Meet the 'Minions': Your Adorable Guide to the Good and the Not-So-Good

The adorable Minions were introduced in 'Despicable Me' as loyal servants of the supervillain Gru. But how did they wind up there? Their origin story is finally being told in 'Minions,' a prequel that shows their evolution over centuries (narrated by Geoffrey Rush) as they search for new masters to serve. So... who do they encounter? 

The indefatigable leader of the Minions (left), Kevin is a proud and protective "big brother." He's humble enough to recognize that he and his fellow Minions must have always have a master to serve or else they lack a purpose. He's also bold to risk everything to find a new evil boss; in 1969, that leads to London.

Unlike Kevin, Stuart (right) has not yet developed much empathy for his brother Minions. He's more like a rebellious teenager, wanting to hang out, play music and talk to girls. Still, he likes the idea of serving the biggest, baddest villain in the world -- if he spoke English he'd say "Cool, man!" -- which is his main motivation for joining Kevin and Bob on their mission. 

He has the best of intentions, but lovable little Bob (right) has trouble staying focused. He tends to fixate on anything passing by, from a bright light to a TV to a teddy bear on the ground. He sure does love everyone, though, and his unconditional acceptance of others make him lovable in return. When he thinks about the trip with Stuart and Kevin, he gets a bit nervous ....but look! A stick!

As a whole, the mass of Minions can be overwhelming, especially when they get together and start causing mischief. Oh, and eating bananas! They can be competitive, and there's that whole thing about serving evil masters, but tickle them and their sweet, happy nature is revealed. Don't push it too far, though -- they're just as likely to turn on anyone who poses a threat to their joyous band of brothers. 

In 1969, Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock) is known as the world's first-ever female supervillain. She can mastermind amazing heists, which draws Kevin, Stuart and Bob to her. She hires them as her henchmen in pursuit of her lifelong dream to become the Queen of England. Scarlet is impeccably stylish and charismatic, but also quick-tempered and terrifying.  

Scarlet's husband Herb (Jon Hamm) is loving and supportive of his wife, even as he is often preoccupied with inventing extraordinary gadgets and choosing swanky outfits to wear in the mod, swinging London of the late 1960s. Above all, he is ready and willing to champion his wife. 

Before the Minions meet up with Scarlet and Herb, they are picked up while hitchhiking by Walter (Michael Keaton) and Madge (Allison Janney), who are traveling with their three young children on their way to a family stickup. As the old saying goes, "The family that robs together, stays together." 

The Queen (Jennifer Saunders) thinks she has seen everything until the Minions arrive and bring with them a supervillain who wants her Crown Jewels, as well as her crown itself! The Queen is in for the battle of her life. 

Professor Flux (Steve Coogan) has invented the world's first time machine. Things get really complicated when he meets the Minions at an annual gathering of villains in 1969, because he has traveled back in time and brought future versions of himself to his lab. Oh, boy! What further damage can he cause?