Directed by
Chris Renaud
Made by
Universal Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of Despicable Me 2 (2013). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
A mysterious aircraft swipes a dangerous mutagen named PX-41 from a lab located in the Arctic Circle. In response, Silas Ramsbottom, the head of the Anti-Villain League (AVL), sends agent Lucy Wilde to seek out Gru, a former supervillain. Despite being forcibly brought to AVL’s headquarters, Gru resists their plea, insisting that he has enough on his plate as a father and as the owner of a jelly business. However, when his longtime colleague Dr. Nefario resigns to join another villain, Gru reluctantly decides to collaborate with the AVL, and he is paired with Lucy, using a cupcake store as their cover at a local shopping mall.
Gru quickly becomes suspicious of Eduardo Pérez, the owner of a Mexican restaurant, believing him to be the notorious supervillain “El Macho,” who was thought to have perished in an explosive showdown with a shark and a volcano. Attempting to gather information, Gru and Lucy sneak into Eduardo’s restaurant but come up empty-handed. Meanwhile, Gru’s three adopted daughters—Margo, Edith, and Agnes—who long for a mother’s love, speculate about a potential romance between Gru and Lucy, an idea that Gru firmly dismisses as absurd.
While continuing to survey potential leads, Gru’s focus remains on Eduardo, especially when he witnesses Eduardo’s son Antonio charming Margo. Gru’s neighbor, Jillian, inadvertently sets him up on a disastrous blind date with Shannon, but Lucy swoops in to rescue him from humiliation by tranquilizing Shannon. This incident strengthens the bond between Gru and Lucy, but their progress is interrupted when the AVL arrests Floyd, a wig merchant linked to the mutagen.
In a sudden turn, Ramsbottom shuts down the investigation and relocates Lucy to Australia, leaving Gru heartbroken. At a festive Cinco de Mayo party that Eduardo hosts, Gru confirms his suspicions when he discovers that Eduardo is indeed El Macho, who has survived and has enslaved Gru’s Minions using the mutagen, transforming them into ferocious monsters poised for world domination.
El Macho extends an invite to Gru to join forces, but overcome with fear, Gru flees with his daughters. Meanwhile, Lucy, defying orders, rushes back to help them, only to be taken hostage by El Macho, a scene witnessed by Nefario. Gru, attempting to save her, feigns an abduction by two mutated Minions, only to be quickly unveiled by the real mutated Minions who launch an attack.
In a desperate race against time, Nefario devises an antidote to reverse the Minions’ transformation. Nefario’s plan involves lacing Gru’s jelly with the antidote, and with the help of the girls and remaining Minions, they race to rescue Gru and restore the mutated Minions back to normal. A frantic showdown ensues as El Macho, threatened by Gru and Nefario’s defiance, attempts to sacrifice Lucy to the volcano where he pretended to die, while also using the mutagen to battle Gru. Ultimately, Gru and Nefario emerge victorious.
As they try to rescue Lucy from a rocket rigged to launch her into the lava, the chaos leads to an unexpected twist. Lucy accepts Gru’s romantic advance, resulting in a daring leap into the ocean just as the rocket is set to explode. Months later, after a whirlwind of one hundred forty-seven dates, love blossoms, culminating in a wedding where Gru and Lucy are united, and Lucy embraces the role of their girls’ adoptive mother.
Track the key events of Despicable Me 2 (2013) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
PX-41 Heist
A mysterious aircraft steals a dangerous mutagen known as PX-41 from a research facility in the Arctic Circle. This theft sets off a series of events that will ultimately lead to a confrontation involving Gru and the Anti-Villain League.
AVL Requests Gru's Help
Silas Ramsbottom, head of the AVL, seeks out Gru to enlist his help in recovering PX-41. Initially, Gru resists, insisting he is busy with fatherhood and running his jelly business, reflecting his conflicted past as a supervillain.
Dr. Nefario's Defection
Gru's longtime associate, Dr. Nefario, resigns from his position, choosing to work with another villain. This act serves as a pivotal moment that ultimately compels Gru to join forces with the AVL.
Cover Mission at the Cupcake Store
Gru and his new partner Lucy Wilde open a cupcake store as a cover to investigate the recent villain activities. Their collaboration marks the beginning of a budding partnership, albeit with Gru's reluctance.
Suspicion of El Macho
Gru grows suspicious of Eduardo Pérez, believing him to be the infamous El Macho, a villain presumed dead. He attempts to gather evidence, but initial investigations yield no results.
Blind Date Disaster
Gru's neighbor, Jillian, inadvertently arranges a disastrous blind date for him. His rescue comes from Lucy, who tranquilizes his date, deepening the bond between her and Gru.
AVL Arrests Floyd
The AVL arrests Floyd, a wig merchant implicated in the PX-41 affair. This move leads to a sudden halt in the investigation, much to Gru's dismay.
Eduardo's Cinco de Mayo Party
At a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration, Gru confirms his suspicions that Eduardo is indeed El Macho. He discovers that Eduardo has enslaved the Minions with PX-41, heightening the stakes for them all.
Lucy Gets Captured
After Gru flees from Eduardo, Lucy returns to help them both but is captured by El Macho. Gru witnesses this kidnapping, which pushes him to take decisive action to rescue her.
Nefario's Antidote Plan
Nefario concocts a plan to reverse the transformation of the Minions. He decides to lace Gru's jelly with an antidote, which leads to a frantic race against time to save Lucy and the Minions.
Showdown with El Macho
A chaotic showdown occurs as Gru and Nefario confront El Macho, who attempts to destroy Lucy with a volcano. The battle escalates, showcasing Gru's determination to protect his loved ones.
Lucy and Gru's Leap
In a dramatic twist, Lucy reciprocates Gru's romantic affection as they face imminent danger from the exploding rocket. They make a daring leap into the ocean, fighting against all odds.
Gru and Lucy's Wedding
Months later, after a series of romantic dates, Gru and Lucy celebrate their wedding. Lucy embraces her new role as the girls' adoptive mother, marking a new chapter in their lives.
Meet the characters that bring Despicable Me 2 (2013) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Gru (voiced by Steve Carell)
Gru is a reformed supervillain who has transitioned into a devoted father and independent business owner. His character is marked by his comedic cynicism and protective instincts toward his daughters. Throughout the film, Gru demonstrates growth, learning to embrace love and heroism in unexpected ways.
Lucy Wilde
Lucy Wilde is a spirited and determined agent of the Anti-Villain League. She is characterized by her unyielding commitment to her mission and her ability to bring out the best in Gru. Lucy's character not only adds a romantic dynamic to the film but also showcases a strong female presence within a comedic landscape.
El Macho (voiced by Benjamin Bratt)
El Macho is the primary antagonist, portrayed as a flamboyant villain who survives a supposed death. His larger-than-life persona, ruthless ambition, and appetite for chaos contrast sharply with Gru's character arc. El Macho's motivations drive the conflict, ultimately leading to his downfall.
Uncover the settings of Despicable Me 2 (2013), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events in 'Despicable Me 2' unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern societal themes of family, love, and heroism. The plot develops over a sequence of festive and chaotic moments, showcasing a blend of everyday life and extraordinary circumstances.
Location
Arctic Circle, Local Shopping Mall, Mexico
The Arctic Circle serves as the backdrop for the movie's initial conflict, housing the lab where the dangerous mutagen is stolen. The local shopping mall becomes a crucial location where Gru and Lucy set up their undercover operation under the guise of a cupcake store. Additionally, the vibrant atmosphere of a Mexican restaurant in the movie highlights cultural elements essential to the plot.
Explore the core themes of Despicable Me 2 (2013). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love
Themes of love and romance are pivotal in 'Despicable Me 2', particularly in the developing relationship between Gru and Lucy. The film explores familial love through Gru's bond with his adopted daughters, alongside the romantic affection that blossoms despite initial reluctances. Ultimately, the themes of love culminate in Gru and Lucy's wedding, symbolizing unity and family.
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Heroism
Heroism is portrayed through Gru's evolution from a supervillain to an unexpected hero. His determination to protect his daughters and fight against El Macho showcases his growth and newfound priorities. The film emphasizes the importance of courage and sacrifice in the face of danger.
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Celebration
Celebration plays a significant role in the narrative, particularly during festive moments such as Cinco de Mayo. These joyful occasions serve not only as entertaining backdrops but also highlight the themes of community and togetherness, culminating in Gru and Lucy's wedding.
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