Steve Carell’s ‘Despicable Me 4’ Smashes July 4th Weekend Box Office

Steve Carell might not be able to steal the moon … but, his new movie’s off to such a great start, the producers may be able to buy it when all is said and done.

“Despicable Me 4” — once again starring Carell as lovable villain-turned-father Gru — opened July 3, just in time for the holiday weekend … and, it brought in a  whopping five-day total of $122 million.

More than $75 million just came out of the three-day weekend … so, a pretty major holiday bump for the overall-clad Minions — but, even without the extra days, the flick still opened well.

BTW … the movie’s doing well overseas too — adding more than $100M in international markets, for a worldwide opening of $230 million.

‘Despicable Me’ movies opening on Fourth of July weekend has become a bit of a tradition … with the last two entries in the franchise opening on the same long weekend.

‘DM4’ has a five-day weekend total slightly lower than “Despicable Me 2,” and a three-day weekend lower than “Despicable Me 3” … but, it’s not behind by much, it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see the franchise rake in another billion.

With all the added star power, it’s not surprising the new movie’s taking off … on top of returners like Carell and Kristen Wiig, the new flick also features Will Ferrell, Sofia Vergara, Joey King, Chloe Fineman and Stephen Colbert.

Bottom line … the Minions aren’t slowing down anytime soon — and, they can buy themselves a whole lotta bananas with these box office receipts.