The Minions will be at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Spanish figure skater Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté said he will be able to use his short program inspired by the Minions − the yellow, lovable creatures from the ‘Despicable Me’ movie franchise − after dealing with licensing issues that put it at risk.
The six-time reigning Spanish champion had been using the crowd-loving routine for the 2025-26 season, with a costume that resembles the Minions uniform. However, Sabaté announced on Instagram on Monday, Feb. 2, despite completing the musical procedures with the International Skating Union, he was informed just days before the Olympics began he was not allowed to perform it ‘due to copyright issues.’
‘Finding this out last Friday, so close to the most important competition of my life, was incredibly disappointing,’ he wrote. ‘To my fans, I wish I had better news, but I am profoundly grateful for your support this season.’
The news drew backlash from the figure skating world, as Guarino Sabaté’s program was expected to be a hit for the Winter Olympic audiences. It also brough up a longstanding issue in the sport when it comes to music and getting it cleared of copyrights.
Luckily, Sabaté’s problems didn’t last long. He announced on Tuesday, Feb. 3 that Universal Studios granted the rights of the music from the ‘Minions’ movie.
“Huge thank you to everyone who reposted, shared and supported. Because of you Universal Studios reconsidered and officially granted the rights for this one special occasion,’ Sabaté said on Instagram.
He added there are two other elements of the music that need to be cleared, but he is ‘so close to accomplishing it.’
‘I’m so happy to see that the minions hitting Olympic ice is becoming real again!! I’ll keep you posted,’ Sabaté said.
Sabaté will be competing in his first Winter Olympics, and he is on track to perform the Minions routine during the men’s short program on Tuesday, Feb. 10.