GRU-ING PAINS!
| Published date | 01 July 2022 |
"It's something I never gave a second thought to until this film," confesses the 59-year-old American, raising his eyebrows.
We are chatting ahead of the release of the latest Despicable Me instalment - Minions: The Rise of Gru. A pair of dark, plastic framed spectacles resting on the bridge of his nose, Steve's considered demeanour, combined with his softly spoken tone, has an undeniably calming effect on those in the room.
"When we started I don't think any of us thought there would be more than one [film]. I don't think any of us were thinking of an origin story or character development on that level, it was just a fun character," he shrugs.
The Foxcatcher actor's soft Massachusetts twang is a far cry from Gru's eastern European drawl. An accent Steve once described as "a mix of Ricardo Montalban and Bela Lugosi", the voice is one of the franchise's most instantly recognisable trademarks, blending squeaky inflections with a sense of comedic charm. This time around, though, change is afoot.
Minions: The Rise Of Gru turns back the clock to explore the childhood of an 11-and-three-quarteryear-old Felonious Gru.
The action focuses on a character whose well-documented issues as an adult stem from an unfulfilled desire to gain the approval of his mother Marlena (voiced by Julie Andrews).
Stepping into the notably smaller shoes of a pre-pubescent Gru, Steve explains that the voice this time around is "a little bit different" - primarily due to its higher pitch. Exuding a boisterous sense of optimism, this younger vision of Gru bristles with naivety. Untainted by the disappointments, trials and tribulations of adult life, the overriding sense of optimism - even in the face of danger, is one that permeates the film.
"Little kids are so full of life. And they're very earnest - at least, that's the way I saw little Gru," says Steve, who is best known for playing Michael Scott in the US version of The Office.
"He wants to be a part of something. The world is very fresh in his eyes. But as Gru gets older, he's still a really sweet guy, but he builds up this crusty exterior and pushes the whole idea away from him being nice or sweet or gentle or loving."
From animation studio Illumination Entertainment...
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