In Despicable Me 4, Gru (Steve Carell) faces a new nemesis in the form of his long-time rival, Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), and his girlfriend Valentina (Sofia Vergara). The Anti-Villain League warns Gru that he is not safe, forcing the family to go on the run. When the new neighbor, Poppy, recognizes Gru, things get crazier than ever expected.

Steve Carell once again reprises his role as Gru in the sixth installment of the Despicable Me franchise, welcoming Ferrell as fresh blood. Carell and Farrell have worked together multiple times in the past, including in the popular Anchorman films, and their chemistry comes through in their vocal performances. Despicable Me 4 is the perfect summer movie for families, and comes to theaters on July 3rd.

Screen Rant interviewed Carell and Ferrell about why they think families should see Despicable Me 4 on the big screen, as well as what their characters’ hype songs would be. Ferrell also shares how Maxime Le Mal is different from other villains he has played in the past, while Carell thinks Gru enjoys going back to his villain ways, even if for a little bit.

There’s No “Bad Blood” Between Steve Carell & Will Ferrell

Gru and Maxime Le Mal have an age-old rivalry that started in junior high and sees no signs of stopping in Despicable Me 4. Will Ferrell and Steve Carell have, of course, worked together several times and appear to be friends in real life. They assure fans that there is no real-life rivalry there.

Steve Carell: It’s all fake. It’s all smoke and mirrors.

Will Ferrell: It’s the strength of our acting.

Steve Carell: We go deep into character. I mean, I can pretend that I hate Will Ferrell, but I can’t in real life.

Will Ferrell: I feel the same. I don’t want to give anything away, but they maybe bond in the end, possibly.

Gru Enjoys Going Back To His Villainous Side In Despicable Me 4

In Despicable Me 4, Gru is “forced” to pull a heist with his neighbor, Poppy Prescott. He has been working with the Anti-Villain League for a while at this point, but when asked if Gru enjoys going back to his villainous ways, at least a little bit, Steve Carell believes he does.

Steve Carell: Poppy is one of my favorite characters ever. She is this neighbor girl, in this new town they move to, and she is a monster. Gru is terrifed, but he loves it, I think. He always pretends that he doesn’t love something, but he secretly does. And this is one of those times. Let’s pull a heist. That’s right up his alley. He loves it. That sequence is a lot of fun.

Maxime Le Mal Has A Little Bit Of Zoolander’s Mugatu In Him

Will Ferrell has played villains in the past, but when asked how his Despicable Me 4 villain, Maxime Le Mal, is different from the others, he admits that he was a lot of fun to play, but does possibly carry aspects of one of his previous villains.

Will Ferrell: He’s incredibly flamboyant. Someone had mentioned he has shades of Mugatu there, possibly, from Zoolander. But you know, it was a blast just to get to do a very over-the-top, French accent. And he’s very silly. I love that the reason for his revenge is basically over something that happened in junior high, but he’s carried it with him this whole time. And yet, he’s really just looking for acceptance. He just wants to be a part of the whole gang, and would probably love to be friends with Gru. That’s what ultimately he’s envious of, his stature.

Carell & Farrell Select Their Despicable Me 4 Villain Hype Songs

Every good villain has a song that hypes them up before a crime or a heist. So what songs are Gru and Maxime listening to before they do a bad deed? Steve Carell chooses a Taylor Swift song, while Will Ferrell goes with Van Halen.

Steve Carell: “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift. “Pump Up The Jam?”

Will Ferrell: Oh, sure. “Pump Up The Jam.” Or maybe some Van Halen’s “Running with the Devil.”

Go See Despicable Me 4 In Theaters Because It’s Fun To Laugh As A Group

Despicable Me 4 is the perfect movie to take the family to go see in theaters. The franchise is wildly popular, and it offers something for fans of all ages to enjoy. Steve Carell and Will Ferrell explain why families should head to theaters this summer to watch their new movie on the big screen.

Steve Carell: For starters, it’s just fun to go see a movie with a lot of people and to go see a comedy, an action comedy, with a lot of people. It’s a very visceral communal experience. It’s just more fun. It’s more fun to laugh as a group.

Will Ferrell: It’s also the way this movie should be watched. Especially with the depth, and the level of the artistry, with the animation. It’s just an incredible experience to watch it in the theater.

About Despicable Me 4

The infamous (and kind-hearted) not-super villain Gru returns in Despicable Me 4, the fourth entry in the long-running movie series from Illumination Entertainment. The fourth film also sees the return of Gru’s wife, Lucy, portrayed again by Kristin Wiig.

Check back soon for our other interview with Miranda Cosgrove and Joey King.

Source: Screen Rant Plus