You remember that feeling when a movie ends and you just aren't ready to leave that world yet? That was basically everyone in 2010 after DreamWorks dropped Megamind. It was a subversion of the superhero genre before subverting superheroes became a tired trope. But what a lot of casual fans totally missed—or maybe just forgot—is that the story didn't actually end when the credits rolled on the theatrical release. There’s this weird, frantic, and surprisingly high-energy short film called Megamind: The Button of Doom that serves as the official "Day One" of Megamind's life as a hero.
It’s short. Like, fifteen minutes short.
But honestly? It handles the "reformed villain" arc better than most full-length sequels.
What Actually Happens in Megamind: The Button of Doom?
So, here is the setup. Megamind has just defeated Tighten. He’s the hero of Metro City now. He’s got the keys to the city, the adoring fans, and a shiny new suit. But he’s also got a massive warehouse full of "evil" gadgets that he doesn't need anymore. He decides to have a garage sale. Yes, a literal yard sale for doomsday devices.
It’s classic Megamind logic.
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He sells off most of his stuff, but he keeps one specific remote because he can't remember what it does. Naturally, he presses it. You’d think a genius would know better, right? Well, pressing that button activates the MEGA-MEGABOT, a colossal, spider-like robot programmed with Megamind’s former personality. It’s basically a giant metal version of his own ego coming back to haunt him. The rest of the short is a chaotic chase through the city where Megamind and Minion (now officially renamed "Ol' Chum," though that never really stuck with the fandom) have to destroy a monster that was designed to be indestructible.
The Identity Crisis Nobody Talks About
While the short is mostly played for laughs, there is some actual depth here if you look for it. It tackles the "Imposter Syndrome" that comes with a massive career change. Megamind spent his entire life being the bad guy. He’s comfortable with spikes, black leather, and giant robots. Suddenly, he’s supposed to be the "Blue Defender," and he’s clearly struggling with the branding.
He tries to use a "De-Gun" that has different settings, but he keeps forgetting which one is which.
It’s a mess.
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One of the funniest, and honestly most telling, moments is when he realizes the Mega-Megabot is tracking his every move because it’s programmed to find the hero. Since he's the hero now, he's the target. It’s a literal manifestation of his past self trying to kill his future self. DreamWorks didn't have to go that hard for a DVD extra, but they did.
Why the Animation Still Holds Up
Usually, these "straight-to-home-video" shorts look a bit cheap. They’re often outsourced to smaller studios with half the budget of the main film. But Megamind: The Button of Doom actually keeps the visual fidelity of the original movie. The lighting on Megamind’s oversized cranium, the fluid motion of Minion’s gorilla-suit body, and the scale of the robot all feel premium.
It was directed by Simon J. Smith, who also worked on Bee Movie and Penguins of Madagascar. You can feel that frantic, slightly neurotic energy in the pacing. It doesn’t breathe. It just goes.
The Voice Cast: Who Returned?
One of the biggest questions people have about these spin-offs is whether the A-list stars actually showed up to the recording booth or if they hired "sound-alikes."
- Will Ferrell returned as Megamind. Thank goodness. The character is 90% voice inflection, and without Ferrell’s weird pronunciations (like "Ol-lo" for "Hello"), it wouldn't work.
- David Cross is back as Minion/Ol' Chum. His chemistry with Ferrell is the heartbeat of this entire franchise.
- Tina Fey is notably absent as Roxanne Ritchi.
Wait, why no Roxanne?
In the context of the story, she’s busy doing her job as a reporter, but realistically, it was likely a scheduling or budget thing. Her absence is felt, but since the short focuses so heavily on the "buddy cop" dynamic between Megamind and Minion, it doesn't break the narrative. We also don't see Metro Man (Music Man), which makes sense since he’s technically "dead" to the public and busy living his new life in a school bus.
Misconceptions About the "Sequel" Status
There is a lot of confusion lately because of the Megamind vs. The Doom Syndicate project and the newer series that came out years later. If you’re looking for the real follow-up, Megamind: The Button of Doom is the only one that truly captures the spirit of the 2010 film.
Some fans mistakenly think this short was a deleted scene. It wasn't. It was produced specifically as an epilogue. It also introduces the idea that Megamind’s transition to heroism isn't going to be a smooth ride. He’s clumsy. He’s impulsive. He still likes explosions way too much.
The Technical Specs of the Mega-Megabot
If you're a gearhead or a lore nerd, the robot itself is actually a pretty cool piece of design. It’s essentially a giant version of the "Brain Bots" but with a much more menacing silhouette.
- It features "Bio-Metric Tracking" (which is why it targets Megamind).
- It has an "Overdrive" mode that makes it nearly impossible to outrun.
- It carries a concentrated version of the dehydration energy.
The way Megamind eventually defeats it—without spoiling the whole climax—involves him finally embracing his inner hero while using his "villainous" ingenuity. It’s a great full-circle moment that fits perfectly in a fifteen-minute window.
How to Watch It Today
Finding this short can be a bit of a scavenger hunt if you don't know where to look. Originally, it was a bonus feature on the Megamind Blu-ray and DVD releases. In the streaming era, it occasionally pops up on platforms like Netflix or Peacock, often bundled under a "DreamWorks Spooky Stories" or "DreamWorks Shorts" collection rather than being listed as its own standalone movie.
Check the "Extras" tab on digital storefronts like Vudu or Apple TV. Sometimes it’s hidden there.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to dive back into this world, don't just stop at the movie. The short is essential viewing for the complete experience.
- Verify the Version: If you're buying a physical copy of the original movie, make sure the box explicitly mentions the "The Button of Doom" bonus short. Not all budget re-releases include the second disc or the digital extras.
- Watch in Order: View the original 2010 film, then immediately watch the short. It takes place exactly where the movie leaves off, making it a perfect double feature.
- Pay Attention to the Gadgets: Look closely at the background during the garage sale scene. There are tons of Easter eggs and call-backs to the various failed inventions Megamind used throughout the main movie.
- Skip the Low-Budget Spin-offs: If you want to preserve the high-quality legacy of the original, many long-time fans suggest sticking to the 2010 film and this specific short, as later TV adaptations had significantly lower production values and different voice casts.
The beauty of this little film is that it proves you don't need a two-hour runtime to tell a meaningful story about growth. It’s loud, it’s blue, and it’s a perfect reminder of why this character became a cult classic in the first place. Megamind didn't just save the city; he saved himself from his own bad ideas. Mostly.