NBCUniversal chief Steve Burke spoke with analysts and investors during Comcast’s second quarter conference call and said that the animated sequel Despicable Me 2 will become the most profitable film in Universal’s long history. He also talked about the new partnership with Legendary Pictures.
Deadline reports that Burke showed confidence in Universal’s ongoing partnership with animation house Illumination. The studio is behind Despicable Me 2, which has been one of the biggest hits of the summer. He said that the film will be “the single most profitable film in the 100 year history of Universal Studios.”
The film has grossed $309 million domestically since its July 3 release and has made $354 million overseas.
The conference call also took place after the confirmation that Legendary will now work with NBCUniversal after the Man of Steel producer’s deal with Warner Bros. ended. The studio was responsible for co-producing countless fanboy films for WB and Burke expects this to continue at Universal.
TheWrap notes that Burke said that Legendary is still developing its own films targeted to the “fanboy audience.” He said that there will be a partnership where Universal will often co-finance these films and Legendary will co-finance Universal films. Burke expects the Legendary partnership to be key for future “event films.”
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