DreamWorks has announced the development of a prequel series for its popular animated franchise, ‘The Bad Guys,’ set to stream on Netflix. This new show will explore the origins of the team, providing fans with insights into how the characters came together and their initial foray into a life of crime.
The prequel series builds on the success of the franchise, which includes the original film that grossed over $250 million globally in 2022, and a sequel that earned $237 million earlier this year. DreamWorks has been actively expanding this franchise, which has already seen multiple holiday specials released on Netflix.
New Voice Cast and Character Redesigns
While the series retains the charm of the original films, it features a completely new voice cast. Notably, Sam Rockwell and Marc Maron, who voiced key characters in the films, have not reprised their roles. Instead, Michael Godere will voice Wolf, while Chris Diamantopoulos takes on the role of Snake. Other characters are voiced by Ezekiel Ajeigbe, Raul Ceballos, and Mallory Low, who replace Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, and Awkwafina, respectively.
Despite the change in voice actors, the series aims to be accessible for new viewers. Kids who tune in will not need to watch the previous films or specials to understand the storyline. This strategy is designed to attract a younger audience and introduce them to the broader ‘Bad Guys’ universe.
Franchise Growth and Future Prospects
The expansion into television aligns with a growing trend of animated properties moving from film to streaming platforms. Netflix has successfully capitalized on this trend, releasing several specials based on ‘The Bad Guys’ over the past few years. The decision to create a prequel series is indicative of DreamWorks’ commitment to developing this franchise further.
As the prequel series gears up for release, it has the potential to capture the interest of both long-term fans and newcomers alike. DreamWorks’ strategic focus on storytelling will likely play a crucial role in the series’ success, as the studio seeks to build on the momentum generated by the films.
With the animated series debuting soon, fans are eagerly anticipating how the backstories will unfold and how they will enhance the overall narrative of ‘The Bad Guys.’ This prequel not only expands the franchise’s universe but also reflects the evolving landscape of children’s entertainment, where storytelling continues to thrive across different media platforms.
