Movie The Bad Guys 2 | $28,540,670

According to Cinemadrame News Agency, After the breakout success of the original, The Bad Guys 2 marks a triumphant return for DreamWorks Animation’s charming gang of animal antiheroes. Directed by Pierre Perifel, who also helmed the first film, this new chapter amps up the action, deepens the friendships, and adds new faces to a franchise that continues to surprise and delight audiences of all ages.

Premiering worldwide in June 2025, The Bad Guys 2 picks up where the story left off. Mr. Wolf (voiced once again by Sam Rockwell) and his crew—Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), and Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos)—are determined to leave their criminal pasts behind. But when a mysterious new villain arrives in town, threatening the fragile peace they’ve worked so hard to build, the Bad Guys must decide if they can really change—or if it’s time for “one last job.”

Perifel and his creative team double down on the film’s kinetic animation style, witty dialogue, and breezy pacing. The sequel introduces a memorable new antagonist, voiced by Stephanie Beatriz, whose cunning and style give the crew a run for their money. The chemistry among the returning cast remains a highlight, and the movie never loses sight of its heart: the struggle between reputation and redemption.

Can bad guys ever really turn good?
That’s the question The Bad Guys 2 poses with a playful wink, layering its madcap heist sequences with genuine moments of vulnerability and growth. The film mines humor from its antiheroes’ efforts to stay on the straight and narrow—even as old habits (and temptations) prove hard to shake.

Critics have embraced the sequel. Rotten Tomatoes reports a strong 88% approval rating, praising the movie’s blend of visual flair, clever writing, and emotional resonance. Some reviewers have noted that while the sequel hits many of the same beats as the original, its energy and fresh storylines keep things exciting for both newcomers and longtime fans.

The voice cast and filmmakers have spoken about the joy—and challenge—of reprising these beloved roles. Sam Rockwell, who returns as Mr. Wolf, shared:

“It’s always a blast stepping back into Wolf’s shoes. He’s got swagger, but there’s real insecurity beneath it. In this movie, we dig even deeper into what it means to change—for real.”

Director Pierre Perifel adds:

“We wanted to honor what fans loved about the first film, but also push our characters into new territory. This is about friendship, trust, and second chances—with a lot of laughs along the way.”

Stephanie Beatriz, voicing the film’s new villain, said:

“Playing a character who can keep the Bad Guys on their toes was so much fun. There’s a lot of action, but also a lot of heart.”

Critics’ Quotes and Media Reaction

Owen Gleiberman – Variety:

“The Bad Guys 2 is slick, smart, and full of kinetic energy. The film delivers the laughs and adds layers of emotional depth that elevate it beyond the standard animated sequel.”

Rotten Tomatoes:

“A sequel that’s every bit as stylish and sharp as the original—fun for kids, smart enough for adults, and bursting with memorable set pieces.”

IGN:

“It’s the rare animated sequel that understands its characters and dares to challenge them. The Bad Guys 2 is fast, funny, and unexpectedly moving.”

Social Media Reactions

One fan wrote on X (Twitter):

“The Bad Guys 2 is even better than the first! Great action, tons of laughs, and I teared up at the end. DreamWorks did it again!”