Are You a Minion Creationist or Evolutionist?

As a dedicated cinephile with a deep appreciation for the intricacies of filmmaking and storytelling, I find myself both amused and intrigued by the evolution of the Minions’ origin story. The initial narrative presented in their spinoff film in 2015 painted them as ancient beings who have always been in existence, even going so far as to show them throughout history. However, as a student of cinema and its behind-the-scenes processes, I cannot help but be drawn to the alternate theory that they were indeed created in a lab by Dr. Nefario.

In 2015, the Minions made their way to a spin-off film with their signature love for bananas. The Minions have been around since ancient times, always on the hunt for the perfect master to serve. They sought out a cruel but not overly so boss, playing crucial roles in significant historical events. However, they frequently botched their subservient tasks with disastrous results. They wiped out the dinosaur population, caused pharaohs’ deaths through faulty pyramid designs, and turned Dracula to dust due to a premature birthday celebration. Fortunately, they avoided the Nuremberg trials because they had previously thwarted Napoleon in battle, resulting in a long exile in an ice cave.

In simpler terms, the amusing backstory of how the Minions came to exist in “Despicable Me” is perfect for kids. However, it’s actually a new explanation as the previous films suggested that Gru created them with Dr. Nefario in their lab. The writers came up with this idea as it made the most sense from a character perspective since the Minions are loyal only to Gru and not found anywhere else. There’s no explicit mention of this in the movies, but evidence includes a blueprint of a Minion on Gru’s daughters’ bedroom wall. The Minions were created using biologically engineered DNA, making them all family through cloning. The decision to not show the Minions being made was intentional as it might be disturbing for viewers.

Are You a Minion Creationist or Evolutionist?

The origin story of Gru as a creationist influenced his transformation into a villain, according to Paul, who draws a parallel with the bearded character Saruman from “The Lord of the Rings.” Paul explains, “Gru is like Saruman, who creates an orc army. It’s a typical villain move to form your own troops.” This idea made it plausible for Dr. Nefario to build a companion that could defy death: “Do Minions die and can anything kill them? No, they don’t. They inhabit a world similar to ‘Looney Tunes.’ They’re indestructible.”

The decision to create a new origin story for the Minions in the film “Minions,” which was given the green light between the first and second “Despicable Me” movies in 2012, caused some concern for creative team member, Paul. Recalling the moment, Paul shares, “I voiced my concerns, questioning how this could be since the Minions were previously depicted as being created in a lab by Dr. Nefario.” However, he also acknowledged co-director and voice actor Pierre Coffin’s right to alter their origin story, considering his role in their creation. Paul reflects, “It was a battle between creation and evolution. From an entertainment standpoint, it was intriguing to portray the Minions throughout history. The enjoyment factor outweighed any established narrative.” The team supported Coffin’s decision due to the discreet reference to the new origin story in a bedroom blueprint poster. Paul admits, “They argued that it was a minor detail and no one would notice or care. And they were correct. It serves as a reminder to trust the creative process, even when faced with unconventional choices.”

On a personal note, Paul remains unwilling to accept the shift in the Minions’ origins. He’s gone so far as to invent an explanation for their creation in his mind. “I view the Minions as if they are Gru’s bedtime stories,” he says. “To me, these tales allow the Minions to deny their lab-made origins and imagine a noble past. However, this interpretation is not officially recognized.”

Instead of going back to the topic of the Minions and their supposed alignment during the World Wars, let’s consider an alternate scenario where they didn’t face a century-long exile after their mistake with Le Petit Caporal. Who then might they have sided with during the two major conflicts? Could it have been similar to the dynamic in “Hogan’s Heroes”? Paul chuckles and muses, “The reason they were frozen is that no one ever needs to answer that question.” He continues, “You want these lovable creatures to not be aligned with the ultimate evil of the Axis powers. Instead, you hope they would have supported charming evil with Gru. He’s an evil character in a way we wish we could be.” Pondering further, Paul adds, “Napoleon was far enough back in history that it’s acceptable for us to imagine them following him. We may not fully understand the horrors Napoleon committed.”

2024-07-25 18:54

Are You a Minion Creationist or Evolutionist?

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