2015 Licensing Expo: First Look at Posters for Illumination’s ‘The Secret Life of Pets’

Minions, the latest film from Illumination Entertainment, will hit theaters in less than five weeks (a screening of the film will occur next week at this year’s Annecy International Film Festival). But as expected, the studio is already beginning to focus its efforts on promoting its next film: The Secret Life of Pets.

At this year’s Licensing Expo in Los Vegas, Illumination debuted eight poster/banners for the film, showcasing the different characters (images courtesy of Collider).

The first one introduces Max (voice by Louie C.K.):

The second one gives us Chloe (voiced by Lake Bell):

The third one is Duke (voiced by Eric Stonestreet):

The fourth one shows us Gidget (voiced by Jenny Slate):

The fifth one is Mel (voiced by Bobby Moynihan):

The sixth one has Norman (voice actor unknown):

The seventh one gives us Snowball (voiced by Kevin Hart):

The eighth and final poster puts both of the main characters (Max and Duke) together:

None of these poster are truly indicative of what we can expect from the movie, but what can be inferred here is that that each character has a distinct design. Asides from giving us a nice variety in looks for the animals, it also distinguishes The Secret Life of Pets from other Illumination films while simultaneously adhering to the uniform style established in the first Despicable Me.

There’s also an expectation that the first trailer will be tied to the release of Minions. There’s nothing out there confirming that, but it doesn’t sound too far-fetched, especially knowing that Illumination is probably wanting to start promoting The Secret Life of Pets as soon as possible.

The film is directed by Chris Renaud and Yarrow Cheney from a script by Bryan Lynch, Cinco Paul, and Ken Daurio.

The plot synopsis can be read down below:

For one bustling Manhattan apartment building, the real day starts after the folks on two legs leave for work and school. That’s when the pets of every stripe, fur and feather begin their own nine-to-five routine: hanging out with each other, trading humiliating stories about their owners, or auditioning adorable looks to get better snacks.

The building’s top dog, Max (Louis C.K.), a quick-witted terrier rescue who’s convinced he sits at the center of his owner’s universe, finds his pampered life rocked when she brings home Duke (Stonestreet), a sloppy, massive mess of a mongrel with zero interpersonal skills. When this reluctant canine duo finds themselves out on the mean streets of New York, they have to set aside their differences and unite against a fluffy-yet-cunning bunny named Snowball (Hart), who’s building an army of ex-pets abandoned by their owners and out to turn the tables on humanity… all before dinnertime.

The Secret Life of Pets will bow in theaters on July 8, 2016.

What do you think? Any thoughts on the poster? Are you looking forward to The Secret Life of Pets?

Edited by: Morgan Stradling