76 Musicians Record John Powell's Score for 7th Minions Film

Q: Why did Star Wars creator George Lucas agree to a cameo in the new Minions movie?

George Lucas agreed to the cameo because he is a genuine fan of Illumination’s films, especially the *Despicable Me* series and the Minions. According to Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri, Lucas’s enthusiasm for the studio’s work was what led to their meeting in the first place. Meledandri said Lucas particularly loved the Minions, and once the filmmakers realized that, they proposed that he appear in *Minions & Monsters* as a CG version of himself. The response, Meledandri said, was an immediate yes. His appearance also fits the movie’s concept. *Minions & Monsters* is set in 1920s Hollywood and is designed as a “love letter to the origins of cinema,” making a cameo from one of modern filmmaking’s most influential figures a natural match. Director Pierre Coffin said there were no difficulties getting Lucas involved, underscoring that the decision came from Lucas’s own affection for the franchise and the film’s celebration of movie history. Lucas recorded his lines in Paris, and Meledandri said he has already expressed interest in returning for a future Minions film.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 3

Seventy-six string, woodwind and harp players gathered in mid-April at Sony Pictures' historic Culver City scoring stage to record John Powell's high-energy music for “Minions & Monsters.”
John Powell’s score was designed to evoke Hollywood’s golden age, with conductor Anthony Parnther leading a rapid-fire sequence concertmaster Bruce Dukov joked was “not possible.”
The film is the seventh entry in the “Despicable Me” and “Minions” franchise and is described as one of the series’ most original installments since the first “Despicable Me” in 2010.
Pierre Coffin directs “Minions & Monsters,” extending his long role in the franchise as the Minions’ voice and as co-director of four earlier films.