Who doesn’t love a Minion?
Well, it turns out, a fair few, despite the juggernaut success of the Despicable Me franchise.
The release of the new film Minions: The Rise of Gru sees the Minions on an all-new adventure and dealing with an all-new supervillain, the eponymous Gru.
However, if that wasn’t enough to excite people about seeing the film – the new Minions film has sparked a new social media trend on TikTok.
So, just what exactly is Gentleminions and why are people doing it on TikTok?
What is the Gentleminions TikTok trend?
The Gentleminions trend started on social media website and app TikTok.
The trend is to record a video of yourself dressed in a formal suit and visit the cinema to see the newly released Minions: Rise of Gru.
An individual would also mimic the villain Gru from the film by clasping their hands together.
The idea is to enjoy the film ironically, but some have found it disruptive to those who are trying to enjoy the film.
However, the film’s distributor Universal tweeted: “to everyone showing up to @Minions in suits: we see you and we love you.”
to everyone showing up to @Minions in suits: we see you and we love you. 🫶
— Universal Pictures (@UniversalPics) July 1, 2022
So, Universal does not take issue with the trend, it seems!
Why are some cinemas banning Gentleminions?
Some cinemas have taken steps to place bans on customers taking part in the Gentleminions TikTok trend after it forced managers to refund other customers’ tickets.
According to The Independent, the manager of Vue Cinema in Worcester said: “The trend cost me £1,300 yesterday. I had to refund all of the tickets in that theatre because of kids shouting and mimicking the Minions while the film was playing.
“It was a group of about eight kids. Now, when we see any kids coming in to see the film dressed up we give them a warning.
“We tell them that if there is one complaint, whatever that may be, they will be kicked out of the cinema.
“It’s something being implemented across a lot of cinemas, I have colleagues in Cheltenham who I know have had problems as well.”
So, taking part in the trend now comes with some added risk.
Gentleminions cinema screenings
However, despite some cinemas banning the trend of Gentleminions, some Vue cinemas are choosing to embrace the trend.
Vue Cinemas even has dedicated Gentleminion screenings, noting: “We’re putting on special Gentleminion screenings of Minions: The Rise of Gru where you can enjoy the full experience of being a Gentleminion. So suit up. Bring your friends. Be Gentleminionly.
“Everyone is welcome, whether you’re 14 or 44, Minion or human, but please note that these sessions may include crowd participation and general, obvious levels of enjoyment.”
