In Minions: The Rise of Gru, what is the name of Gru’s childhood hero?

In Minions: The Rise of Gru, Gru’s childhood hero is the supervillain Wild Knuckles.

Wild Knuckles is the former leader of the Vicious 6, the villainous group that young Gru hopes to join. Although the Vicious 6 betrays him and takes his place in the criminal world, Wild Knuckles becomes an important mentor to Gru. Their relationship gives the prequel a story about admiration, betrayal, and unexpected friendship.

The character’s real name is Belle Bottom’s predecessor as leader of the Vicious 6, but he is chiefly known by his villain name. He is voiced by Alan Arkin, whose performance was among his final major film roles before his death in 2023.

Wild Knuckles is not a Minion, a member of the Anti-Villain League, or Gru’s biological relative. He is an older human supervillain who inspires Gru’s ambitions.