The internet no longer despises Minions: TikTok is hyped up for ‘The Rise of Gru’

For years, Gen Z has held a grudge against Minions, the adorable, yellow cartoon characters from Despicable Me. However, in a shocking turn of events, Gen Z seems to be hyped for the new film, Minions: The Rise of Gru, since the film’s promotions have led young adults to fall in love with Minions all over again.

This TikTok posted by user @beretbug explains why Gen Z warmed up to Minions this year: the new movie’s soundtrack.

The Rise of Gru‘s marketing team was so smart to hire Jack Antonoff,” @beretbug wrote in the caption.

The announcement of songwriter Jack Antonoff’s participation in the movie soundtrack signaled great things for Minions. Antonoff is best known for his collaborations with pop singers such as Taylor Swift, Lorde and Lana Del Rey — all popular among Gen Z.

Antonoff dropped the full tracklist for The Rise of Gru’s soundtrack on his Instagram in early May. The TikTok generation was thrilled to see some of their favorite artists, such as Kali Uchis, Tame Impala, BROCKHAMPTON, and K-pop star Jackson Wang of GOT7.

“Not the Minions OST being AOTY [Album of the Year],” an Instagram user commented.

“I guess I’m about to turn up to the Minions. Let’s get it,” another said.

And people are “turning up” to The Rise of Gru soundtrack. The first track to go viral in the movie’s OST was Kali Uchis’ cover of “Desafinado,” which received immediate praise among Gen Z.

“[The] Despicable Me franchise has NEVER produced a soundtrack that doesn’t hit,” a TikToker commented.

“It slaps. Boutta be #1 movie of the year,” another said.

As if the soundtrack wasn’t enough to get people talking, The Rise of Gru’s marketing continues to get stronger. The Minions amped up their TikTok presence and released a viral remake of the intro sequence for The Office. They even collaborated with the hip-hop studio Lyrical Lemonade on a song with the rapper Yeat and created their own IHOP menu.

Many took to TikTok to share their newfound appreciation for the characters they used to despise. As TikToker @beretbug previously mentioned, people started going to IHOP in Minion costumes to enjoy yellow and blue pancakes.

Now that the movie is officially out, TikTokers are even getting dressed to watch it in theaters. Some people have opted to see the film in Minion cosplay, while others have decided to look their best for the Minions.

“Such sophisticated gentlemen,” a TikToker commented.

More from In The Know:

Listen to the latest episode of our pop culture podcast, We Should Talk: