The latest additions to the Megamind franchise are Megamind vs. The Doom Syndicate and Megamind Rules! These new installments join the original movie and short film. Fans had been waiting for over 13 years for new content from the underrated Megamind movie, and finally, DreamWorks delivered. The demand for a Megamind sequel had been growing over the years, so Peacock's new movie and series were a pleasant surprise for long-time fans. The original Megamind movie set high expectations for the sequels to live up to.
In 2024, Megamind looks quite different, with a fresh cast and the protagonist transitioning into an official hero. Fans were surprised when Will Ferrell did not return for Megamind 2, but with the entire cast undergoing changes, it is clear that the franchise is taking a new direction. While no official reason was provided for this change, the decision to stream the Megamind sequels on Peacock instead of having a theatrical release may have played a role. With significant differences from the content released years ago, some of the new Megamind projects truly stand out.
Megamind Rules! (2024)
Megamind's Latest TV Show Proves The Franchise Works Best In A Movie Format
The latest entry in the Megamind franchise, Megamind Rules!, has some charming elements, but falls short of its cinematic counterparts. The show allows side characters more screen time and introduces new characters to flesh out Metro City. It also delves deeper into the main cast, exploring Megamind's insecurities and backstory, Roxanne and Megamind's unique relationship, and Chum's jealousy of Keiko. However, despite these interesting elements, the TV series lacks an overall purpose and the extension to the larger narrative is not as captivating as the movies.
Megamind thrives on large-scale narratives, which are missing in the show.
The show Megamind Rules! has a different feel compared to the original movie that inspired it over a decade ago. The jeopardy in each mini-story is lower because the consequences aren't carried over from one episode to the next. Locations and character models are reused, creating a sense of safety for viewers. This is a departure from the large-scale narratives seen in the movie franchise, as the show focuses on resolving minor threats within 20-minute episodes. While fans may enjoy seeing more of their favorite characters, Megamind Rules! highlights why the franchise is best suited for a movie format.
You can currently stream Megamind Rules! on Peacock.
Megamind Vs. The Doom Syndicate (2024)
Megamind's Official Sequel Adds A New Chapter To The Protagonist's Story
Despite initial doubts, Megamind vs. The Doom Syndicate successfully offers a fun continuation of the beloved 2010 film. The sequel introduces a range of new villains, each with their own unique traits that help them stand out. While they may not have much screen time, these antagonists bring a fresh perspective to the franchise. The new cast, led by Keith Ferguson as Megamind, manages to bring a refreshing yet faithful performance to the table.
However, the sequel falls short in comparison to the original Megamind in terms of originality and technical excellence. Megamind vs. The Doom Syndicate fails to completely capture the magic of its predecessor and revive the franchise to its full potential.
Despite having some clever gags and funny moments, Megamind vs. The Doom Syndicate falls short due to its lack of a compelling story. The movie attempts to explore the concept of playing both sides of the law, but it fails to bring anything new to the table. Unlike its predecessor, Megamind 2 lacks originality and technical brilliance, ultimately failing to breathe new life into the franchise. The fun new villains and modern depiction of the main characters are overshadowed by a bland story and mediocre animation, resulting in wasted potential for the film.
Megamind vs. The Doom Syndicate is now available for streaming on Peacock.
Megamind: The Button Of Doom (2011)
Megamind's Short Film Was A Fun Follow-Up To The Original Movie
Despite being a lesser-known part of the Megamind series, Megamind: The Button of Doom has its own charm that makes it a worthwhile watch. The 15-minute runtime manages to effectively showcase Megamind's journey from villain to hero, especially with the mishap of activating Mega-Megamind. While it highlights that he still has progress to make, his ability to defeat his own creation and make the right choice demonstrates his potential for heroism alongside Chum.
Although it may not reach the same level as the original film, Megamind: The Button of Doom still shines with exceptional voice acting by Will Ferrell and David Cross, paired with impressive animation. Despite being over a decade old, the visuals surpass those of newer projects, reflecting the dedication put into this short film. While it lacks the extensive cast and intricate plot of the full-length movies, it excels in fleshing out Megamind's hero's journey and paying homage to the original film, making it a recommended viewing for fans.
Megamind (2010)
The Original Megamind Movie Excels In Nearly Every Way
Megamind, released in 2010, is considered the best entry in the franchise despite being the oldest. The movie features a stellar cast including Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, and Johan Hill, who deliver top-notch performances. The story of Megamind was truly unique for its time, offering a more realistic portrayal of superheroes before it became a common trend in recent years. One memorable moment includes Metro Man faking his own death due to burnout from constantly protecting the city.
The character of Megamind shines as both a cocky villain and a courageous hero. The film's character development is outstanding, with entertaining gadgets and jokes enhancing the overall quality. The animation in Megamind is ahead of its time, featuring visually impressive scenes such as Megamind's epic entrance to battle Titan. While the movie may not have had the mainstream success of other animated projects during its release, it has gained a cult following and is still regarded as the best project in the Megamind franchise.
Megamind is currently available to stream on Peacock.
Editor's P/S:
The latest Megamind installments, including the movie "Megamind vs. The Doom Syndicate" and the TV series "Megamind Rules!", have sparked mixed reactions among fans. While both projects offer charming elements and delve deeper into the characters, some argue that the franchise excels more in a movie format. The TV series lacks a compelling overall purpose, and its smaller-scale narratives fail to capture the same excitement as the movies.
However, the movie sequel, "Megamind vs. The Doom Syndicate," introduces new villains and continues Megamind's journey as a hero. Despite its efforts to revive the franchise, the sequel falls short in originality and technical brilliance, leaving fans with a sense of wasted potential. Nonetheless, the exceptional voice acting and impressive animation in the original 2010 Megamind movie continue to make it the standout entry in the franchise, showcasing the unique and entertaining aspects that captivated audiences over a decade ago.