Despicable Me Timeline ( Real )

company_foundation
July 2007

Illumination Entertainment Founded

Illumination Entertainment, the production company behind Despicable Me, was founded by Chris Meledandri.

movie_announcement
April 2010

Despicable Me Release Date Announced

The official release date for Despicable Me was announced as July 9, 2010, marking the start of its promotional campaign.

movie_release
July 9, 2010

Despicable Me Premieres

Despicable Me premiered in the United States, beginning its theatrical run and introducing audiences to Gru and the Minions.

home_media_release
December 7, 2010

Despicable Me Home Media Release

Despicable Me was released on DVD and Blu-ray, making the film accessible for home viewing.

Despicable Me Timeline ( Fictional )

backstory
Gru's childhood

Young Gru becomes a supervillain fan

A young Gru dreams of becoming the world's greatest supervillain, inspired by his childhood role models.

main_plot
Present Day

Adult Gru plans to steal the moon

Gru devises a master plan to outdo his rivals by shrinking and stealing the moon.

character_development
Shortly after plan formulation

Gru adopts three girls

Gru adopts Margo, Edith, and Agnes with the ulterior motive of using them to get closer to Vector's fortress.

main_plot
After adoption

Gru fails at Vector's fortress

Gru unsuccessfully attempts to infiltrate Vector's heavily guarded fortress to retrieve the shrink ray.

character_development
Mid story

Gru bonds with the girls

Gru begins to develop genuine affection for the girls, which changes his outlook and priorities.

climax
Near the story's climax

Girls are kidnapped by Vector

Vector kidnaps Margo, Edith, and Agnes, leading Gru to mount a rescue mission.

climax
End of story

Gru rescues the girls and stops Vector

Gru rescues the girls, stops Vector's evil plans, and prevents the theft of the moon.

resolution
Story conclusion

Gru embraces fatherhood

Gru fully commits to being a loving father and leaves his villainous past behind.