TL;DR: Sofia Vergara has officially traded the Pritchett-Delgado mansion for a villainous lair in Despicable Me 4. She voices Valentina, the high-fashion, high-stakes girlfriend of the film’s main antagonist, Maxime Le Mal (voiced by Will Ferrell). If your kids are obsessed with the Minion-verse, this is a safe, predictable, and high-energy watch, though it doesn't quite reach the emotional heights of the original Despicable Me.
- Best for: Ages 5-12
- Where to watch: Available on major streaming platforms (Peacock/Netflix depending on the month) and VOD.
- Quick Links: Despicable Me 4 | Modern Family | Guide to the Despicable Me Franchise
If you’ve spent any time in a suburban living room over the last decade, Sofia Vergara’s voice is probably burned into your brain. As Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on Modern Family, she was the heart, the lungs, and most of the volume of that show.
Now, she’s made the jump to one of the biggest animated franchises in history: the Minion-verse. In Despicable Me 4, she plays Valentina. And honestly? It’s about time she got to play a villain.
In Despicable Me 4, we meet Maxime Le Mal, a cockroach-obsessed villain who has a long-standing grudge against Gru dating back to their high school days at Lycée Pas Bon. Sofia Vergara voices Valentina, Maxime’s devoted, stylish, and equally ambitious partner-in-crime.
Valentina isn't your typical "henchwoman." She’s more of a co-conspirator who flies a giant, sophisticated ship and keeps Maxime’s ego in check while they hunt down Gru’s family. For parents who know Sofia from her live-action work, the performance is exactly what you’d hope for: charismatic, sharp, and full of that signature comedic timing that made Modern Family a staple.
There is a specific kind of "parental comfort" in hearing a familiar voice on screen. When we pop on a movie for the kids so we can finally fold the laundry or answer three emails in peace, hearing Gloria Pritchett’s voice feels like a warm blanket.
But Sofia’s role in Despicable Me 4 also marks a pivot in her career. After years of being the "fun mom," she’s leaning into more diverse roles—like her recent gritty turn in Griselda (which, for the love of all things holy, do not watch with your kids). Valentina is a middle ground. She’s a "bad guy," but in that sanitized, slapstick Illumination Entertainment way that won't give your seven-year-old nightmares.
If your kids are starting to age out of cartoons and you want to introduce them to Sofia’s most iconic role, Modern Family is generally great for the 10+ crowd. It deals with real family dynamics, though some of the earlier seasons' jokes about Sofia’s character haven't aged perfectly.
Let’s be real: by the time a franchise gets to its fourth main entry (and sixth movie overall if you count the Minions spin-offs), the formula is pretty set in stone.
Despicable Me 4 is a "maximalist" movie. It has about five different subplots going on at once:
- Gru and Lucy adjusting to a new baby (Gru Jr.).
- The family going into witness protection in a fancy town called Mayflower.
- The "Mega Minions" (superpowered Minions that parody the MCU).
- A heist involving a neighbor’s teenage daughter.
- Maxime and Valentina’s revenge plot.
It is a lot. It’s chaotic. For an adult, it can feel a bit like "brain rot" in cinematic form—lots of bright colors, screaming, and fart jokes, but not much substance. However, for kids, it’s pure gold. The "Mega Minions" are a hit with the elementary school crowd, and the physical comedy remains top-tier.
The "Scary" Factor: Maxime Le Mal has a thing for cockroaches. He transforms himself into a human-cockroach hybrid. If your kid is sensitive to bugs or "creepy-crawly" imagery, there are a few scenes that might make them squirm. Valentina herself isn't scary; she’s mostly just glamorous and mean.
The Humor: Expect the usual Minion mayhem. There’s a lot of "cartoon violence"—explosions, falls, and gadgets—but nobody ever actually gets hurt. The humor is firmly PG. There are some jokes about "safe houses" and "witness protection" that will go over kids' heads but might give you a chuckle.
Community Data Note: According to Screenwise community data, Despicable Me 4 is currently one of the top three most-watched movies for households with children aged 5-9. It’s the "safe bet" for movie night because it’s a known quantity.
While Sofia Vergara is a big selling point for the "grown-ups" in the room, let’s be honest: your kids are there for the Minions. The franchise has become a cultural juggernaut that transcends language.
If you find your kids starting to use "Minion-speak" or asking for every piece of plastic merchandise associated with the film, don't panic. It's a phase. But if you want to use the movie as a jumping-off point for a real conversation, Valentina is actually a decent character to talk about.
How to talk about it:
- On Ambition: Valentina is clearly the brains behind much of the operation. You can ask your kids, "Why do you think Valentina helps Maxime even when his ideas are a little silly?"
- On Identity: Gru has to pretend to be someone else in this movie. Ask your kids, "How would you feel if we had to change our names and move to a new town tomorrow?"
Ask our chatbot for more conversation starters about Despicable Me 4
If Despicable Me 4 was a hit and you want to keep the momentum going (or find something slightly more "educational"), check these out:
If your kids liked the "villain vs. villain" vibe of Gru and Maxime, Megamind is a superior film. It stars Will Ferrell (Maxime’s voice!) as a blue-headed alien villain who accidentally wins. It’s smarter, funnier, and has a great soundtrack.
Another great "villains trying to be good" story. It’s stylish, fast-paced, and has a similar heist-movie energy to the subplots in Despicable Me 4.
If you want more Sofia Vergara but in a live-action setting that is incredibly wholesome, Chef is a fantastic family movie (rated R for some language, so check the parent guide for Chef first). She plays the supportive ex-wife of a chef, and it’s a beautiful story about father-son bonding and food.
Despicable Me 4 isn't going to win any Oscars for deep storytelling, but Sofia Vergara’s transition into this universe is a fun milestone. She brings a much-needed spark to the villain side of the equation.
If you’re looking for a movie that will keep the kids entertained for 90 minutes without you having to worry about inappropriate content or "dark" themes, this is it. It’s the cinematic equivalent of a Happy Meal: it’s not gourmet, but it gets the job done and everyone leaves happy.
Next Steps:
- Check out the Screenwise guide to Minion-related apps to see if those "free" games are actually draining your bank account.
- Compare Despicable Me 4 with Inside Out 2 to see which 2024 sequel is better for your child's emotional development.