Director Pierre Coffin has finally addressed a persistent fan theory that the Minions from the Despicable Me franchise once worked for Adolf Hitler. The theory, which has circulated among fans for years, suggests that the yellow creatures' habit of seeking out the world's most evil masters would have led them to serve the Nazi dictator during World War II.
Coffin Responds to the Theory
While promoting the newly released film Minions & Monsters, Coffin was asked about the theory by Polygon. He initially joked, "I knew you were going to ask me that question. Shame on you!" before attempting to sidestep the query by suggesting the Minions were hiding in a cave between 1812 and 1968, a detail from the 2015 film Minions.
However, Coffin eventually gave a direct answer, stating: "So the Minions that we know from Minions 1 were stuck in the cave. These ones, I don't know where they were, but they were not part of the Big History." He firmly denied any connection to Hitler, effectively shutting down the theory.
The Minions' Cinematic Journey
The Minions first appeared in the 2010 animated comedy Despicable Me, working for supervillain Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) as he plotted to steal the moon. They quickly became breakout stars, leading to three spin-off films: Minions (2015), Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022), and the latest Minions & Monsters (2026), now playing in cinemas.
The new film follows a new tribe of Minions in 1920s Hollywood who accidentally disrupt a film set and become movie stars. When the advent of talking pictures ends their lavish lifestyle, they must find a new purpose. According to the official synopsis: "Destitute and aimless, the Minions roam the streets of Hollywood looking for a purpose...and a new evil master to serve. Our heroes James and Henry have a different plan and break away from their tribe. They have fallen in love with making movies and want to make an awesome monster movie of their own!"
With the help of a spellbook from an old evil sorcerer boss, James and Henry summon monsters for their film, but things go wrong, forcing all the Minions to save the world from rampaging creatures.
Impact of the Theory
The Hitler theory has long been a source of discomfort for fans, given the Minions' innocent and comedic nature. Coffin's definitive denial puts the matter to rest, confirming that the Minions have never served the Nazi leader. Minions & Monsters is now showing in UK cinemas.
