Lego Minions: The Rise of Gru
SubjectMinions: The Rise of Gru
Licensed fromUniversal Pictures and Illumination
AvailabilityMarch 2020–December 2022
Total sets7[1]
CharactersBelle Bottom, Bob, Gru, Kevin, Otto and Stuart
Official website

Lego Minions: The Rise of Gru (stylized as LEGO Minions: The Rise of Gru) was a Lego theme based on the film of the same name. It is licensed from Universal Pictures and Illumination.[2] The theme was first introduced in March 2020.[3] It was eventually discontinued by the end of December 2022.[4][5]

Overview

Lego Minions: The Rise of Gru is based on the Minions: The Rise of Gru film and focuses on the story of how the Minions helped a young Gru become the character audiences met in Despicable Me. Lego Minions: The Rise of Gru aimed to recreate the main characters in Lego form, including Bob, Gru, Kevin, Otto and Stuart.[6]

Development

Lego Minions: The Rise of Gru was inspired by the Minions: The Rise of Gru film. The Lego construction toy range was based on the Illumination film and developed in collaboration with Universal Brand Development and Illumination. The construction sets were designed to recreate the story and characters of the Illumination film in Lego form.[2]

Launch

The Lego Minions: The Rise of Gru was launched at the New York Toy Fair in 2020. To celebrate the partnership between Universal Pictures and The Lego Group, 22 brick-built Lego Minions have appeared on the show floor at the Crystal Palace Mezzanine.[6][7] As part of the marketing campaign, The Lego Group released two toy sets based on the film and the three sets were delayed until 2021.[8] Each set featured a different vehicle, lab or building. Minifigures were also released, including Bob, Gru, Kevin, Otto and Stuart.[9][10]

Characters

Toy line

Construction sets

According to Bricklink, The Lego Group released a total of 7 Lego sets and promotional polybags as part of Lego Minions: The Rise of Gru theme.[1] The product line was eventually discontinued by the end of December 2022.[14]

In 2020, The Lego Group announced a partnership with Universal Pictures and Illumination to create a licensing and merchandising programme based on the Minions: The Rise of Gru film which was released on 14 March 2020. Two sets were Unstoppable Bike Chase (set number: 75549)[15][16] and Brick-Built Minions and Their Lair (set number: 75551).[17] Later, the Lego Group announced the three sets delayed until 26 April 2021 due to indefinite hiatus while Universal Pictures landed on a firm release date for its animated sequel, which is now scheduled to premiere in July 2022.[8] Three sets were Minions in Gru's Lab (set number: 75546), Minion Pilot in Training (set number: 75547) and Minions Kung Fu Battle (set number: 75550).[18][19] In addition, Bob Minion with Robot Arms (set number: 30387) polybag set was released as a promotion.[20] These included two key chains attached to the minifigures of Otto and Stuart.[21] Minions Kung Fu Training (set number: 40511) is an accessory pack was released on 1 July 2021.[22] The sets were designed primarily for children with an age rating of 4+ or above.

Minions in Gru's Lab

Minions in Gru's Lab (set number: 75546) was released on 26 April 2021. The set consists of 87 pieces with 2 minifigures. The lab included an orange slide, the washing machine, the short roller coaster track for the rocket-powered vehicle to slide and a yellow railing can store the tools. The set included Lego minifigures of Kevin and Otto. This set is specifically designed to be simpler to build with fewer pieces and slightly larger building elements.[23][24] In August 2021, The Lego Group announced the Minions in Gru's Lab (set number: 75546) was retired on 31 December 2022.[4]

Minion Pilot in Training

Minion Pilot in Training (set number: 75547) was released on 26 April 2021. The set consists of 119 pieces with 2 minifigures. The private plane included the detachable roof, an opening cockpit for Stuart, the passenger cabin for Bob, the bathroom and an opening the hinged cargo bay door can store all the accessories and banana as well. The set included Lego minifigures of Bob and Stuart. This sets is specifically designed to be simpler to build with fewer pieces and slightly larger building elements.[23][24] In August 2021, The Lego Group announced the Minion Pilot in Training (set number: 75547) was retired on 31 December 2022.[4]

Unstoppable Bike Chase

Unstoppable Bike Chase (set number: 75549) was released on 14 March 2020. The set consists of 136 pieces with 3 minifigures. Gru's jet-powered motorcycle included the elaborate headlights, handlebars, decorative skull emblem and black rear view mirrors. The rocket skates included a silver chain can connect to Gru's jet-powered motorcycle, a wrench and a banana. The set included Lego minifigures of Gru, Stuart and Bob.[23][24] In August 2021, The Lego Group announced the Unstoppable Bike Chase (set number: 75549) was retired on 31 December 2021.[4]

Minions Kung Fu Battle

Minions Kung Fu Battle (set number: 75550) was released on 26 April 2021. The set consists of 310 pieces with 3 minifigures. The Chinese temple included the weapon rack can store weapons, rotating training dummy and the Chinese dragon. It also included a sword and a banana. The set included Lego minifigures of Kevin, Otto and Stuart.[23][24] In August 2021, The Lego Group announced the Minions Kung Fu Battle (set number: 75550) was retired on 31 December 2022.[4]

Brick-Built Minions and Their Lair

Brick-Built Minions and Their Lair (set number: 75551) was released on 14 March 2020. The set consists of 876 pieces with 3 minifigures. The two buildable models are Kevin and Stuart can open to reveal a room. Kevin buildable model can be rebuilt as Bob. The set included Lego minifigures of Bob, Kevin and Stuart.[23][17][25][26][24][27] In August 2021, The Lego Group announced the Brick-Built Minions and Their Lair (set number: 75551) was retired on 31 December 2022.[4]

Lego BrickHeadz sets

Two sets were released as part of the Lego BrickHeadz theme. The two sets were Gru, Stuart and Otto (set number: 40420) and Belle Bottom, Kevin and Bob (set number: 40421) were be released in April 2021 and based on the Minions: The Rise of Gru film.[28]

Gru, Stuart and Otto

Gru, Stuart and Otto (set number: 40420) was released in April 2021 as part of the Lego BrickHeadz theme. The set consists of 244 pieces and 3 baseplates.[29] In August 2021, The Lego Group announced Gru, Stuart and Otto (set number: 40420) was retired on 31 December 2022.[5]

Belle Bottom, Kevin and Bob

Belle Bottom, Kevin and Bob (set number: 40421) was released in April 2021 as part of the Lego BrickHeadz theme. The set consists of 309 pieces and 3 baseplates.[30][29] In August 2021, The Lego Group announced Belle Bottom, Kevin and Bob (set number: 40421) was retired on 31 December 2021.[31]

Web short

Lego Minions: The Kung Fu Master (2021 Short)

Lego Minions: The Kung Fu Master is an official web short released on YouTube on 7 July 2021 that inspired by both the Lego toyline as well as the Minions: The Rise of Gru film. It features the Minions learn how to be Kung Fu masters.[32][33]

App

The crossover game app, titled Despicable Me: Minion Rush was released on June 13, 2013. The game app was developed by Gameloft for iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows Phone devices.[34] Played as one of the Minions, it allows customization of the character, who must perform various tasks, including defeating Vector and a new villain created for the game, to earn the title of Minion of the Year.[34][35] In August 2021, the game app received an update that brought the world of Lego into the app in the first brick-based crossover for the games.[36][37]

Reception

In September 2021, Catherine Bushen of Chicago Tribune had reviewed the Brick-Built Minions and Their Lair (set number: 75551) and stated, "This set is ideal for youngsters who love the challenge of constructing their toys before playing with them."[38]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Universal Brand Development, Illumination and The LEGO Group Announce Expanded Partnership to Include Building Sets Inspired by Minions: The Rise of Gru". Universal Brand Development. Retrieved 3 June 2019.
  2. ^ "LEGO Minions arriving in 2020". Brick Fanatics. 3 June 2019. Retrieved 3 June 2019.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "One LEGO Minions set is retiring before The Rise of Gru even comes out". Brick Fanatics. 18 August 2021.
  4. ^ a b "Every LEGO set retiring in 2022 – December update". Brick Fanatics. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  5. ^ a b "LEGO Minions take over New York Toy Fair 2020". Brick Fanatics. 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  6. ^ "LEGO Systems Redefines Creative Learning And Self-Expression With Key 2020 Launches". PR Newswire. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
  7. ^ a b "LEGO Minions: The Rise of Gru sets delayed yet again". Brick Fanatics. 24 April 2021. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  8. ^ Farshtey, Gregory; Lipkowitz, Daniel; Hugo, Simon (2020-10-01). LEGO® Minifigure A Visual History New Edition. Dorling Kindersley Limited. p. 248. ISBN 978-0-241-50202-0.
  9. ^ "Only one available LEGO Minions: The Rise of Gru set has a Gru minifigure". Brick Fanatics. 3 July 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
  10. ^ a b c Gomez, Dessi (June 30, 2022). "Minions: The Rise of Gru Cast and Character Guide (Photos)". TheWrap. Archived from the original on August 18, 2022. Retrieved August 18, 2022.
  11. ^ a b Debruge, Peter (June 13, 2022). "Minions: The Rise of Gru Review: The Twinkie-Shaped Horde Picks Sides in This Delightfully Silly Sequel". Variety. Archived from the original on June 14, 2022. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  12. ^ Pockross, Adam (June 15, 2022). "Minions Weren't In Original Despicable Me Script, But Jawas & Oompa Loompas Soon Inspired Them". Syfy Wire. Archived from the original on June 15, 2022. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  13. ^ "Minions: The Rise of Gru LEGO Sets". BrickEconomy. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  14. ^ LeBlanc, Cameron (April 2, 2020). "Lego Minions Have An Evil Plan To Make You Feel Better". Fatherly. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  15. ^ Beck, Kellen (February 21, 2020). "Minions are invading the world of Lego". Mashable. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  16. ^ a b "Inside LEGO Minions 75551 Brick-Built Minions and Their Lair". Brick Fanatics. 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  17. ^ "First look at LEGO set 75550 Minions Kung Fu Battle". Brick Fanatics. 12 April 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  18. ^ "A new LEGO Minions set has been found". Brick Fanatics. 12 June 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
  19. ^ "LEGO Minions and Disney 2021 polybags revealed". Brick Fanatics. February 2021. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  20. ^ "LEGO Minions keyrings available to buy now". Brick Fanatics. 16 May 2021. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  21. ^ "LEGO 40511 Minions Kung Fu Training officially revealed". Brick Fanatics. 18 June 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  22. ^ a b c d e "Minions revealed!". Brickset. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
  23. ^ a b c d e "Kids Will Go Bananas When They See the New LEGO Minion Playsets". thetoyinsider.com. 7 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  24. ^ "New York Toy Fair: 55 Photos from the LEGO Booth". bleedingcool.com. 23 February 2020. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
  25. ^ "LEGO MINIONS & THEIR BRICK BUILT LAIRS". thetoyinsider.com. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
  26. ^ "The Best Lego Sets for Kids". The New York Times. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
  27. ^ Balanza, Albert (2021-04-23). "LEGO Brickheadz Minions Sets Spotted in the Wild". The Brick Show. Retrieved 2021-04-26.
  28. ^ a b "LEGO Minions: The Rise of Gru BrickHeadz officially revealed, available now". Brick Fanatics. 26 April 2021.
  29. ^ "LEGO BrickHeadz Minions Belle Bottom (40421) Spotted In The Wild!". Brickfinder. 2021-04-24. Retrieved 2021-04-26.
  30. ^ "Every LEGO set retiring in 2021 – December update". Brick Fanatics. 7 December 2021.
  31. ^ "The LEGO Minions now have their first brick-built animation". Brick Fanatics. 7 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  32. ^ "First-Ever LEGO® Animated Short Starring Illumination's Minions". Universal Brand Development. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  33. ^ a b O'Connel, Sean (May 30, 2013). "'Despicable Me' Game: Our Exclusive First Look at 'Minion Rush'". Fandango. Archived from the original on July 2, 2013. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
  34. ^ Gameloft (June 13, 2013). "Gameloft, Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment Launch "Despicable Me: Minion Rush"" (Press release). PR Newswire. Archived from the original on June 17, 2013. Retrieved July 4, 2013.
  35. ^ "Gameloft for brands brings the LEGO Minions play universe to Minion Rush in new crossover event". Game press. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  36. ^ "Gameloft for brands Brings the LEGO® Minions Play Universe to Minion Rush in New Crossover Event". Universal Brand Development. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
  37. ^ "The best Minion toy". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 10 September 2021.

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