George Lucas Voices Character in July 1 'Minions & Monsters' Release

Q: Will George Lucas's surprise role in *Minions & Monsters* be a one-off cameo or a major return to the big screen?

It looks more like the start of a small-scale comeback than a one-off cameo, though not a full return to live-action filmmaking. What is confirmed is that Lucas voices a character in *Minions & Monsters*, his first major entertainment project in more than a decade and his first notable vocal performance since *Robot Chicken* in 2007. Illumination chief Chris Meledandri said Lucas accepted the role quickly after the two connected over Lucas’s affection for the *Despicable Me* and Minions films. The strongest evidence that this is not a single isolated appearance is Meledandri’s account of Lucas already discussing “the role he wants to do next in the next Minions movie.” That suggests Lucas sees this as an opening to more voice work, at least within Illumination’s animated universe. At the same time, nothing indicates a broad return to directing or producing blockbuster films. Lucas has remained largely retired from filmmaking since selling Lucasfilm in 2012, focusing instead on philanthropy and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. His role in *Minions & Monsters* is described as a voice part, not a major on-screen acting turn. So the most accurate reading is that Lucas’s *Minions & Monsters* role is a cameo-sized re-entry into entertainment, but probably not a one-off. It points to possible future voice roles rather than a major big-screen comeback in the traditional sense.

Q: What convinced Star Wars creator George Lucas to end his decade-long retirement for a role in the new *Minions* movie?

George Lucas came out of retirement largely because he is a genuine fan of Illumination’s *Despicable Me* and Minions films. According to Illumination founder Chris Meledandri, Lucas’s affection for the franchise was strong enough to spark a meeting about two years ago, and when a fitting character appeared in *Minions & Monsters*, Meledandri offered him the voice role. Lucas accepted quickly. Meledandri said the response was a “fast yes,” suggesting the appeal was not a return to filmmaking in general so much as a chance to join a series he already admired. Lucas recorded his lines in France for the film, which premiered July 1. The decision also appears to have reopened his interest in voice acting more broadly. Meledandri said Lucas has already talked about wanting to do more voice work and even discussed possible roles in future Minions movies. In short, it was Lucas’s enthusiasm for the Minions universe—and the availability of a character that suited him—that convinced him to end his decade-long break from show business.

3 articles · Updated · Deadline · Jun 20

George Lucas will voice a character in Illumination’s “Minions & Monsters,” marking a rare screen-credit return for the “Star Wars” creator ahead of the film’s July 1 release.
Chris Meledandri said the casting grew from Lucas’s enthusiasm for Illumination films—especially the Minions—and that the producer got a quick yes after proposing the role.
Lucas recorded his lines in France, and Meledandri said he is already discussing another part for a future Minions movie.
The role pulls Lucas back into filmmaking after years largely away from the industry since selling Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012.