Felonious Gru, typically referred to by his surname Gru, is a fictional character and the protagonist of Illumination's Despicable Me franchise. He first appeared in Despicable Me (2010) and has appeared in all seven films in the franchise. He is voiced by American actor and comedian Steve Carell. Based on a Dracula-like concept character pitched by animator Sergio Pablos, he was shaped by directors Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin into a character more like a James Bond villain.