Illumination, also known as Illumination Entertainment, is a privately owned American animation studio headquartered in Santa Monica, California, US, operating as a subsidiary of Universal Pictures, which is a division of Comcast’s NBCUniversal. Founded in January 2007 by Chris Meledandri, the company operates with approximately 310 employees and includes Illumination Studios Paris as a subsidiary. Specializing in animation and post-production, the studio works under a financial and distribution structure that grants it creative control over projects while Universal exclusively distributes and markets its films globally. Illumination focuses on high-margin, cost-conscious production models and has generated over $9 billion at the worldwide box office. Its portfolio includes original productions and intellectual property adaptations such as the Despicable Me and Minions franchises, The Secret Life of Pets, Sing, Dr. Seuss' The Grinch, Migration, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, alongside its subsequent theatrical sequels.
A recent discussion on August 26, 2026, highlighted the commercial viability of video game movies, noting one adaptation of the *Super Mario Bros.* franchise as "paradigm-shifting" in its success. Previously, on August 25, TRUBAR KiDS launched new Minions-inspired packaging and a "BANANAAAAAA Bread" flavor for its plant-based protein bars, expanding its fastest-growing product line with nearly 2,000 additional retail doors in 2026. Earlier, on August 6, its parent company Universal Film became the first studio to reach $4 billion at the global box office in 2026, marking the fifth time it achieved this milestone and the first since 2023. This follows a report on July 8 indicating that Illumination/Universal's *MINIONS & MONSTERS* recorded the franchise's lowest opening weekend, earning $36.4 million over three days and $61.4 million over five days, with some attributing the performance to "occult themes." On the same day, Universal Destinations & Experiences officially opened Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, its first regional theme park specifically designed for young children aged 3-8.
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Illumination offers products in the media and telecoms services industry. Illumination's product portfolio comprises of entertainment content rights.
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