Stuffed toy versions of the yellow, pill-shaped characters were deployed at the MK2 cinema in the south of Paris for a showing of the 2015 movie “Minions” – a spin-off from the “Despicable Me” franchise that made them famous.

The minions, dressed in their trademark goggles and dungarees, were placed strategically around the auditorium to enforce a rule that viewers leave at least one place free between them and their neighbors.

The reopening of cinemas across France on Monday was part of a phased relaxation of the lockdown measures that were imposed in March to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Nathanael Karmitz, chairman of the MK2 cinema chain, said the numbers showing up for matinee screenings on Monday showed how much the French public had missed going to the movies.

“They love cinema,” he said. “It’s much less risky spending two hours in a cinema than traveling on public transport or taking a train.”

Monday’s cinema outing was not the first time the Minions have been enlisted to help keep people safe from COVID-19.

They featured in a public service announcement, developed in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO), encouraging people to wash their hands and keep their distance to stay safe.