Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures spawned not one, but hopefully two new franchises with the release of 2010’s animated feature Despicable Me.  A direct sequel, Despicable Me 2, is already set for release in July 2013, but Deadline now reports that the studios have quietly been working on a spinoff featuring those adorable/pesky little Minions.  The spinoff feature is currently without a title, but Pierre Coffin (Despicable Me) will direct with Kyle Balda (The Lorax) acting as co-director.  Brian Lynch (Hop, Puss in Boots) has already written the screenplay.  Hit the jump for more.