How often do we see Asian or let alone Malaysian representation in international animated films?

Probably the closest thing we’ll see soon is in ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’.

But the latest ‘Minions’ movie trailer will make you do a double-take as one of them speak in what sounds like Bahasa Melayu.

Nasi Goreng Goes International


In the trailer for ‘Minions: Rise of the Gru’, one of the minions came up to a younger version of Gru and in their conversation, the minion could be heard saying “nasi goreng kicap manis” and then saying “terima kasih” after Gru allows him to sleep with him.

The 45-seconds clip quickly gained the attention of Malaysians who couldn’t believe what they were hearing and even watched the clip more than once to be sure (including us).

This also sparked a heated debate between Malaysians and Indonesians on what language was actually used in the trailer.


Well, both Malaysians and Indonesians no longer need to second guess themselves as the voice actor slash director behind the ‘Minions’ is actually Pierre-Louis Padang Coffin, a half french half Indonesian.

Some fans said he intentionally used random Indonesian words in the minions’ dialogues.

The man behind the minions.
‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ is set to debut on 2 July 2021.

Save the date so that you can see this very scene for yourself!