'Despicable Me 3' & 'The Grinch' Reboot Release Date Set for 2017

Fans of Gru and his yellow minions will have to wait awhile before the third movie gets out, but the good news is that Universal has announced the specific release date for Despicable Me 3. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the next installment of the popular franchise will be released in theaters on June 30, 2017.

The exact plot for the upcoming 'Despicable Me' movie is still kept under wraps, but the Hollywood Reporter confirms a Universal announcement that it will be directed by Garth Jennings. The report also adds that the studio hinted on a music-filled 'Despicable Me 3.' 

The director for the new 'The Grinch' film, which is mainly a revamp of Dr. Seuss' 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' has also been unveiled. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Pete Candeland has been confirmed to be the director of the reimagined version of the orignial, with script courtesy of Michael LeSieur.

The new film will reportedly open 17 years after the Ron Howard version was seen in theaters, says the Hollywood Reporter. 

Both 'Despicable Me 3' and 'The Grinch' reboot are from Illumination Entertainment, which is responsible for the 'Despicable Me' franchise.

Finally, an untitled Illumination Entertainment project set to be released in 2016, is also in the works. According to IndieWire, the animation feature is written and directed by Garth Jennings.

Read the synopsis of each of the projects from Universal's press release, courtesy of IndieWire, below:

About UNTITLED ILLUMINATION ENTERTAINMENT 2016 PROJECT 2

This original animated comedy event about courage, competition and carrying a tune will be written and directed by Garth Jennings (Son of Rambow, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy). The film will be produced by Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy.

About DESPICABLE ME 3

The team who brought you DESPICABLE ME and the biggest animated hit of 2013, DESPICABLE ME 2, returns to continue the adventures of Gru, Lucy, their adorable daughters-Margo, Edith and Agnes-and the Minions. Get happy on June 30, 2017.

About DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

A newly imagined version of the enduring holiday classic will be directed by Pete Candeland and adapted from Dr. Seuss' book by Michael LeSieur. The film will be produced by Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy and executive produced by Audrey Geisel.