I Heart Gru Mel

Released as part of the Funko Pop! Movies line to coincide with the promotion of Despicable Me 3 in 2017, this figure captures the character Gru in a moment of unexpected affection for his minions. The design choices for the Despicable Me collection prioritize the stylized, wide-eyed aesthetic characteristic of Funko’s vinyl figures while retaining the essential silhouettes of Illumination Entertainment’s iconic characters. This specific variant was produced to lean into the humorous, softer side of the protagonist, reflecting the recurring themes of growth and family found throughout the film franchise.

The character design was developed under the oversight of Funko’s internal creative team, which aimed to translate the exaggerated proportions of the animated film into the physical Pop! format. By focusing on the interplay between Gru’s sharp, angular features and the playful nature of the message displayed on his shirt, the designers sought to appeal to both long-time fans of the cinematic series and general collectors of pop-culture memorabilia. Upon its release, the figure was widely distributed through major retail chains, becoming a recognizable staple for those building out their Despicable Me character rosters.