“You need a job, and I need some extra hands… Professionals.” With this striking line, DreamWorks Animation introduces the first official trailer for The Bad Guys 2. This sequel follows the success of the 2022 animated hit The Bad Guys, bringing back its beloved cast of animal antiheroes with an exciting new twist.
In The Bad Guys 2, Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), and Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos) struggle to adjust to their reformed “Good Guy” personas. Their peaceful life takes an unexpected turn when a notorious all-female squad of criminals—The Bad Girls—forces them out of retirement for a high-stakes, globe-trotting heist.
The Bad Girls bring fresh energy and unique talents to the story. The squad includes Kitty Kat, a cunning snow leopard voiced by Danielle Brooks; Pigtail, an innovative wild boar engineer portrayed by Maria Bakalova; and Doom, a mischievous raven with deceptive skills played by Natasha Lyonne.
The film is directed by Pierre Perifel, who helmed the original film, alongside JP Sans. Music by Daniel Pemberton promises to complement the film's high-energy narrative. The movie is based on Aaron Blabey's popular Scholastic book series and is produced at DreamWorks Animation's Glendale studio in collaboration with Jellyfish Pictures.
The Bad Guys 2 is set for release on August 1, 2025. With its mix of humor, action, and charming characters, it promises to deliver another crowd-pleasing adventure for audiences of all ages.
The trailer for The Bad Guys 2 showcases an exciting evolution of the franchise. While the original film cleverly subverted classic heist movie tropes with a comedic edge, the sequel appears to raise the stakes with a new team dynamic and fresh characters. Danielle Brooks and Maria Bakalova seem like excellent additions to the cast, injecting diversity and new perspectives into the story.
Visually, the animation looks crisp and vibrant, with a dynamic style that reflects DreamWorks' mastery in the genre. However, maintaining a balance between fresh storytelling and fan expectations will be crucial. While I'm thrilled about the concept of The Bad Girls, I hope the film avoids over-reliance on stereotypes.
What do you think of the new all-female crew in The Bad Guys 2? Do they bring an exciting twist to the series, or would you prefer the original team dynamic?