You remember the 80s, right? Even if you weren't there, you know the vibe. Neon, shoulder pads, and those toy commercials that felt like they were screaming directly into your soul. That’s exactly what Illumination was tapping into when they dropped the character of Balthazar Bratt in Despicable Me 3. But here’s the thing: the evil bratt action figure isn't just a funny movie prop. It’s a weirdly layered piece of meta-merchandise that exists both in the fictional world of the film and on our very real store shelves.
Honestly, it’s kind of brilliant. In the movie, Balthazar Bratt is a washed-up child star obsessed with his old persona. He actually uses a swarm of these action figures—known as the "Bratt Pack"—as his literal henchmen. They aren't just toys; they’re tools of destruction.
Why the Evil Bratt Action Figure is a Meta Masterpiece
Most people look at a movie tie-in toy and think, "Okay, cool, a piece of plastic for the kids." But with the evil bratt action figure, the joke is that the toy is the character’s legacy. In the Despicable Me universe, the "Evil Bratt" show was a hit until puberty hit Balthazar and the world moved on. The action figure represents his refusal to grow up.
When you look at the "real" toys released by companies like Thinkway Toys or The Noble Collection, they lean hard into that 80s aesthetic. We’re talking about the purple jumpsuit, the massive shoulder pads, and that iconic flat-top hair with the bald spot in the middle. It’s rare to see a toy that is literally designed to look "dated" on purpose.
The Features You’ll Actually Find (and the Ones You Won't)
If you’re a collector looking for the evil bratt action figure, you’ve basically got two main paths.
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First, there’s the BendyFigs version from The Noble Collection. It’s about 7.5 inches tall and, as the name suggests, it’s flexible. It comes with his signature keytar (or "Sonic Keytar," if we’re being technical) and a display stand. It’s more of a display piece than a plaything. It doesn't have the "bubblegum shoulder missiles" or "firing forehead lasers" that the viral marketing commercials joked about back in 2017.
Then there’s the Thinkway Toys version. These are the ones that actually feel like they belong in a kid's toy box. They usually have some basic articulation, but they capture that smug, "I’ve been a bad boy" expression perfectly.
- Height: Usually around 7 to 8 inches for standard figures.
- Accessories: Almost always includes the keytar. Sometimes you get Clive the Robot if you find a deluxe set.
- Articulations: Varies wildly; BendyFigs are wire-based, while the standard ones have basic swivel joints.
It’s worth noting that the "viral" commercial released by Illumination was a masterpiece of parody. It advertised sound-activated breakdance moves and "dancing flipper feet." In reality, most versions of the evil bratt action figure are much simpler. You aren't going to get a toy that causes "blindness or destruction of entire cities," no matter what the commercial promised.
Collecting the Bratt Pack
One of the coolest details for hardcore fans is the "Bratt Pack." In the film, these are modified versions of the toy that fly around and cause chaos. While there isn't a "swarm" pack available for retail, many collectors have taken to buying multiples of the standard figure to recreate the scene where they invade the ship.
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Why does this matter? Because it’s one of the few times a villain’s "gimmick" is so easily translated into a collection. Usually, you just want the hero. With Bratt, the more figures you have, the more "screen accurate" your display becomes.
What Most People Get Wrong About Bratt's Gear
A lot of casual fans think the keytar is just a random 80s accessory. It’s not. It’s his primary weapon. In the movie, it emits sonic blasts that can knock Gru off his feet. When you're looking for an evil bratt action figure, make sure the keytar is included. A Bratt without his keytar is like Vader without a lightsaber. It just feels wrong.
Also, keep an eye out for the "Comic-Con" exclusives or limited runs. Some versions feature "hologram" packaging that mimics the cheesy 80s toy boxes. These are the ones that actually hold value on sites like eBay or at specialty collector shops.
The Despicable Me 4 Connection
Just when you thought Bratt was a one-movie wonder, the evil bratt action figure made a cameo in Despicable Me 4. It shows up in Poppy Prescott’s treehouse. This tiny detail confirms that even years later, the "Evil Bratt" brand is still a thing in that universe. It also spiked a bit of renewed interest in the older toys.
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If you’re trying to track one down now, you’re mostly looking at the secondary market. They aren't "expensive" yet—usually ranging from $15 to $40 depending on the condition—but they are getting harder to find in the original packaging.
How to Spot a Quality Figure
- Check the Suit Color: It should be a very specific shade of 80s "neon purple." If it looks too dark or matte, it might be a knockoff.
- Look at the Hair: The flat-top should have a distinct "hole" or bald spot on top. It’s a key part of his character design after he lost his fame.
- The Keytar Strap: On the better models, the keytar has a real strap. Cheaper ones just have it molded to his hand.
Actionable Steps for Collectors
If you're looking to add an evil bratt action figure to your shelf, don't just grab the first one you see. Start by checking The Noble Collection website to see if their BendyFigs line still has him in stock; it's the best looking one for adult collectors. If you want something for a kid to actually play with, hit up eBay or Mercari and search for the "Thinkway Despicable Me 3" line.
Make sure you verify that the "Sonic Keytar" is in the box. Many used figures are missing this tiny piece, and it's impossible to find a replacement separately. If you're feeling extra, look for a 3D print file online; there are some high-quality jumbo versions of Bratt that you can print and paint yourself if you want a 12-inch centerpiece.
Check the packaging for the "Illumination" logo to ensure it's an official licensed product. The market for Despicable Me merch is huge, but the Bratt-specific stuff is niche enough that you can still find good deals if you look in the right hobby groups.