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The Bad Guys 2 – Release Dates, Cast and Streaming Guide

Benjamin Nathan Campbell Anderson • 2026-03-31 • Reviewed by Sofia Lindberg

The Bad Guys 2, a DreamWorks Animation sequel directed by Pierre Perifel, opened in theaters nationwide on August 1, 2025, continuing the heist-comedy adventures of the reformed animal outlaws. Following the 2022 original’s $250.4 million global box office success, the film introduces a new antagonist team while bringing back Sam Rockwell, Awkwafina, and Anthony Ramos in starring voice roles.

The sequel has completed its theatrical run and physical media release, with streaming availability scheduled through a complex window involving Peacock and Netflix. Critical reception remains strong, with the film earning a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes alongside its certified fresh critic rating.

When Does The Bad Guys 2 Release?

Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation released The Bad Guys 2 in U.S. theaters on August 1, 2025. The film debuted earlier in select international markets, including Argentina on July 24, 2025. The theatrical window lasted approximately 18 days before the title became available for digital purchase.

Theatrical
August 1, 2025
Digital
August 19, 2025
Physical Media
October 7, 2025
Net Streaming
March 21, 2026
  • Theatrical debut occurred August 1, 2025, following a March 2025 production completion
  • Digital release followed 18 days after theatrical premiere
  • 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD editions run 1 hour 43-44 minutes
  • Peacock holds initial exclusive streaming rights before Netflix licensing
  • Netflix US window lasts 10 months before return to Peacock in early 2027
  • Argentina received the film one week before the U.S. market
Fact Details
U.S. Theatrical Release August 1, 2025
Director Pierre Perifel
Co-Director JP Sans
Studio DreamWorks Animation
Runtime 1 hour 43-44 minutes
MPAA Rating PG
Composer Daniel Pemberton
Digital Release August 19, 2025
Physical Media October 7, 2025
Netflix US Release March 21, 2026
Original Film Box Office $250.4 million worldwide
Production Completion March 2025

Specific home video packaging details are available through The Bad Guys 2 home video release details.

Is There a Trailer for The Bad Guys 2?

Trailers and promotional videos for The Bad Guys 2 were available on platforms including Fandango prior to the August 2025 theatrical debut. Deadline previously confirmed the late summer 2025 release window through official announcements, with marketing materials highlighting the globe-trotting heist plot and the introduction of the Bad Girls team.

Home Media Announcement

Physical and digital release specifications were confirmed on August 18, 2025, revealing the 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD street date of October 7.

The film competed with 12 other titles during its opening weekend, including The Naked Gun remake. Post-production work concluded by June 2024, allowing the marketing campaign to launch in full force throughout late 2024 and early 2025.

Who Stars in The Bad Guys 2 Cast?

Returning Voice Actors

Sam Rockwell returns as Mr. Wolf, joined by Marc Maron as Mr. Snake, Awkwafina as Ms. Tarantula, Craig Robinson as Mr. Shark, and Anthony Ramos as Mr. Piranha. Additional returning voices include Zazie Beetz, Lily Singh, Alex Borstein, and Richard Ayoade, maintaining continuity from the 2022 original.

The Bad Girls

The sequel introduces an all-female criminal collective voiced by Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, and Maria Bakalova, who plays the character Kitty Kat. These new antagonists serve as the primary force pulling the reformed crew back into criminal activity.

Creative Leadership

Pierre Perifel directs the sequel, sharing co-direction duties with JP Sans, who served as head of character animation on the original 2022 film. Oscar-nominated composer Daniel Pemberton returns to score the film, as noted by Movie Insider.

Voice Continuity

The principal five cast members from the 2022 original all reprised their roles, ensuring character consistency for the sequel’s heist narrative.

What Is the Plot of The Bad Guys 2?

The now-reformed Bad Guys—Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Ms. Tarantula, Mr. Shark, and Mr. Piranha—struggle to maintain their “Good Guy” status. According to What’s on Netflix, a new all-female criminal team known as the Bad Girls pulls them into a high-stakes, globe-trotting heist, testing their commitment to rehabilitation during “one last job.”

Connection to the Original

The Bad Guys 2 functions as a direct sequel to the 2022 DreamWorks film, picking up with the characters after their redemption arc in the first movie. The action-comedy format remains intact, though the focus shifts to external pressures forcing the crew back into criminal behavior rather than internal moral struggles.

Thematic Content Advisory

The PG-rated film contains action sequences, mild violence, rude humor, and language consistent with the original’s tone.

When Does The Bad Guys 2 Come to Streaming and Home Media?

  1. : Production officially completed
  2. : Theatrical release in Argentina
  3. : U.S. theatrical premiere
  4. : Digital release date
  5. : 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD availability
  6. : Netflix US streaming debut
  7. : Return to Peacock streaming platform

The streaming trajectory follows a complex window: initial Peacock exclusivity, followed by a 10-month Netflix US license beginning March 21, 2026, then returning to Peacock in early 2027.

What Is Confirmed Versus Uncertain About The Bad Guys 2?

Established Information Information That Remains Unclear
Theatrical and home release dates Final worldwide box office figures for the sequel
Complete voice cast list Specific streaming performance metrics
Runtime of 1h 43-44m Future sequel or franchise expansion plans
MPAA PG rating International streaming dates beyond Netflix US
Peacock-Netflix-Peacock window structure Physical media sales volumes
Rotten Tomatoes 95% audience score Long-term streaming renewal terms post-2027

How Did The Bad Guys 2 Enter Production?

DreamWorks Animation announced the sequel in February 2024, greenlighting the project following the original film’s $250.4 million worldwide theatrical performance documented on IMDb. The studio positioned the release for late summer 2025, with post-production completed by June 2024 and final production wrapping in March 2025.

The film earned a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating strong viewer reception. Additional details regarding the production background appear on DreamWorks Fandom.

Where Does This Information Come From?

Release specifications and home media details derive from official announcements reported by industry outlets. Streaming timeline information comes from verified distribution reports.

“The now-reformed Bad Guys—Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Ms. Tarantula, Mr. Shark, and Mr. Piranha—struggle to stay good but get pulled into a high-stakes heist by a new all-female criminal team, the Bad Girls.”

— Official plot summary via distribution reports

Cast and plot confirmations are documented through Fandango and DreamWorks Fandom databases.

What Is the Essential Information About The Bad Guys 2?

The Bad Guys 2 completed its theatrical run on August 1, 2025, and is available on physical media as of October 7, 2025. The DreamWorks sequel features returning cast members Sam Rockwell and Awkwafina facing off against Danielle Brooks and Natasha Lyonne’s Bad Girls team. For complete home video specifications, see The Bad Guys 2 home video release details. The film streams on Netflix starting March 21, 2026, following a Peacock exclusive window; full streaming timeline available at The Bad Guys 2 streaming release on Netflix and Peacock.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was The Bad Guys 2 announced?

DreamWorks Animation announced the sequel in February 2024, following the success of the 2022 original.

Is The Bad Guys 2 a sequel to the 2022 movie?

Yes, it is a direct sequel continuing the story of the reformed animal criminals.

Who is directing The Bad Guys 2?

Pierre Perifel directs, with JP Sans serving as co-director.

What studio is making The Bad Guys 2?

DreamWorks Animation produced the film, distributed by Universal Pictures.

How long is The Bad Guys 2?

The runtime is 1 hour and 43-44 minutes.

What is the MPAA rating for The Bad Guys 2?

The film is rated PG for action, mild violence, rude humor, and language.

Who are the Bad Girls in The Bad Guys 2?

Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, and Maria Bakalova voice the new antagonist team.

When will The Bad Guys 2 be on Netflix?

The film arrives on Netflix US on March 21, 2026, after an initial Peacock exclusive window.

Benjamin Nathan Campbell Anderson

About the author

Benjamin Nathan Campbell Anderson

Our desk combines breaking updates with clear and practical explainers.