Megamind (franchise)

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]

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]}

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]

Box office performance

Critical and public response

Video games

Comics

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

Soundtracks