The colourful inhabitants of Universal Resort Orlando already include Harry Potter, Spider-Man and Shrek but from 2012, the popular Florida theme park will have a new, altogether more sinister, resident in town.  

Via a high-tech global web announcement, Universal Studios said this week that it will open a '3-D-CGI attraction' based on the character of Gru, the animated super villain star of the Hollywood film Despicable Me. 

Replacing the resort's Jimmy Neutron ride, the Despicable Me attraction will see park goers turned into the less than sharp one-eyed yellow minions that trail their evil master. 

Gru's three adopted daughters, Margo, Edith and Agnes, will also form part of the action. 

Universal said its creative team is working with the film's original producer Chris Meledandri to ensure the attraction stays true to the original movie, which grossed more than £330million at the box office. 

Although ideas for the ride remain a closely guarded secret, there is expected to be a dance element with audiences interacting with the film's characters.

Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative said: 'The 'Despicable Me' attraction is the latest example of how we tap into pop culture's most compelling stories and turn them into extraordinary theme park entertainment.'