DreamWorks Launches Prequel Series for ‘The Bad Guys’ on Netflix

DreamWorks has announced the development of a prequel series for its animated franchise, The Bad Guys, which will be available on Netflix. This new series aims to explore the origins of the notorious team of animal criminals, further expanding the franchise that has already seen success in both films and holiday specials.

New Voices and Storylines

The prequel, titled Breaking In, will feature a fresh voice cast, as the original actors from the movies will not reprise their roles. Notably, Michael Godere will take over the role of Wolf from Sam Rockwell, while Chris Diamantopoulos replaces Marc Maron as Snake. Other new cast members include Ezekiel Ajeigbe, Raul Ceballos, and Mallory Low, who will voice characters previously played by Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, and Awkwafina, respectively.

The series will detail how the team came together and highlight the events that led them to a life of crime. This format allows new viewers to engage with the story without needing to watch the films first, making the show accessible for young audiences.

Franchise Growth and Performance

Since its inception, The Bad Guys franchise has performed well at the box office, with the first film grossing over $250 million in 2022 and the sequel reaching approximately $237 million earlier this year. DreamWorks has been actively working on expanding its portfolio by introducing various holiday specials related to the franchise on Netflix.

In recent years, Netflix has released several holiday specials based on The Bad Guys, with the last one debuting in 2024. Though no new specials were launched in 2025, the prequel series aims to keep the franchise momentum alive and attract a broader audience.

The new series reflects DreamWorks’ strategy to capitalize on its successful animated properties, providing fresh content while maintaining the franchise’s core appeal. As streaming platforms continue to dominate the entertainment landscape, this move marks a significant shift from films to television series for the studio.

With an engaging storyline and a new voice cast, Breaking In promises to be an exciting addition to the DreamWorks lineup, further expanding the universe of The Bad Guys.