In a bizarre turn of events, Star Wars creator George Lucas has a cameo in Illumination's upcoming animated movie Minions and Monsters. But according to Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri, the Lucasfilm founder had such a great time that he wants to star in more Minions movies in the future.
"I saw him recently, and he's already talking to me about the role he wants to do next in the next Minions movie," said Meledandri to Collider. In Minions and Monsters, which follows the little yellow Minions as they band together to save the world after unleashing monsters, Lucas voices an animated version of himself.
However, Lucas' involvement didn't just come out of the blue. "I had this privilege of meeting George about two years ago, and what led to my meeting him is how much he loves Illumination movies, and specifically Despicable Me, and even more specifically, the Minions," said Meledandri. "It was such a thrill to learn that and then to share it with the team, because obviously he's among a very small group of people who the entire studio shares a level of respect for that is just off the charts."
Meledandri then decided that Lucas should voice a character based on himself in the new movie, and says director Pierre Coffin, co-writer Brian Lynch, and producer Bill Ryan were all surprised, but jumped at the idea. It sounds as though Lucas' cameo may be centered around Hollywood legends, as the movie also contains an animated version of Citizen Kane star and director Orson Welles, as well as nods to the classic.
Over the years, Lucas has made appearances in many live-action movies, including his own, such as the first Star Wars film, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Hook, Men in Black, and Star Wars: Episode 3 – Revenge of the Sith. However, it sounds like animation may be Lucas' true calling. Alongside Lucas' cameo, Minions and Monsters also stars Jesse Eisenberg, Allison Janney, Christoph Waltz, Jeff Bridges, and Zoey Deutch.
Minions and Monsters hits cinemas on July 1. For more, check out our list of the best animated movies that aren't Disney, and keep up with new movies heading your way.
