In the Despicable Me films, what is Gru’s mother called?

In the Despicable Me films, Gru’s mother is called Marlena Gru.

Marlena is introduced as Gru’s difficult and emotionally distant mother. Her relationship with Gru helps explain some of his insecurities and his early desire to prove himself as a supervillain. Although she often criticizes his ambitions, she remains an important part of his family history.

Marlena is voiced by Julie Andrews in the first Despicable Me film. Andrews is widely known for playing Mary Poppins and for her work in The Sound of Music. Her casting gives the character a recognizable voice outside animation.

Marlena is sometimes confused with Lucy Wilde, Gru’s wife, or with Gru’s three adopted daughters: Margo, Edith, and Agnes. Those characters belong to Gru’s present family, while Marlena is his biological mother.