In Despicable Me, Gru plans to steal the Moon using a shrink ray.
Gru begins the film as a famous supervillain whose ambition is to surpass a rival who has stolen the Great Pyramid of Giza. His elaborate plan depends on shrinking the Moon and transporting it to Earth, although the scheme becomes increasingly complicated after he adopts Margo, Edith, and Agnes.
The Moon theft is a fictional plot device, not an event presented as realistic science. The film uses the plan to establish Gru’s villainous image before shifting the story toward his relationship with the three girls. A common mix-up is confusing the Moon with the pyramid: Vector steals the pyramid, while Gru targets the Moon.
The 2010 movie was the first feature in the franchise and introduced Gru, the Minions, Dr. Nefario, and the girls.