Full Breakdown
The Future of DreamWorks' The Bad Guys Franchise
3/29/2026, 12:25:32 PM
Overview of The Bad Guys Success
DreamWorks Animation has established itself as a significant player in the animation industry, alongside Disney, Pixar, Illumination, and Sony. Among its notable franchises, "The Bad Guys" has emerged as a new intellectual property (IP) that offers a family-friendly twist on classic crime and heist narratives. The film follows a group of anthropomorphic animals attempting to reform their villainous ways. Following the success of the first film, which grossed $250.8 million globally against a production budget of $69-80 million, a sequel, "The Bad Guys 2," was released and has also performed well, earning $240 million worldwide against an $80 million budget.
Streaming Success and Current Status
"The Bad Guys 2" debuted on Netflix on March 21, 2025, and quickly became a hit, ranking as the No. 7 movie in the United States for the week of March 16th – 22nd, 2025. This rapid success on streaming indicates a strong audience interest, despite the sequel's lower box office performance compared to its predecessor. The franchise has also expanded into a prequel TV series and specials on Netflix, further solidifying its presence in the market.
Uncertainty Surrounding The Bad Guys 3
Despite the franchise's successes, the future of a potential third installment, "The Bad Guys 3," remains uncertain. Co-directors Pierre Perifel and JP Sans had previously indicated they were in the early stages of planning a sequel. However, the recent departure of Sans and producer Damon Ross from DreamWorks to Sony Pictures Animation raises questions about the project's viability. DreamWorks has not officially announced a third film, leaving its status ambiguous.
While the departure of key creative figures could pose a setback, it does not preclude the possibility of new talent stepping in to continue development. The studio's decision will ultimately hinge on whether it perceives the project as a worthwhile investment, considering that animated films typically require significant time and resources to produce.
Implications for DreamWorks Animation
Although "The Bad Guys" films have not ranked among DreamWorks Animation's top 25 highest-grossing films, their moderate success and the franchise's expansion into other media suggest that there remains a potential for further development. The studio's priorities may shift depending on its other projects, but as long as Perifel remains with DreamWorks, the likelihood of at least one more installment appears promising.
Verbatim Quotes
- “However, as long as Perifel remains at DreamWorks, there’s a good chance at least one more Bad Guys film gets made, rounding out a trilogy.” — ComicBook Forum
In conclusion, while the future of "The Bad Guys 3" is uncertain, the franchise's current successes and the ongoing interest from audiences may influence DreamWorks' decision-making in the coming months.
