Blab Entertainment
Illumination Eyes New Sequels and Original IP as It Prepares for 2026 Minions Release
Illumination, the animation studio that emerged under Chris Meledandri’s leadership in 2007, has announced that two of its biggest franchises—The Secret Life of Pets and Sing—are already moving forward with third‑installment plans. In addition, the studio is set to unveil a brand‑new original feature following the forthcoming Minions & Monsters movie.
In a conversation with Collider, Meledandri—formerly president of 20th Century Fox Animation and the creative force behind the Ice Age series—shared insights into the studio’s flagship prospects. He emphasized that the move to revive The Secret Life of Pets stems from a commitment to craft a fresh narrative rather than a formulaic follow‑up. Returning to the helm is director Chris Renaud, and the studio reports it is “well underway” on the new story.
The discussion also touched on Sing 3. Meledandri confirmed that Garth Jennings, the writer‑director who guided the first two installments, is channeling his energy into the upcoming film. The studio aims to “honor what we all love about the film” while weaving in fresh concepts.
Neither franchise has a concrete release date yet. Meledandri hinted that the studio will unveil details “relatively soon,” though no exact timeline was disclosed.
Illumination’s wider schedule spotlights the upcoming Minions & Monsters feature, slated for a U.S. theatrical debut on July 1 2026. Positioned as a prequel to the earlier Minions entries, it marks the third chapter in the Despicable Me saga. The studio’s calendar indicates that the film following Minions & Monsters will be a wholly original, no‑underlying‑material project.
The studio’s legacy highlights a steadfast dedication to family‑friendly animation. Despicable Me, its inaugural theatrical release on July 9 2010, ignited a franchise that now ranks among the highest‑grossing animated series. The Secret Life of Pets, which premiered in 2016, has amassed $1.3 billion worldwide across two films, while the Sing franchise has surpassed $1 billion in box‑office receipts.
Illumination functions under an exclusive financing and distribution partnership with Universal Pictures, a unit of NBCUniversal. While the studio produces its movies as an independent contractor, Universal manages the financing and distribution.
Industry analysts observe that Illumination’s approach—balancing sequels of proven properties with investments in original IP—mirrors broader animation trends. The forthcoming original feature, slated as the next project after Minions & Monsters, underscores the studio’s intent to broaden its portfolio.
Illumination’s Paris‑based division, Illumination Studios Paris, has provided animation for the Despicable Me series and is poised to support upcoming projects.
By mid‑2026, Illumination has delivered 16 feature films, averaging $651 million in worldwide gross each. The studio’s forthcoming slate features Minions & Monsters (July 1 2026), an untitled title set for April 16 2027, and a Nintendo‑licensed movie slated for April 12 2028.
In short, Illumination is gearing up to broaden its hit franchises with third‑installment sequels while also advancing a brand‑new original animated feature. The studio’s next public disclosures are expected in the coming months, and the July 2026 premiere of Minions & Monsters will represent the latest milestone in its expanding catalog.
In a conversation with Collider, Meledandri—formerly president of 20th Century Fox Animation and the creative force behind the Ice Age series—shared insights into the studio’s flagship prospects. He emphasized that the move to revive The Secret Life of Pets stems from a commitment to craft a fresh narrative rather than a formulaic follow‑up. Returning to the helm is director Chris Renaud, and the studio reports it is “well underway” on the new story.
The discussion also touched on Sing 3. Meledandri confirmed that Garth Jennings, the writer‑director who guided the first two installments, is channeling his energy into the upcoming film. The studio aims to “honor what we all love about the film” while weaving in fresh concepts.
Neither franchise has a concrete release date yet. Meledandri hinted that the studio will unveil details “relatively soon,” though no exact timeline was disclosed.
Illumination’s wider schedule spotlights the upcoming Minions & Monsters feature, slated for a U.S. theatrical debut on July 1 2026. Positioned as a prequel to the earlier Minions entries, it marks the third chapter in the Despicable Me saga. The studio’s calendar indicates that the film following Minions & Monsters will be a wholly original, no‑underlying‑material project.
The studio’s legacy highlights a steadfast dedication to family‑friendly animation. Despicable Me, its inaugural theatrical release on July 9 2010, ignited a franchise that now ranks among the highest‑grossing animated series. The Secret Life of Pets, which premiered in 2016, has amassed $1.3 billion worldwide across two films, while the Sing franchise has surpassed $1 billion in box‑office receipts.
Illumination functions under an exclusive financing and distribution partnership with Universal Pictures, a unit of NBCUniversal. While the studio produces its movies as an independent contractor, Universal manages the financing and distribution.
Industry analysts observe that Illumination’s approach—balancing sequels of proven properties with investments in original IP—mirrors broader animation trends. The forthcoming original feature, slated as the next project after Minions & Monsters, underscores the studio’s intent to broaden its portfolio.
Illumination’s Paris‑based division, Illumination Studios Paris, has provided animation for the Despicable Me series and is poised to support upcoming projects.
By mid‑2026, Illumination has delivered 16 feature films, averaging $651 million in worldwide gross each. The studio’s forthcoming slate features Minions & Monsters (July 1 2026), an untitled title set for April 16 2027, and a Nintendo‑licensed movie slated for April 12 2028.
In short, Illumination is gearing up to broaden its hit franchises with third‑installment sequels while also advancing a brand‑new original animated feature. The studio’s next public disclosures are expected in the coming months, and the July 2026 premiere of Minions & Monsters will represent the latest milestone in its expanding catalog.
