The director of The Bad Guys 2 aimed to create a villain that captured the complexity and allure of a Quentin Tarantino creation for the sequel to the 2022 animated success. To achieve this, inspiration was drawn directly from the infamous character Hans Landa, portrayed by Christoph Waltz in Tarantino’s film Inglourious Basterds, whose unique portrayal continues to resonate years after the film’s release.
Danielle Brooks, who voices Kitty Kat in the sequel, studied Waltz’s chilling performance closely as she crafted the voice and presence of her character, leading a group known as the Bad Girls. This connection between a celebrated live-action villain and an animated antagonist highlights the filmmakers’ ambition to deepen the villainy in the film’s expanding universe.
Hans Landa’s Legacy: From a 16-Year-Old Classic to a Modern Animated Villain
Inglourious Basterds, released sixteen years ago, remains a cultural touchstone thanks to Quentin Tarantino’s distinctive storytelling and richly drawn characters. Hans Landa, an SS officer with unnerving calm and cunning, quickly became a symbol of villainy not just for his cruel actions, but for the layered way Christoph Waltz brought him to life.
The character‘s slow, deliberate tactics and charismatic menace defined a new standard for antagonists. Recognizing this, director Pierre Perifel envisioned a similar aura for Kitty Kat, the snow leopard leading the Bad Girls’ faction in The Bad Guys 2, whose story revolves around a high-stakes global heist.
The inclusion of such a carefully inspired villainous spirit marks a fresh direction for DreamWorks, intertwining sophisticated villainy with the film’s animated style and humor.
Voice Actress Danielle Brooks Shares How Tarantino’s Villain Shaped Her Performance
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Danielle Brooks opened up about how her role as Kitty Kat was heavily influenced by the character of Hans Landa. Initially attracted to Kitty Kat’s mischievous nature and graceful movements akin to a snow leopard, Brooks’s approach shifted significantly after director Perifel introduced the idea of channeling Waltz’s cold and calculating villain.
She remarked on the shared enjoyment both characters find in their scheming, noting Kitty Kat’s deliberate pacing mirrors Landa’s “slow burn” methodical style.
It feels like [Hans Landa] took joy in what he was doing, and he chose a slow burn in getting to what he wanted because that was the joy for him. I feel like that was the same for Kitty. She’s not going to immediately tell the Bad Guys what the plan is right from the jump. She decides to milk the moment.
—Danielle Brooks, Actress
Director Pierre Perifel on the Strategic Villainy Behind Kitty Kat
Director Pierre Perifel echoed Brooks’s insights, describing Kitty Kat as a character who confidently controls the situation, making her adversaries feel trapped.
She has them where she wants them. She can do whatever she wants. She’s already won. It’s checkmate.
—Pierre Perifel, Director
Perifel’s creative process went beyond Tarantino’s work, incorporating influences from other notable villain portrayals such as Javier Bardem’s role in Skyfall and the tense interrogation scene between Dennis Hopper and Christopher Walken in True Romance. These layers of inspiration contribute to a villain that appeals across generations of pop culture fans.
What Fans Can Expect From The Bad Guys 2 Upon Its Release
Given the myriad inspirations drawn from legendary villains and cult classics, audiences can anticipate a sequel rich in suspense and dynamic character interplay. The blend of humor, animation, and darkly charismatic antagonists sets the stage for a thrilling continuation of the story introduced in 2022.
The Bad Guys 2 is scheduled to premiere on August 1, 2025, promising to bring a fresh yet familiar energy to the DreamWorks Animation franchise with the introduction of Kitty Kat’s cunning and captivating villainy.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Quentin Tarantino neurodivergent?
A. Famous filmmakers like Steve McQueen, David Lean, and Charlie Chaplin are recognized as neurodivergent. Other well-known directors include Stan Brakhage, Stanley Kubrick, and Steven Spielberg. Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, and Alejandro G. Iñárritu are also noted for being neurodivergent.
