The Bad Guys 2 premieres in UAE cinemas, bringing back DreamWorks’ lovable criminal crew in a wild new heist. Awkwafina returns as Ms. Tarantula, calling it “the baddest comedy of the summer.” With new villains, thrilling missions, and sharp humor, this animated sequel is a must-watch.
The wait is over! DreamWorks Animation’s highly anticipated sequel, The Bad Guys 2, has officially premiered in theaters across the UAE, bringing with it a fresh wave of laughs, action, and high-stakes mischief. The film, a follow-up to the 2022 box office hit The Bad Guys, is already gaining momentum with positive early reviews, family buzz, and a voice cast that’s stealing the spotlight.
Awkwafina, who returns as the voice of the tech-savvy Ms. Tarantula (aka “Webs”), has hyped the sequel as “the baddest comedy of the summer,” adding that it’s funnier, sharper, and more daring than the first installment.
In a recent interview with Gulf News, she described the film as “leggy, tactile, and sardonic,” emphasizing how The Bad Guys 2 leans further into quirky humor while also diving deeper into character growth and friendship.
Plot Overview: New Threats, Bigger Missions
In this new chapter, the notorious gang of reformed animal criminals is trying to lead a normal life, having ditched their old ways. But their peace is short-lived when they are blackmailed by a trio of stylish female villains known as "The Bad Girls."
These new antagonists—Kitty Kat (voiced by Danielle Brooks), Doom (Natasha Lyonne), and Pigtail (Maria Bakalova)—force the crew into a globe-trotting mission involving a mysterious and powerful substance called MacGuffinite. From city streets to outer space, the story escalates quickly, filled with high-tech gadgets, elaborate heists, and hilarious mishaps.
Visual Style & Direction
The film retains the comic-book visual flair of the original while pushing the boundaries with more explosive set pieces and dynamic animation. Director Pierre Perifel returns to lead the sequel, adding greater scale without losing the charm that made the first film a family favorite.
Voice Cast & Characters
The sequel features the return of its star-studded cast:
Sam Rockwell as the smooth-talking Mr. Wolf
Marc Maron as the grumpy Mr. Snake
Craig Robinson as Mr. Shark
Anthony Ramos as Mr. Piranha
Awkwafina as Ms. Tarantula
New characters add fresh energy to the storyline, especially the fierce and funny trio of female villains, making the sequel more inclusive and adventurous.
Public and Critical Reactions
The movie has received a warm welcome in Dubai and across the UAE. Early viewers praise it as a family-friendly thrill ride, packed with laugh-out-loud moments and witty dialogue.
Critics are slightly divided:
Positive reviews highlight the sequel’s creative animation, snappy pacing, and engaging characters.
Some critics, however, feel that the film’s bigger scope slightly overshadows the original’s intimate charm.
Despite the mixed reactions, one thing is certain—The Bad Guys 2 is a fun and flashy ride perfect for the summer cinema crowd.
Now Showing Across UAE
Audiences in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates can now catch the film in major cinema chains, including VOX, Novo Cinemas, and Roxy.
Quick Facts:
Detail
Information
Title
The Bad Guys 2
Genre
Animated, Comedy, Heist, Family
Runtime
104 minutes
Rating
PG (mild violence, rude humor)
UAE Release Date
August 1, 2025
Studio
DreamWorks Animation
Director
Pierre Perifel
Standout Line
“The baddest comedy of the summer.” – Awkwafina
Whether you’re revisiting your favorite gang of misfit animals or jumping in for the first time, The Bad Guys 2 delivers an action-packed, heartwarming adventure that blends comedy with a message of second chances. With fresh characters, a wild new mission, and top-tier animation, it’s shaping up to be one of the most entertaining animated films of the year.
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