Steve Carell has suggested that the Despicable Me franchise is successful because the films don't speak down to children, Digital Spy said.

The former Office star - who reprises his role as Gru in Despicable Me 2 - explained to Reuters that he appreciates how his animated movies present big ideas to young viewers.

"One of the things I liked about the first one is that it's not condescending towards children," Carell said. "It really is a sophisticated kind of humour that I think kids really enjoy."

Carell went on to suggest that Despicable Me 2 is particularly interesting because its storyline centres on Gru's determination to change his villainous ways in order to best raise his daughters.

"There's a side of him that still wants to be in the villain game," he said.

"[Gru] wants the excitement and is fulfilled by that, if you will, so he's having growing pains as a father."

The voice cast for Despicable Me features Russell Brand as Dr Nefario, Kristen Wiig as Lucy Wilde and Steve Coogan as Silas Ramsbottom.

Despicable Me 2 is released on June 28 in the UK and July 3 in the US.