Filmmaker George Lucas is set to lend his voice to a character in the upcoming animated movie, 'Minions & Monsters'.

This development is significant as it marks a rare voice acting role for the acclaimed creator of the 'Star Wars' saga.

Chris Meledandri, head of Illumination, revealed Lucas's involvement during a recent interview with Collider.

Meledandri shared that Lucas is a fan of the 'Despicable Me' franchise, a detail that thrilled the animation studio.

"It was such a thrill to learn and share that with the team," Meledandri stated, adding that Lucas is held in exceptionally high regard by everyone at the studio.

Upon discovering Lucas's admiration for their work, the team at Illumination decided to approach him for a voice role.

An "idea for a character" was developed specifically with Lucas in mind, and the pitch received a "fast yes." While the specific character Lucas will portray remains undisclosed by Illumination, 'Minions & Monsters' is set in the 1920s and follows the Minions as they attempt to make their own movie.

Given Lucas's well-known appreciation for older films, evident in his work on 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones', speculation suggests he might voice a director or another figure from that era.

'Minions & Monsters' is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 1.