It looks as though the World Health Organisation (WHO) has a new ambassador — and a mad one, at that. Steve Carell, whom many will fondly recognise as the voice of Gru in the Despicable Me franchise, has reprised his role as the mad scientist once more in a new PSA video to encourage social distancing during these extraordinary times.
Alongside WHO, the studio behind the famed animated franchise, Illumination, has also partnered up with the United Nations Foundation in the production of this video. The short minute-long clip presents a heartwarming yet informative message by Carell’s Gru — as well as the iconic Minions — about “lifesaving behaviours” such as physical distancing, staying active with physical activities, being creative, but most importantly, being kind to one another.
“At this challenging time, we must find all ways possible to provide hope to people while sharing advice that can protect our health,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Director-General of the World Health Organisation in a press release. “WHO is excited to be working with Illumination and Steve Carell and the joys of the Minions and Gru to promote the importance of physical distancing, keeping active and connected, and being kind and compassionate to overcome COVID-19.”
The PSA will be localised into multiple languages including Spanish, French, Portugese and Arabic, among others.
Marion has a serious RPG addiction. Sometimes it bleeds into real life; he forgets to sleep because he thinks he has a Witcher’s body clock. Forgive him in advance if he suddenly blurts out terms such as “Mind Flayer” and “Magic Missile”, because never once does he stop thinking about his next Dungeons & Dragons game.
Trinity Sun
Edwin Teo
A'bidah Zaid
