Megamind (franchise)

Megamind
Logo of the movies
Created byAlan Schoolcraft
Brent Simons
OwnersDreamWorks Animation
(Universal Pictures)
Years2010–present
Films and television
Film(s)Megamind (2010)
Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate (2024)
Short film(s)Megamind: The Button of Doom (2011)
Animated seriesMegamind Rules! (2024)
Games
Video game(s)Megamind: Ultimate Showdown (2010)
Megamind: Mega Team Unite (2010)
Audio
Soundtrack(s)Megamind: Music from the Motion Picture
Official website
Megamind

Megamind is an American media franchise created and owned by DreamWorks Animation, which began with the 2010 animated film of the same name written by Alan J. Schoolcraft and Brent Simons. The franchise follows the adventures of a supervillain named Megamind who suddenly gets a chance to defend Metro City from the forces of evil after the superhero Metro Man retires.

Feature films

Film U.S. release date Director Screenwriter(s) Producer(s)
Megamind November 5, 2010 Tom McGrath Alan Schoolcraft and Brent Simons Lara Breay and Denise Nolan Cascino
Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate March 1, 2024 Eric Fogel

Megamind (2010)

Megamind is a 2010 American animated superhero comedy film directed by Tom McGrath, produced by DreamWorks Animation, and distributed by Paramount Pictures. It features the voices of Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross, and Brad Pitt.[1]

The film tells the story of Megamind, a highly intelligent alien supervillain who becomes depressed after finally defeating his nemesis Metro Man. He creates a new superhero from Metro Man's DNA, but must become a hero himself when the new "hero" becomes a much more dangerous villain than he ever was.

The film was written by Alan J. Schoolcraft and Brent Simons.[2] It was first titled Master Mind, and then Oobermind.[3] It was suggested that Ben Stiller would be cast as Megamind,[4] and later Robert Downey Jr.[5] but Will Ferrell was ultimately given the role, due to "scheduling conflicts" for Downey.[1][6]

In 2014, the film's distribution rights were purchased by DreamWorks Animation from Paramount Pictures and transferred to 20th Century Fox;[7] the rights are now owned by Universal Pictures.

Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate (2024)

In February 2024, a sequel film was announced to be released exclusively on Peacock on March 1, 2024.[8]

Short film

Megamind: The Button of Doom (2011)

Megamind: The Button of Doom is a 2011 animated short film directed by Simon J. Smith and written by Alan Schoolcraft and Brent Simons, released on DVD/Blu-ray with Megamind on February 25, 2011, starring Will Ferrell and David Cross. Produced by DreamWorks Animation and Pacific Data Images, the short sets after the events of the film to show off Megamind's first day as Defender of Metro City.[9][better source needed]

Television series

Megamind Rules! (2024)

On February 11, 2022, it was announced that Peacock had ordered a CG animated series from DreamWorks Animation Television serving as a follow-up to the film, originally titled Megamind's Guide to Defending Your City. The series chronicles the new hero's quest to become a social media influencer and a true superhero. The original writers of the film, Alan Schoolcraft and Brent Simons, are signed on as executive producers with Celebrity Deathmatch creator Eric Fogel. JD Ryznar is co-executive producer and story editor.[10]

On August 5, 2022, Simons confirmed that the show's writing was completed and production was moving forward.[11]

The series premiered on March 1, 2024.[12][8]

Cast and crew

  •  A indicates an appearance through previously recorded material.
  •  C indicates a cameo appearance.
  •  G indicates the voice actor or actress was a guest appearance.
Characters Films Video games Short film Television series
Megamind Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate Megamind:
Ultimate Showdown
Megamind:
Mega Team Unite
Megamind:
The Button of Doom
Megamind Rules!
Megamind Will Ferrell Keith Ferguson Will Ferrell Keith Ferguson
Minion / Ol' Chum[a] David Cross Josh Brener Drew Massey David Cross Josh Brener
Roxanne Ritchi Tina Fey Laura Post Megan Hollingshead Laura Post
Hal Stewart / Tighten Jonah Hill Archive footage Jonah Hill
Metro Man / Music Man Brad Pitt Rick Pasqualone Brad PittA Ross Marquand
The Warden J. K. Simmons
Bernard Ben Stiller
Jody Smelt Stephen Kearin Roger Craig Smith Roger Craig Smith
Keiko Morita Maya Aoki Tuttle Maya Aoki Tuttle
Gail / Lady Doppler Emily Tuñon Emily Tuñon
Lord Nighty-Knight Talon Warburton Talon Warburton
Pierre Pressure Scott Adsit Scott Adist
Behemoth Chris Sullivan Chris Sullivan
Big King Fish Todd Haberkorn Todd HaberkornG
Blue Mackerel Eric Murphy Eric MurphyG
Red Snapper Joey Rudman Joey RudmanG
Melvin / Mr. Donut Tony Hale Tony Hale
Christina Christo Jeanine Mason Jeanine Mason
Polly 227 Eric Fogel Eric Fogel
Eccentric Eddie Micheal Beattie Michael Beattie
Machiavillian Adam LambertC Adam Lambert
Destruction Worker[b] Fred Tatasciore Brooke Dillman
Psycho Delic Keith David
Hot Flash Cara Pifko
Judge Sludge Monte Markham
Lance Lafontaine Cam Clarke
Mega-Megamind Will Ferrell
Damien Jordan Alexander Hauser
Dude Monkey Max Mittelman
Bad Guy Brad Eric Bauza
Benett Schlurg-Peterman Jeremy Jordan
Mrs. Donut G.K. Bowes
Blanche Morita Jenny Yokobori
Terry Sasko / Supercool Power-Kid Natalia Del Riego
Dan Donner / Hu-Mouse Haley Joel Osment

Additional crew and production details

Film Detail
Executive Producer(s) Composer(s) Editor Production

companies

Distributing

companies

Running time
Megamind Ben Stiller and Stuart Cornfeld Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe Michael Andrews DreamWorks Animation
Pacific Data Images
Paramount Pictures 1hr 36mins
Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate Matthew Janszen and Bryan Winslow DreamWorks Animation Television Peacock 1hr 25mins

Reception

Box office performance

Film Release date Box office gross Budget Ref.
North America Other
territories
Worldwide
Megamind November 5, 2010 $148,415,853 $173,469,912 $321,885,765 $130 million [13]

Critical and public response

Film Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic CinemaScore
Megamind 73% (182 reviews)[14] 63 (33 reviews)[15] A−[16]

In other media

Video games

Year Title Developer(s) Publisher(s) Platform(s) Ref.
2010 Megamind: Ultimate Showdown THQ Studio Australia THQ Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 [17][18][19]
Megamind: Mega Team Unite Wii [20]
Megamind: The Blue Defender Tantalus Media PSP, DS
2019 DreamWorks Universe of Legends Firefly Games
Riva Games
YYTX Game
N/A iOS, Android [21]
2023 DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing Bamtang Games GameMill Entertainment Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One [22]

Comics

After signing a licensing deal with Dreamworks in 2010, the comics publisher Ape Entertainment produced a five-issue Megamind comics series titled DreamWorks' Megamind: Bad. Blue. Brilliant (2010–2011).[23]

Music

Soundtracks

Title U.S. release date Length Label
Megamind: Music from the Motion Picture[24][25] November 2, 2010 48:10 Lakeshore Records

References

  1. ^ a b SuperHeroHype (August 16, 2009). "Ferrell, Pitt and Hill to voice Oobermind". Superhero Hype!. Retrieved February 11, 2022.
  2. ^ Alex Amelines (August 17, 2009). "DreamWorks reveals voice-cast for Oobermind". One Huge Eye. Retrieved August 18, 2009.
  3. ^ Skott Stotland (May 28, 2009). "Master Mind" becomes "Oobermind". Bam! Kapow!. Archived from the original on 2011-07-07. Retrieved August 18, 2009.
  4. ^ Christopher Campbell (April 3, 2007). "Ben Stiller is a Master Mind". MovieFone. Archived from the original on March 10, 2011. Retrieved May 3, 2013.
  5. ^ Debruge, Peter (May 27, 2009). "DreamWorks animates its output". Variety. Retrieved May 21, 2014.
  6. ^ Will Ferrell Replaces Robert Downey Jr. in DreamWorks Animation’s OOBERMIND Retrieved May 3, 2013
  7. ^ Chney, Alexandra (July 29, 2014). "DreamWorks Animation Q2 Earnings Fall Short of Estimates, SEC Investigation Revealed". Variety. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
  8. ^ a b Milligan, Mercedes. "Trailer: DreamWorks' 'Megamind' Returns in New Peacock Film & Series". www.animationmagazine.net. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  9. ^ "Megamind Blu-ray and DVD Coming February 25th". 3 January 2011.
  10. ^ Del Rosario, Alexandra (February 11, 2022). "Peacock Bolsters Animated Kids Programming Slate With 'Megamind,' 'Abomianble' Series & More". Deadline. Retrieved February 11, 2022.
  11. ^ Simons, Brent (5 August 2022). "MEGAMIND'S writer room is wrapping up today as production moves forward. If you're looking for some wonderfully talented and amazing people to join writing your staff, @alanfofalan and I got some dynamite recommendations. Hit us up!". Twitter. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  12. ^ "Megamind television series print ad (page 57)". Kidscreen (February/March 2023). 24 January 2023.
  13. ^ "Megamind". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  14. ^ ""Megamind" (2010)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  15. ^ ""Megamind" (2010)". Metacritic. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  16. ^ ""Megamind" (2010)". CinemaScore. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  17. ^ "Megamind: Ultimate Showdown Critic Reviews for PlayStation 3". Metacritic. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
  18. ^ "Megamind: Ultimate Showdown Critic Reviews for Xbox 360". Metacritic. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
  19. ^ Wolfe, Adam (2010-11-25). "PS3 Review - Megamind: Ultimate Showdown". PlayStation LifeStyle. Retrieved 2022-04-26.
  20. ^ G., Patrick (2010-11-12). "Megamind Wii Review". GamingXP. Archived from the original on 2011-01-01. Retrieved 2022-05-02.
  21. ^ "DreamWorks Universe of Legends - Apps on Google Play". play.google.com. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  22. ^ McWhertor, Michael (2023-07-25). "DreamWorks' new kart racer puts Shrek back in the driver's seat". Polygon. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  23. ^ "DreamWorks' Megamind: Bad. Blue. Brilliant: Ape Entertainment, 2010 Series". Grand Comics Database. Retrieved Sep 20, 2023.
  24. ^ Jagernauth, Kevin (October 22, 2010). "'Megamind' Soundtrack Features Elvis Presley, George Thorogood & Lots Of Hans Zimmer". The Playlist. Archived from the original on March 9, 2013. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  25. ^ "Megamind". Lakeshore Records. Archived from the original on May 2, 2012. Retrieved April 20, 2012.

Notes

  1. ^ In the installments consisting of Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate and Megamind Rules!, Minion has had his named changed to Ol' Chum.
  2. ^ In the Megamind video games, the character of Destruction Worker is male and does not appear with a real name. In Megamind Rules, the character is female and is known as Carla Magucci.