The Bad Guys 2 (2025)
The Bad Guys 2 (2025) - Full Movie Review, Behind the Scenes, Fan Reactions & Everything You Need to Know
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Quick Information
- Title: The Bad Guys 2
- Genre: Animated Heist-Comedy
- Release Date: August 1, 2025 (Worldwide)
- Runtime: 104 minutes
- Rating: PG (For action, mild violence, and rude humor)
- Studio: DreamWorks Animation
- Distributor: Universal Pictures
- Directors: Pierre Perifel and JP Sans
- Producer: Damon Ross
- Composer: Daniel Pemberton
Introduction
DreamWorks Animation is set to dazzle fans once again with The Bad Guys 2, a much-anticipated sequel to the successful 2022 animated film The Bad Guys. The first movie became a global hit, blending action, comedy, and family-friendly lessons wrapped in a slick, stylized animation package. With a $250 million+ box office return, fans and critics alike knew a sequel was inevitable.
Now, with The Bad Guys 2, the story gets bigger, the stakes get higher, and the crew? Well, they’re badder than ever—but also trying to be good. Let’s dive deep into every aspect of this film: plot, cast, production insights, deleted scenes, marketing, fan reactions, and more.
Plot Summary
After turning over a new leaf in the first movie, the notorious crew of criminal animals—Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Shark, Mr. Piranha, and Ms. Tarantula—are living honest lives. Or at least, they’re trying to. But when a new elite crew of female criminals, “The Bad Girls,” shows up with a proposal for the ultimate heist, the gang finds themselves back in the game.
The twist? This mission forces them to question not only their morals but their identities. Are they truly good now, or are they just pretending to be?
The movie offers a fresh take on the ‘one last job’ trope with all the animated charm, clever humor, and action-packed storytelling that made the first movie a standout. And this time, the plot stretches globally—with set pieces across Europe, Asia, and even high-tech secret labs.
Cast & Characters
Returning Favorites
- Mr. Wolf - Sam Rockwell
- Mr. Snake - Marc Maron
- Mr. Shark - Craig Robinson
- Mr. Piranha - Anthony Ramos
- Ms. Tarantula (Webs) - Awkwafina
- Governor Diane Foxington - Zazie Beetz
- Professor Marmalade - Richard Ayoade
- Commissioner Misty Luggins - Alex Borstein
- Tiffany Fluffit - Lilly Singh
New Additions (The Bad Girls)
- Kitty Kat - Danielle Brooks (Snow leopard, team leader)
- Pigtail - Maria Bakalova (Wild boar engineer)
- Doom - Natasha Lyonne (Raven, and Mr. Snake’s romantic foil)
Each new character brings fresh energy and personality to the already dynamic team, especially the rivalry and chemistry between the original Bad Guys and the cunning Bad Girls.
Behind the Scenes
Direction and Animation
Pierre Perifel returns, joined by JP Sans as co-director, who previously served as the head of character animation on the first film. The collaboration brings a balance between consistency and new vision. The sequel’s visual style is slicker, with more kinetic energy in action scenes and a vibrant color palette.
Production Collaboration
Animation duties were split between DreamWorks’ in-house team and Sony Pictures Imageworks. Roughly 20 minutes of final animation were handled by Imageworks, ensuring high-quality visuals throughout. Pre-production began in 2022, with full production wrapping in mid-2025.
Music
Daniel Pemberton returns as composer, continuing his genre-blending musical style that made the first film’s score memorable. Expect jazzy heist beats, EDM drops, and emotionally resonant orchestral swells.
Deleted Scenes
Although DreamWorks has not officially released deleted scenes, insider reports and leaks suggest several moments were trimmed:
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Lab Showdown: A mechanical dinosaur contraption appears in silhouette in teaser footage but is absent from the final trailer. This scene likely involved the Bad Guys facing off against an AI-controlled beast in a high-tech facility.
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Recruitment Arcs: Originally, each Bad Girl was supposed to have her own solo introduction scene. These character-establishing moments were possibly cut for pacing.
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Solo Action Beats: Additional action scenes where Mr. Snake breaks into a vault solo or where Webs hacks an entire surveillance system in real-time were removed but hinted at in production notes.
These scenes may be restored in a deluxe home release edition or Blu-ray extras.
Fan Reactions & Buzz
Fans have taken to Reddit, TikTok, and YouTube to express their excitement.
- TikTok: Clips of Mr. Wolf and Diane Foxington “sparring” have gone viral, with fans praising the chemistry and romantic tension.
- Reddit: Users in r/movies and r/animation say the sequel feels more ambitious and funnier.
- Twitter/X: Hashtags like #BadGuys2 and #TheBadGirls are trending frequently, especially after trailer releases.
The reception at the Annecy Animation Festival in France was overwhelmingly positive, with the film being called “the biggest crowd-pleaser of the lineup.”
Marketing Strategy
DreamWorks and Universal Pictures rolled out a layered marketing campaign:
- Teaser Trailer 1 (Nov 21, 2024): Released alongside Elio, featuring Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy.”
- Global Trailer 2 (May 2025): Showcased international settings and epic action.
- Character Posters: Stylized posters of each character were dropped monthly.
- Interactive Social Media Campaigns: Including Instagram filters that let fans “join the Bad Guys” or “steal the diamond.”
This multi-platform push has made The Bad Guys 2 one of the most anticipated family movies of 2025.
Box Office & Streaming Plans
- Box Office Expectations: Analysts predict a $300M+ global run, surpassing the original.
- Streaming Path:
- First 4 months: Peacock (U.S.)
- Next 10 months: Netflix
- Back to Peacock (final 4 months)
This staggered strategy ensures the film stays in public view across 18 months.
Trivia & Fun Facts
- The graphic novel series by Aaron Blabey has now sold over 30 million copies.
- This is DreamWorks’ 49th animated feature.
- It’s the studio’s first August release in over a decade.
- Pierre Perifel calls the sequel “a swan,” referring to its grace and chaos.
- Natasha Lyonne and Marc Maron previously worked together on DC League of Super-Pets.
Themes and Analysis
Beyond action and humor, The Bad Guys 2 deals with:
- Identity: Can a villain truly change?
- Team Dynamics: Cooperation vs. competition, especially between the Bad Guys and the Bad Girls.
- Redemption and Love: Mr. Snake and Doom’s budding relationship reflects emotional growth.
- Power and Technology: Through Professor Marmalade’s subplot and the high-tech lab sequences.
Future of the Franchise
- The Bad Guys 3: Already in early development, hinted by post-credits scene.
- Streaming Spin-off: Rumors suggest a Bad Girls-focused series on Peacock is being pitched.
- Merchandise Boom: New toy lines, video game collaborations, and graphic novels are expected post-release.
Final Verdict
The Bad Guys 2 doesn’t just replicate the original—it evolves it. With clever writing, international flair, layered characters, and ambitious visuals, it’s both a family-friendly adventure and a bold step in animated storytelling.
It’s rare to see a sequel that honors the heart of the first film while confidently building new ground. The Bad Guys 2 does exactly that. Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced animated heists or looking for a great summer family flick, this is a must-watch.
Rating: 4.7/5
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