Following the success of ‘The Bad Guys’ in 2022, DreamWorks returns to the scene of the crime with a sequel that’s just as slick and entertaining. ‘The Bad Guys 2’ picks up where the original left off, with the crew of animal criminals adjusting to their new lives as good guys. But redemption isn’t so easy, especially when you’re used to the adrenaline of a getaway and the thrill of a perfectly pulled-off heist. Not to mention the whole city remembers your life of crime.
Directed by Pierre Perifel and written by Etan Cohen and Yoni Brenner, the sequel doubles down on the stylized animation and witty dialogue that made the first film feel fresh. DreamWorks once again delivers a film that doesn’t talk down to its younger audience while also appealing to grown-ups in the room.
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New Jobs, Same Instincts
The plot kicks off when a mysterious string of thefts threatens to pin the blame on the animal outlaws. Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell) and the gang, Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), and Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos), are pulled back into the world of crime to assist in an intense heist organized by the Bad Girls, a copycat criminal crew.
The moral ambiguity is what keeps the sequel interesting. These characters aren’t bad guys by choice anymore, but they’re not quite good either. The film has fun playing in that gray zone, allowing for moments of temptation, doubt, and the kind of personal growth you don’t always get in a kids’ film.
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The Voice Cast, Old and New
The voice cast remains stellar, and the chemistry between them continues to shine. Sam Rockwell is all smooth charisma as Mr. Wolf, with a voice performance that’s both playful and sincere. Rockwell is rumored to appear next in a film called ‘Wild Horse Nine’ in 2026. Marc Maron’s Mr. Snake is equally strong, offering a sardonic edge and nuance, especially as his character wrestles with trust and identity. Maron’s next role will be Chuck Plotkin in the film ‘Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,’ which is set to release in October of 2025 and is based on Bruce Springsteen’s experience crafting his album “Nebraska.”
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Awkwafina continues to bring sharp-edged and amusing energy to Ms. Tarantula, delivering tech jargon and zingers with vivacity, while also grounding her role in moments of unexpected vulnerability. She will appear next in ‘The Man with the Bag’ in October of 2025. Craig Robinson gives Mr. Shark his usual laid-back charm, blending comic relief with depth. His voice will be next featured in ‘In Your Dreams’ (2025) and ‘The Ark and the Aardvark’ (2026). Anthony Ramos, as Mr. Piranha, brings lively energy and brash hilarity to the group, playing off the rest of the ensemble with fantastic timing. He can be seen next in ‘A House of Dynamite’ which will release in October of 2025.
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Maria Bakalova, Natasha Lyonne, and Danielle Brooks, the Bad Girls, also join the ensemble with standout voice work that enhances the film. Bakalova brings a wide-eyed but mischievous charm to her role as Pigtail, while Lyonne leans into her trademark gravelly wit as Doom, making her scenes crackle with energy. Brooks, meanwhile, gives her character, Kitty Kat, a warm but no-nonsense authority that grounds some of the film’s more chaotic moments. Their presence adds a fresh layer to the ensemble, making the team dynamics feel even more vibrant.
Heists, Hijinks, and Heart
What ‘The Bad Guys 2’ does particularly well is embrace the heist-movie format. It’s got misdirection, vaults, gadgets, and double-crosses all choreographed with flair, but it never loses sight of its younger audience. The action is fast but never too violent, and the jokes are snappy but never cynical.
That balancing act between sophistication and silliness is the film’s secret weapon. There’s genuine emotional profundity, especially in scenes that explore trust and loyalty within the crew. Mr. Snake, in particular, gets a satisfying arc that picks up threads from the first film and ties them into something more meaningful.
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Animation with Style
The film stands out visually. The animation retains the textured, painterly look of the original, but with richer environments and more dynamic action sequences. There’s an almost comic book aesthetic in the way scenes are framed and lit, giving the movie a unique identity amid a sea of computer-generated features. The use of color is particularly striking, and the film’s visual inventiveness is one of its defining strengths, showcasing how animated storytelling can be both artful and accessible.
The score, once again leaning into jazzy motifs and funky beats, helps set the tone. Composer Daniel Pemberton returns with a soundtrack that’s part heist flick and part classic cartoon, infusing every scene with rhythm and style. Combined with skilled editing and seamless transitions, the whole package feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s stylish but not smug, and energetic but not chaotic.
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Still Smooth, Still Bad
‘The Bad Guys’ was a surprise hit, and ‘The Bad Guys 2’ is a confident step forward. It knows what it is, who its audience is, and delivers a satisfying sequel without just repeating the beats of the original.
In a crowded animation environment where sequels often feel like afterthoughts or cash grabs, this one feels earned. It expands the universe, deepens the characters, and still leaves room for future stories. There are lessons about identity, teamwork, and second chances, but they’re wrapped in enough mayhem and mischief to never feel preachy.
DreamWorks seems to have found a franchise that can go the distance. With a little more bite and plenty of charm, ‘The Bad Guys 2’ proves that sometimes, being a little bad can still feel pretty good.
Whether or not a third installment is on the way, it is clear that this franchise has bite. If future entries continue with this blend of smart storytelling, sharp visuals, and heartwarming moments, then we’ll be happy to root for the bad guys again and again.
Cast: Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson
Composer: Daniel Pemberton | Editor: Jesse Averna
Director: Pierre Perifel | Writers: Yoni Brenner, Etan Cohen | Producers: Aaron Blabey, Etan Cohen, Patrick Hughes, Damon Ross
By Rachel Squire
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Rachel Squire is a passionate writer with a strong commitment to authentic storytelling and ethical journalism. As a writer for Hollywood Insider, she brings a deep appreciation for cinema’s power to inspire positive change. She values promoting meaningful media over gossip and sensationalism, and strives to contribute to a culture of integrity and substance in entertainment journalism.
Rachel Squire is a passionate writer with a strong commitment to authentic storytelling and ethical journalism. As a writer for Hollywood Insider, she brings a deep appreciation for cinema’s power to inspire positive change. She values promoting meaningful media over gossip and sensationalism, and strives to contribute to a culture of integrity and substance in entertainment journalism.
