'Minions & Monsters' teams up with Chinese comedians for China release

The Minions brought their signature antics to the China premiere of "Minions & Monsters" in Beijing on Tuesday, with Chinese comedian Fu Hang joining the fun onstage ahead of the film's release on July 3.

Chinese comedian Fu Hang poses with Minion actors during the China premiere of "Minions & Monsters" in Beijing, June 30, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures]

The premiere, held at an IMAX theater on Universal CityWalk at Universal Beijing Resort, recreated the film's 1920s Hollywood setting. Organizers lined the venue with brightly colored storefronts and built a film set complete with spotlights, clapperboards, cameras and director's chairs.

James, Henry and Ed — the Minion filmmakers introduced in the film — appeared at a meet-and-greet for fans.

Fu made a surprise appearance after the screening. He voices Goomi, a small and mischievous new monster character, in the Chinese version of the film. He told the audience he was immediately drawn to the role.

"I feel like the term 'mischievous and clever' has finally taken physical form for the first time," Fu said. "I believe audiences of all ages will absolutely love him."

Fu trained with the voice director to match Goomi's personality and vocal style, adopting a nasal tone and a habit of pulling the corners of his mouth upward with his hands for the character's delivery. Fu, a longtime fan of the series, called the film refreshing.

"Every time I watch a Minions movie, I instantly turn back into a kid," he said, adding that the movie "clears out all the worries and clutter in your brain" like a "mental spa."

During the premiere, Fu tried to take a group photo with James, Henry and Ed, but the Minions wouldn't cooperate. "They're not even listening!" he joked, drawing laughter from the audience.

The film also partnered with the third season of iQiyi variety show "The King of Stand-Up Comedy" as part of a promotional tie-in for China. James, Henry and Ed appeared on the show, and comedians Men Qiang, Xiha and Zhai Jianing performed skits, including a mock monster audition.

"Minions & Monsters," directed by Pierre Coffin, is the third film in the "Minions" prequel series and the seventh overall in the "Despicable Me" franchise. In the original version, Coffin voices the Minions, including James, Henry and Ed, while Trey Parker voices Goomi. The cast also includes Allison Janney, Christoph Waltz, Jesse Eisenberg and Jeff Bridges.

Set in 1920s Old Hollywood, the story follows a tribe of Minions including artistic James and his friends Henry and Ed. After becoming silent film stars, they pursue their dream of making a monster movie. Their use of a magical spell book unleashes real monsters, leading to mayhem and an accidental effort to save the world.

Critics have praised the film, calling it one of the franchise's strongest entries, with 90% of 102 Rotten Tomatoes reviews positive. Pre-sales are strong in China ahead of the film's July 3 release.

Minions remain among the most popular animated characters in China, where "Despicable Me" franchise films have grossed more than 2.45 billion yuan ($361.33 million). Universal Beijing Resort also features a dedicated Minion Land.