Though you might think the Despicable Me sequel would have the entire voice cast in place by now (particularly since the film is due a year from next month), there is still apparently room for new arrivals, with Steve Coogan signing on.

Animation company Illumination is keeping the vast majority of the details about the plot locked in a sealed vault. But we do know that Steve Carell will be back as supervillain Gru, whose life has been changed for the better when he adopts three children. Russell Brand is returning to play Gru’s assistant, Dr Nefario, Kristen Wiig will once again be Miss Hattie and Miranda Cosgrove is now confirmed as oldest child Margo. And the Minions will, somewhat naturally, be causing trouble again.

There has been some shifting around behind the scenes: while Javier Bardem had been in negotiations to tackle the villain role, that part has ultimately been filled by Al Pacino, who locked in a deal this past February.

As for Coogan? Well, the company won’t say what or whom he’s playing for now, but he’ll be working for directors Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin and from a script by Illumination veterans Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio.

Despicable Me 2 will be out on June 28 next year. Coogan will next crop up in Ruby Sparks and What Maisie Knew and is currently working on Michael Winterbottom’s The King Of Soho. And of course there's Partridge in his big-screen future as well...