This New Trend Is Forcing Movie Theaters To Cancel Showings!

July 7, 2022

Cinemas have now banned groups of teenagers in suits during screenings of Minions: The Rise of Gru. The trend took off right after the release of the new film on July 1st.

This follows a fad that went viral on TikTok under the hashtag #gentleminions, which featured teenage guys dressing up in suits to watch the film, Bloomberg reported.

Additionally, they imitate Gru, the movie’s protagonist, and his distinctive hand motion. Bananas, a favorite meal of the minions, were also brought by some.

According to Bloomberg, some followers of the fad engaged in noisy, disruptive behavior during movie screenings, including cheering and applauding, which led theaters to impose dress codes. It has also led to many cinemas being forced to offer refunds to those not in on the joke.

Why Minions is crushing the box office. pic.twitter.com/IsFSW7Tkrf

— Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) July 3, 2022

Just people respecting cinema #Minions pic.twitter.com/bWchBmhg0R

— Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) July 4, 2022

The trend is being criticized by some theaters, a manager of a Vue Cinema in Worcester said, client complaints about the alleged “gentleminions” compelled him to give refunds of £1,300 in just one day.

“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,” the manager said. “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.” He added. “It’s something being implemented across a lot of cinemas, I have colleagues in Cheltenham who I know have had problems as well.”

Although it’s unknown what sparked the #gentleminions trend, Universal Pictures tweeted its support, writing: “To everyone showing up to the Minions movie in suits: We see you and we love you.”