Minions: Rise of Gru hit theaters on July 1, making it the fifth film in the Despicable Me franchise. It’s accumulated an impressive $195 million in just its first week so far. People always knew this film was going to be a hit following the four other films, but what they didn’t see coming was the teenage engagement the movie would receive.
Teenagers across the entire globe have caused a disruption with the #GentleMinions TikTok trend. They’ve been seen online dressed in formal attire attending the film. They even got a response from Universal Pictures, telling the adolescent fan base “we see you and we love you.”
But with all things, people also have some negative opinions on the trend. Unfortunately theaters are not pleased with the racket the teens are causing, because some of them decided to not just pose in their fancy dress but also scream and cheer at even the most minor of moments in the film. One video even shows a mosh pit at the front of the theater which resulted in the arrival of the authorities. Most of the rowdy participation is coming from young white men who can afford to act this way in public.
Cinemas have resorted to turning away moviegoers dressed formally or even cancelling showtimes.