2022---the-minions-2--james-bond--jaws--bruce-lee----winks-not-to-be-missed- May 2026

One of the most immediate nods is the film's opening sequence. Director Kyle Balda revealed that the team considered several styles, including a Brady Bunch grid, but ultimately opted for a classic . The sequence features the signature silhouettes and psychedelic visuals synonymous with the 007 franchise, setting a tone of high-stakes (and high-humor) villainy right from the start. Terror in the Theater: The Jaws Shout-out

: A callback to the original Despicable Me , where the bank's subtitle "Formerly Lehman Brothers" was a sharp jab at real-world financial history.

'Minions: The Rise of Gru' director on Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee

: The Illumination logo itself gets a makeover, featuring a Minion riding a disco wrecking ball , immediately signaling the film's funky 70s energy.

: A punny nod to action star Jean-Claude Van Damme , who voices the character with the giant lobster claw.