’s among a very small group of people who the entire studio shares a level of respect for that is just off the charts.”
Illumination got its start with Despicable Me in 2010 but has gone on to create many other animated projects like its adaptation of The Grinch The Secret Life of Pets franchise, and The Super Mario Bros. movies. The Minions have gone on to get a spotlight of their own for three movies now, and if any more are ever in the works, it sounds like Lucas will be ready.
“I saw him recently,” Meledandri added, “and he’s already talking to me about the role he wants to do next in the next Minions movie. So, it’s pretty incredible.”
Minions & Monsters premieres July 1, 2026. For more, you can read about everything Illumination had to show at CinemaCon 2026.
Photo by Mike Coppola/MG25/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
