The reformed animal criminals return for another globe-trotting heist in this DreamWorks animation sequel. When the Bad Guys struggle to adapt to their new good-guy lives, they’re reluctantly pulled back into action by a cunning all-female crew called “The Bad Girls,” leading to high-stakes mayhem across international locations and a test of whether redemption truly sticks.
The Cast: Key Performances & Character Chemistry
Sam Rockwell as Mr. Wolf
Rockwell returns with his trademark charismatic swagger, but this time Wolf’s confidence is shaken by his struggle to be genuinely good. The performance captures the internal conflict beautifully—you can hear the doubt creeping into his usually smooth-talking delivery. His chemistry with the returning cast feels authentic.
Marc Maron as Mr. Snake
Maron’s cynical Snake gets some of the film’s best moments, particularly when confronting his own capacity for change. His dry, sarcastic delivery provides a perfect counterbalance to Wolf’s optimism, and their friendship dynamics feel more nuanced than in the original.
Awkwafina as Ms. Tarantula
Tarantula’s tech expertise gets expanded screen time, with Awkwafina bringing her signature rapid-fire energy to the character’s hacking sequences. Her interactions with the Bad Girls’ tech specialist create some genuinely funny competitive moments.
Danielle Brooks as [Bad Girls Leader]
Brooks brings a commanding presence as the antagonist crew’s leader. Her voice work suggests layers of motivation beyond simple villainy, making the Bad Girls feel like worthy adversaries rather than one-dimensional obstacles.
Natasha Lyonne as [Bad Girls Member]
Lyonne’s distinctive rasp adds texture to the expanded cast. Her character’s interactions with Snake hint at shared cynicism, creating interesting mirror dynamics between the two crews.
Maria Bakalova as [Bad Girls Member]
Bakalova’s performance adds international flair to the proceedings, particularly effective during the globe-trotting sequences where her character’s multilingual skills come into play.
Plot & Story: What Worked and What Fell Flat
The Bad Guys 2 expands its scope considerably, taking the reformed criminals from small-town heroics to international intrigue. The central premise—that being good is harder than being bad—provides a solid thematic foundation for character growth and comedy alike.
What Worked
The film’s exploration of redemption feels genuine. Each character grapples with their reformed identity differently, creating natural conflict and growth opportunities throughout the movie.
The Bad Girls serve as effective antagonists precisely because they mirror the original team’s dynamics. Their heists showcase creativity and style, making them feel like worthy opponents rather than generic heist villains.
The globe-trotting adventure format also allows for varied action sequences and visual diversity. The animation team gets to show off their skills in different environments – from underwater sequences to urban chase scenes.
The humor feels sharper and more character-specific than the original. Rather than relying on purely slapstick comedy, the writers have included humour built on interpersonal relationships & dynamics.
What Fell Flat
At 104 minutes, the film occasionally feels overextended. Some international locations in the film serve more as animated postcards than integral story elements, as if they were added just for the sake of being added.
The “one last job” premise, while classic heist territory, feels somewhat predictable. The film also telegraphs certain plot beats too clearly, removing the element of surprise.
Certain supporting characters from the first film get reduced screen time to accommodate the expanded cast, making the world feel slightly less cohesive.
Visuals, Sound & Direction
Directors Pierre Perifel and JP Sans expand the visual language considerably from the original. The international locations allow for rich color palettes and varied architectural styles that keep you engaged visually.
The animation style maintains the stylized, comic book-influenced aesthetic while adding more sophisticated lighting effects and environmental details. One can tell that a lot of thought & effort was put behind the choreography of the action scenes. Sound design, in particular, shines during the heist sequences, where every mechanical click and electronic beep adds to the tension. The voice cast’s chemistry translates well throughout, maintaining conversational naturalism even during high-energy sequences.
Core Themes & Tonal Analysis
At its core, The Bad Guys 2 examines whether people can truly change and what happens when that change is tested by familiar temptations. The film avoids easy answers, showing characters struggling with their reformed identities in believable ways.
The Bad Girls serve as more than antagonists—they represent the path not taken, showing what the original crew might have become if they’d continued their criminal careers. This creates interesting philosophical tension throughout the narrative.
The tone balances family-friendly humor with genuine character development. Unlike many animated sequels that simply amplify the original’s elements, this film explores deeper emotional territory while maintaining accessibility for younger audiences.
The theme of chosen family continues from the original, but gets complicated by questions of loyalty, change, and whether shared history trumps current values.
Quick Facts & Key Info
Director & Writer: Pierre Perifel (Director), JP Sans (Co-Director), Yoni Brenner & Etan Cohen (Writers)
Main Cast: Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Awkwafina, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, Maria Bakalova
Release Date: August 1, 2025 (US & Canada)
Runtime & Rating: 104 minutes, Rated PG
Why You Should Watch This Movie
- Character-driven storytelling that explores redemption themes with genuine emotional weight.
- Expanded world-building that takes full advantage of the animated medium’s possibilities.
- Sharp voice performances from both returning and new cast members.
- Heist sequences that balance complexity with visual clarity and humor.
Potential Cons & Things to Know
- Extended runtime that may test your patience – especially during some international sequences.
- Predictable “one last job” structure that reduces some narrative surprise.
- Supporting characters from the original get less development time.
- Some locations feel more decorative than narratively essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Section)
Q: When did The Bad Guys 2 open in theaters?
A: August 1, 2025, in the US and Canada
Q: Is there a third film planned?
A: Directors Pierre Perifel and JP Sans confirmed in June 2025 that they’re planning a third film.
Q: When will it be available to stream?
A: Expect digital release for rental/purchase around mid-September 2025, with streaming availability likely by October 2025.
