Carl Roberts 
London’s iconic Water Tower W10 is transformed into a celebration of the new film, Minions & Monsters. The event features an unforgettable new character.
This summer, Illumination’s Minions are going big. To celebrate the cinematic release of the riotous new comedy Minions & Monsters on July 1, the Minions are launching a showstopping takeover of Water Tower W10. This is the iconic North Kensington landmark at the end of Ladbroke Grove. Additionally, designer Tom Dixon owns Water Tower W10.
Fresh off the global success of Despicable Me 4, Illumination expands its animated universe with a riotous new chapter, Minions & Monsters. This film introduces all-new characters to the world’s biggest animated franchise. Furthermore, this is the ridiculous story of how the Minions conquered Hollywood and became movie stars. Later, they lost everything and unleashed monsters onto the world. Afterward, they banded together to try to save the planet from the mayhem they had just created.
A MINION TRANSFORMATION
From Saturday, June 20, to Saturday, July 4, the 25-meter tower will burst into a vibrant celebration of film that you won’t want to miss! Notably, this marks the countdown to its nationwide cinema release on Wednesday, 1 July.
Joyful, mischievous, and unmistakably Minions, the installation reimagines the London skyline with a larger-than-life tribute to one of the film’s breakout monster stars: Irene.
Wrapped from top to base in striking artwork, with sculptural 3D elements, the film’s unmissable and uncontainable new monster, Irene, will rise 60ft above Ladbroke Grove. She’s a towering, eye-catching presence designed to stop Londoners in their tracks.
ERIKA LEWINGTON AND TOM DIXON
Erika Lewington, Marketing Director, Universal Pictures UK & Eire, said:
“Illumination’s Minions are some of the most beloved characters in film, and every time they return to cinemas, we look for bold new ways to bring their world to life. Tom Dixon’s Water Tower – an iconic structure in one of London’s most creatively vibrant neighbourhoods – gave us the perfect canvas to introduce Irene in a way that’s as funny and unforgettable as the film itself.”
Tom Dixon, Water Tower W10 Owner and Architect, said:
“The Water Tower was always intended as a bold statement on the skyline, so transforming it into something this joyful and unexpected feels entirely fitting. It’s an unexpected opportunity where architecture meets storytelling – and where a building becomes a character in its own right.”
WATER TOWER W10
Set in the heart of Notting Hill, moments from the energy of Portobello Road, Water Tower W10 is one of London’s most distinctive architectural landmarks. Its striking cylindrical form, reimagined by Dixon, makes it the ideal canvas for this ambitious transformation.
For two weeks, Illumination’s Minions & Monsters will dominate the skyline, delivering a fun, high-impact spectacle for passers-by, commuters, and fans alike.
THE KEY INFORMATION
Activation: Illumination’s Minions & Monsters Water Tower W10 takeover
Location: Water Tower W10, Ladbroke Grove, London
Public viewing: Saturday 20 June – Saturday 4 July 2026
Film release: In cinemas Wednesday 1 July 2026
ABOUT THE FILM
Fresh off the worldwide blockbuster success of summer 2024’s funniest comedy, Despicable Me 4, Illumination expands its joyful animated universe. It does this with a riotous new chapter, featuring all-new characters in the biggest global animated franchise in history: Minions & Monsters.
This is the rambunctious, ridiculous, and totally true story of how the Minions conquered Hollywood and became movie stars. However, they lost everything. They unleashed monsters onto the world and then banded together to try to save the planet from the mayhem they had just created.
THE VOICE CAST
The acclaimed voice cast includes Academy Award winner Allison Janney and two-time Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz. It also features Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges and two-time Academy Award nominee Jesse Eisenberg. Additionally, Zoey Deutch (Nouvelle Vague) and Academy Award nominee and comedy iconoclast Trey Parker, co-creator of South Park, are part of the cast. The cast also includes Saturday Night Live alum Bobby Moynihan and Phil LaMarr (Futurama, King of the Hill).
BEHIND THE MOVIE
Minions & Monsters is directed by Academy Award nominee Pierre Coffin, a director of the first three Despicable Me films and the first Minions film. Coffin has also provided the voice for the Minions since their film debut in 2010. The film is written by Brian Lynch (Minions, The Secret Life of Pets films) and Pierre Coffin and is produced by Illumination’s Academy Award-nominated founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and by Bill Ryan (executive producer, The Super Mario Bros. Movie). The executive producer is Brian Lynch.
ICONIC ANIMATED CHARACTERS
More than 15 years after their creation, the Minions have become the most iconic animated characters of their generation. Globally recognized and beloved by fans of all ages, they have propelled Illumination’s Despicable Me and Minions to a global box office of more than $5.6 billion.
Minions & Monsters opens in cinemas on July 1st.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
