“Star Wars” creator George Lucas is returning to the big screen for the first time in nearly two decades, taking on a voice role in the newest film in the “Despicable Me” franchise.
Lucas hasn’t had a single acting credit since a 2007 “Robot Chicken: Star Wars” appearance, and largely stepped away from the film industry altogether after he sold Lucasfilm to Disney — but he will voice a surprise role in the upcoming “Minions and Monsters,” due out July 1.
The role came about as a result of Lucas’s love for the franchise, according to Illumination Studios founder Chris Meledandri.
“I had this privilege of meeting George about two years ago, and what led to my meeting him is how much he loves Illumination movies, and specifically ‘Despicable Me,’ and even more specifically, the ‘Minions,’” Meledandri told Collider. “It was such a thrill to learn that and then to share it with the team, because obviously he’s among a very small group of people who the entire studio shares a level of respect for that is just off the charts.”
Meledandri went on to say that as he and his team began to prepare for “Minions and Monsters” — which is set in the 1920s film industry and follows the little yellow imps as they attempt to make a monster movie — he had an idea for a role that might be a good fit for Lucas.
“An idea for a character came up out of the story, and so I said to Pierre [Coffin], who co-wrote the movie with Brian Lynch, and Bill Ryan, who produces with me on the film, and I just said, ‘Well, what if we could get George?’ And they’re like, ‘Are you kidding me?’ I had no idea, but I got such a fast yes,” he said.
And the collaboration may not end there: Meledandri also revealed that Lucas has spoken to him about a possible role in the next “Minions” movie as well.
The team has been tight-lipped about which role Lucas might play in the soon-to-be-released installment, but he’ll be joining fellow voice talents Jeff Bridges, Jesse Eisenberg, and Trey Parker, among others.
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