Minions stole the Mona Lisa at the Olympics opening ceremony

The evening had so many surprises that the little yellow pills “made in France” went a little unnoticed.

Paris is now living to the rhythm of the Olympic Games, which kicked off on Friday evening during a flamboyant opening ceremony. With more than three hours of parades on the Seine and performances, the bet to bring the crowds together for the event was won hands down. Because to everyone's surprise, it was a success. Twenty-two million viewers were gathered in front of their television sets, and according to a recent survey, 85% of French people considered the ceremony a success. The public here and abroad was won over.

Composed of twelve tableaux, each representing a strong value of these games, the ceremony was marked by many highlights, including musical performances by French and international artists. And between the song by Lady Gaga and that of Céline Dion, several tributes were paid to a very French art: cinema. Jules and Jim by François Truffaut, the Planet of the Apes passing Méliès and the little Princethe cinema that we owe to the Lumière Brothers shone and entertained with the entry into the ring of the Minions – those little yellow creatures in overalls well known to the public.

In a submarine hidden under the Seine, Gru's henchmen have taken advantage of the Olympic Games to take a little break from organized crime and get into sports. They try their hand at weightlifting, boxing, high jumping, archery, etc. All with humor, of course.

But as always with them, their stupidity gets them into trouble. Last test for the Minions: swimming… under the city of Paris. By the way, we learn that they are the ones who stole the Mona Lisa! With the probable help of Gru? Fortunately, the painting resurfaces from the water. The Louvre is reassured. Once a bad guy, always a bad guy.

But why did the Minions take part in the festivities? Although produced by Illumination, an American company (founded by Chris Meledandri, of Blue Sky), the origins of the Minions are partly French. These little guys were created by local artist Pierre Coffin – who also dubs them – as well as by American Chris Renaud, via the French animation studio Mc Guff, initially based in Paris. Together, they are the first directors of the saga Despicable Mewhich makes the funny little heroes symbols of American-French animation.

Moreover, during the Olympic Games, they are back alongside their boss in Despicable Me 4still showing at the cinema.

5 billion for Despicable Me, #1 animated franchise