Cinco Paul: The Screenwriter Behind Beloved Animated Hits Reflects on Storytelling and Success

Cinco Paul, the acclaimed screenwriter behind some of the most successful animated films of the past two decades, continues to shape family entertainment with his distinctive blend of humor, heart, and visual wit. Best known as the co-writer of the Despicable Me franchise and the adaptor of Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!, Paul has built a reputation for crafting stories that resonate across generations. In a recent interview with CBS Saturday Morning, Paul discussed his creative process, the evolution of animated storytelling, and what it takes to sustain success in a highly competitive industry.

Paul’s journey in Hollywood began not in animation, but in live-action comedy writing. After graduating from Vassar College, he worked on sketch comedy shows before teaming up with longtime collaborator Ken Daurio. The duo’s breakthrough came with Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006), but it was their work on Illumination Entertainment’s Despicable Me (2010) that cemented their status as leading voices in family cinema. The film, which introduced the world to Gru, his three adopted daughters, and the now-iconic Minions, grossed over $540 million worldwide and launched a multi-billion-dollar franchise.

According to Box Office Mojo, the Despicable Me series has collectively earned more than $3.7 billion at the global box office, making it one of the highest-grossing animated franchises in history. Paul attributes much of this success to the film’s emotional core: a story about redemption and found family wrapped in a comedic, visually inventive package.

“We always start with character,” Paul said in the CBS interview. “Even if the world is fantastical or silly, the audience needs to believe in the people—or creatures—at the center of it. Gru’s transformation from villain to dad only works because we earn it moment by moment.”

Paul and Daurio also wrote the sequels Despicable Me 2 (2013) and Despicable Me 3 (2017), as well as the Minions spin-offs Minions (2015) and Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022). Their ability to balance slapstick humor with genuine emotional stakes has become a hallmark of their work.

Before his success with Illumination, Paul adapted another beloved property: Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who! (2008), co-written with Daurio and directed by Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino. The film, which stayed remarkably true to Seuss’s original text while expanding its world for the screen, received praise for its fidelity to the source material and its vibrant animation. Paul has spoken publicly about the responsibility of adapting classic children’s literature.

“With Seuss, you’re not just telling a story—you’re honoring a voice that shaped how millions of kids learned to read and imagine,” Paul told Animation Magazine in 2008. “Every line has to feel like it could have arrive from the book.”

The film grossed nearly $300 million worldwide and was noted for its thoughtful themes of empathy and perseverance, qualities Paul says are central to his storytelling philosophy.

In recent years, Paul has expanded his creative reach beyond film. He co-created the Apple TV+ musical comedy series Schmigadoon! (2021–2023), a loving parody of classic Broadway shows that earned critical acclaim and a Peabody Award. The series, which stars Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key, showcases Paul’s deep roots in musical theater—a passion evident in the original songs woven throughout the Despicable Me and Minions films.

Paul’s work often features original music, a rarity in animated comedies where studios typically rely on pop needle drops. For Despicable Me 2, he co-wrote the Oscar-nominated song “Happy” with Pharrell Williams, which became a global phenomenon. The track topped charts in over 20 countries and won the Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance.

Industry analysts note that Paul’s ability to integrate music, comedy, and emotional narrative gives his projects a unique edge in the crowded streaming and theatrical landscape. As studios increasingly prioritize intellectual property with sequel and franchise potential, writers like Paul who can build enduring characters and worlds are in high demand.

Looking ahead, Paul remains involved with Illumination’s upcoming projects, including Despicable Me 4, scheduled for release in July 2024. While plot details remain under wraps, Paul has hinted that the next chapter will explore recent dimensions of Gru’s life as a father and former supervillain.

“The fun of writing these characters is that they keep surprising us,” Paul said. “Just when you consider you recognize Gru, he does something unexpected—and so do we.”

With a career defined by creativity, collaboration, and a deep respect for audience intelligence, Cinco Paul continues to prove that the best animated stories are not just for kids—they’re for anyone who believes in the power of a well-told tale.

Key Takeaways

• Cinco Paul is best known as the co-writer of the Despicable Me franchise and adaptor of Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!
• The Despicable Me series has grossed over $3.7 billion worldwide, making it one of the most successful animated franchises in history.
• Paul emphasizes character-driven storytelling, believing emotional authenticity is key to comedic and fantastical narratives.
• He has successfully expanded into television with the Apple TV+ series Schmigadoon!, showcasing his talent for musical comedy.
• Paul co-wrote the Grammy-winning song “Happy” from Despicable Me 2, highlighting his integration of original music into animated storytelling.
• He remains actively involved in upcoming Illumination projects, including Despicable Me 4 set for summer 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cinco Paul most famous for?

Cinco Paul is most famous for co-writing the Despicable Me franchise and adapting Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who! for the screen, both in collaboration with longtime writing partner Ken Daurio.

How much money has the Despicable Me franchise made?

As of 2024, the Despicable Me series has earned over $3.7 billion at the global box office, according to Box Office Mojo, making it one of the highest-grossing animated franchises of all time.

Did Cinco Paul write any songs for the Despicable Me movies?

Yes, Paul co-wrote the original song “Happy” with Pharrell Williams for Despicable Me 2. The song was nominated for an Academy Award and won the Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance in 2014.

Is Cinco Paul working on any new projects?

Paul is actively involved in the development of Despicable Me 4, scheduled for release in July 2024. He also continues to explore television and musical projects following the success of Schmigadoon!.

What is Schmigadoon!

Schmigadoon! is a Apple TV+ musical comedy series co-created by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. It parodies classic Broadway musicals while telling an original story about a couple who get trapped in a 1940s-style singing town. The series aired two seasons from 2021 to 2023 and won a Peabody Award.