The animated film Minions & Monsters earned an estimated $13.75 million on its opening day in North America. The release marks the seventh entry in the Despicable Me franchise.
Illumination and Universal released the movie on Wednesday, July 1. It posted the fourth-best opening Wednesday for an animated July title, according to industry reports.
The film features voice performances by Jesse Eisenberg as the alien Dort, Zoey Deutch as suffragette Debbie, Jeff Bridges and Bobby Moynihan as studio mogul brothers, and Allison Janney as narrator Olivia. It follows the Minions as they become movie stars in 1920s Hollywood while defending Earth from an alien invasion.
At the world premiere in Hollywood, cast members including Eisenberg, Deutch and Bridges attempted to speak Minionese. Deutch described her excitement at joining the project, calling the franchise globally beloved. Bridges likened the experience to playing with toys.
The movie holds a 90 percent certified fresh rating and cost a net $85 million to produce before marketing. It is currently playing in theaters.
