Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are the stars of the film "Minions." (Photo : YouTube/Illumination)
As part of a promotional campaign for the Chinese release of "Minions" on Sept. 13, the film's three main characters--Stuart, Kevin and Bob--walked the Beijing section of the Great Wall of China on Aug. 29.
The "Minions" photo session on the 2,000-year-old wonder of the world was only the first part of a promotional push to acquaint Chinese audiences with the three well-known characters from the film.
Stuart, Kevin and Bob are also scheduled to go on a road show across the country, engaging fans in several meet and greet events in Chinese cinemas.
The Beijing office of Universal Studios has also launched an online campaign called the "Silly Sunday Challenge" to highlight the film's Sunday opening. In these events, fans are invited to dress as Minions and compete in Minion-language contests in order to win Minion merchandise.
The Universal and Illumination Entertainment smash hit has just crossed the $1-billion mark in the global box office and is expected to earn much more when it opens in China.
While the film franchise had shaky beginnings in China, it has become a favorite among fans.
"Despicable Me" was not allowed for release in Chinese cinemas, although China's state film regulators never explained why.
"Despicable Me 2" was only released seven months after its U.S. premiere, supposedly because of issues with the local agent, but the film was the highest grossing film during its weekend, earning a total of $52.9 million overall.
A strong release for "Minions" would boost an already great year for Universal in China after April's "Furious 7" became the highest grossing film in the country of all time, with a total of $390 million, and "Jurassic World" grossing $228 million, currently ranked fourth in this year's Chinese box office.
