The text discusses the rise and decline of the Minions, characters from the "Despicable Me" franchise. Initially secondary characters, their popularity exploded, leading to their own movies and merchandise. However, the quality of their films has been questioned, with some arguing that the franchise relies too heavily on simple humor and lacks substance. The future of the Minions remains uncertain as their appeal seems to wane, raising questions about the longevity of such animated franchises.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Minions debuted in movies over ten years ago.
2. They gained popularity through movies, YouTube kids, and social media.
3. The first movie, Despicable Me, was released in 2010.
4. Gru, the main character, transitions from a criminal to a loving father.
5. Minions became more prominent in each subsequent film.
6. There are two full-length films and over ten short films featuring minions.
7. Despicable Me had a good cast, production, music, and story.
8. Minions served as comic relief and secondary characters in the first film.
9. Despicable Me 2 released in 2013 with a larger role for minions.
10. Minions' movie released in 2015 was financially successful but criticized for quality.
11. Despicable Me 3 introduced Gru's twin brother and continued the minions' storyline.
12. A sequel to the minions' movie was delayed until July 2022.
13. Despicable Me 4 is expected to release soon with significant minion content.
14. The popularity of minions is attributed to their design as an attraction for audiences.
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