An immersive premiere of "Despicable Me 4" was held in Shanghai on July 8, much to the delight of fans of the popular franchise. 

Zhuang Dafei (center left) and Da Peng appear on stage alongside Minion performers at the "Despicable Me 4" premiere in Shanghai, July 8, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures]

The iconic exterior of the Shanghai Film Art Center was transformed for the premiere with a yellow layer and pair of eyes to resemble a giant Minion. Inside, the venue was decked out with various installations and decorations, as well as costumed performers themed around the film and its beloved characters.

In "Despicable Me 4," Gru, the world's favorite supervillain-turned-Anti-Villain League-agent, returns in Illumination's latest installment. Following the $940 million box office success of "Minions: The Rise of Gru," the hugely popular animated franchise now begins a new chapter. Gru and Lucy, along with their daughters — Margo, Edith and Agnes — welcome a mischievous Gru Jr. Meanwhile, Gru faces a new nemesis, Maxime Le Mal and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina, forcing the family to go on the run.

A "Despicable Me 4" themed installation at the movie's premiere in Shanghai, July 8, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures]

Directed by Chris Renaud and co-directed by Patrick Delage, the film is packed with non-stop action and filled with Illumination's signature subversive humor. Adding to the excitement are the Mega Minions, a group of rascally sidekicks endowed with superpowers by a super serum, who are rushed into service and create much hilarity. 

The movie features a star-studded voice cast including Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig and Will Ferrell. For the Chinese version, actor and director Da Peng voices Gru, and up-and-coming actress Zhuang Dafei provides the voice for Poppy, an aspiring girl supervillain who has long admired Gru.

Fans attend the premiere of "Despicable Me 4" in Shanghai, July 8, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures]

The duo, who previously collaborated on last year's blockbuster comedy "Johnny Keep Walking!", shared the stage and danced with Minion performers in a surprise appearance at the China premiere, which was held in the SFC Dolby Auditorium at the Shanghai Film Art Center. They then discussed their experiences providing their voices for the film.

Da Peng said that among his many voice-dubbing experiences, "Despicable Me 4" was the most precious and special. He joked that the role had directly elevated his status at home: "I feel that after doing so much work this year, this particular role was especially recognized by my children. My status at home, as well as my image in my children's eyes, have grown taller."

Zhuang Dafei said she resonated with her character Poppy, imagining they could break the dimensional barrier to form a "bad girl" duo, unleashing the imaginative power unique to Generation Z. "Mischievous and rebellious really suit my personality," she said. "I'd be very happy to have such a friend join me in plotting mischief."

Zhuang is also a die-hard fan of the Minions, and she proved herself on stage by speaking the Minions' language during an impromptu test from Da Peng and the event host. Later, the two actors also took part in a game, triggering cheers and laughter from the audience.

The Shanghai Film Art Center is transformed to resemble a giant Minion for the premiere of "Despicable Me 4" in Shanghai, July 8, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures]

"Despicable Me 4" will be released in theaters across China on July 12. On the same day, a Mega Minions meet-and-greet will be held at the popular Minion Land in Universal Beijing Resort. The movie has already grossed over $230 million worldwide as of July 7 since its release in other territories globally last week, according to Box Office Mojo.

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