: During their kung fu training in San Francisco's Chinatown, the Minions—Kevin, Stuart, and Bob—don bright yellow tracksuits . This is a direct reference to the iconic outfit Bruce Lee wore in Game of Death .
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 : During their kung fu training in San
2022's Minions 2: James Bond, Jaws, and Bruce Lee "Winks" You Can't Miss Director Kyle Balda revealed that the team considered
When Minions: The Rise of Gru (often called Minions 2 ) hit theaters in 2022, it didn't just bring back the chaotic yellow henchmen; it delivered a masterclass in 1970s nostalgia. Beyond the slapstick humor, the film is packed with "winks"—clever cinematic references and Easter eggs—that pay homage to some of the biggest icons of the era: James Bond, Jaws , and Bruce Lee. The 007 Influence: A James Bond Opening Beyond the slapstick humor, the film is packed
: A callback to the original Despicable Me , where the bank's subtitle "Formerly Lehman Brothers" was a sharp jab at real-world financial history.
The 1970s flavoring doesn't stop there. Sharp-eyed viewers can also spot:
: One of the Vicious 6 villains is actually named Nunchuck , a nun who uses nunchaku, blending 70s action tropes with the Minions' brand of absurdity. Other "Winks" to Watch For