‘The Bad Guys 3’ Reportedly in Development, Hinting at Sci-Fi Turn
A potential third installment in the popular animated franchise, The Bad Guys, is reportedly under development at Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation, building on the success of the first two films. While neither studio has issued an official confirmation, recent developments and industry speculation suggest a continuation of the story is highly likely.
Sequel’s Post-Credits Scene Fuels Anticipation
The possibility of The Bad Guys 3 gained momentum following a report from a prominent Hollywood insider, who shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the project is “in the works.” The claim, while unverified by the studios, aligns with clues embedded within the sequel, The Bad Guys 2.
The film’s post-credits sequence dramatically revealed the survival of Professor Marmalade (voiced by Richard Ayoade), previously presumed deceased. In a stunning turn, Marmalade’s limousine is propelled into space, transforming into a spacecraft as he declares he is “going home.” This revelation establishes the character’s extraterrestrial origins, a plot point mirroring the source material.
Echoes of the Original Book Series
This narrative direction closely parallels Aaron Blabey’s original The Bad Guys book series. In the books, Professor Marmalade is depicted as an exiled alien prince who ultimately returns with an alien force, threatening global domination. This connection suggests a potential tonal shift for a third film, potentially expanding the franchise into the realm of science fiction.
“We have tons of ideas because this world is such a fantastic toolbox, and we’ve laid out thoughts on what a third could be,” stated Pierre Perifel, who co-directed The Bad Guys 2 with JP Sans, in a previous discussion with Variety. He emphasized that the decision to move forward with another film hinges on audience reception.
The success of the first two films clearly demonstrates a strong audience appetite for the franchise, increasing the likelihood of a third installment. The studios will likely weigh audience response carefully as they consider the future of The Bad Guys.
