‘Bad Guys 2’ Is a ‘Story about Redemption,’ Director Says
The upcoming sequel to the family film The Bad Guys delivers a powerful message about redemption and overcoming past mistakes, says the director. DreamWorks' The Bad Guys 2 will hit theaters Aug. 1, following the stories of Mr. Wolf and his crew as they try to live as reformed "good guys" -- only to be drawn into a new adventure that forces them to confront their pasts and prove they've truly changed.
It's a sequel to the 2022 movie and is based on the bestselling children's books by author Aaron Blabey about five animals -- a wolf, shark, piranha, snake and tarantula -- who previously teamed up to pull off heists, only to turn good and try to re-enter society.
"It's a story about redemption," co-director Pierre Perifel told Crosswalk Headlines.
The film depicts Mr. Wolf and his crew struggling to find work, as potential employers remain wary of their pasts. Eventually, they succeed -- but not without effort and hard work.
"It's not that easy to get the trust of everyone," Perifel said. "You know, it's not that easy to get your redemption. It's not that easy to just get a second chance. Yes, it's been granted to you, but does it mean that people are gonna accept you right away? …[It's] baked in the DNA of the film, because those characters look so different anyway, and we wanted to explore that deeply and then, but also with the message of hope behind it. …Keep pushing, keep giving the right reason, keep doing the right things, and at some point you're gonna get through, and people are gonna see you for who you really are."
It's a real-world issue not just for ex-cons, Perifel said, but also for everyday adults and children. A social media age that rarely forgets -- or forgives -- only exacerbates the problem.
"You did a wrong thing at school, and you're being sent in the principal's office, and you're getting detention, and then after that, you come out and people mock you, people label you because you did something bad," he said. "Does it define you as who you are deeply? No, it doesn't. But it's easy to get sucked in and just take in all these names you're being called, all these labels you're being given, and just think that that's you, and that really is the message at heart [of the movie] -- don't listen to those voices. …You can make your own choices."
The movie stars Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, and Awkwafina.
WATCH: The Bad Guys 2 | Official Trailer
Photo Credit: ©DreamWorks
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published July 24, 2025.
