Sam Rockwell The Bad Guys fans are in for a treat as the sequel, “The Bad Guys 2,” hits theaters this weekend, continuing the story of Mr. Wolf and his crew as they aim to turn over a new leaf. Directed by Pierre Perifel and J.P. Sans, the film follows the gang’s struggle to adjust to a law-abiding lifestyle, only to be pulled back into mischief by a new group of villains known as the Bad Girls, voiced by Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, and Maria Bakalova.
Collider’s Steve Weintraub sat down with Rockwell, Craig Robinson (voice of Mr. Shark), and Marc Maron (voice of Mr. Snake) to discuss the making of the film, their experiences in the recording booth, and upcoming projects. They share insights on how the characters have evolved and tease future adventures in the Bad Guys universe and beyond.
Actors Reflect on Favorite Movie Theaters and Viewing Experiences
During the interview, the trio discussed their favorite places to watch films, highlighting the role that movie theaters continue to play even as streaming grows in popularity. Sam Rockwell mentioned a few personal favorites such as the Ziegfeld Theater in New York and the Alamo Drafthouse, appreciating their unique atmospheres and food options. Marc Maron expressed nostalgia for theaters like Radio City and the now-closed ArcLight, which he and Rockwell both lamented losing, especially for films that benefit from immersive formats like IMAX.
Marc Maron shared a reflection on the IMAX experience, noting,
“This is what it used to feel like.”
—Marc Maron, Actor and Comedian
While Robinson favored the IPIC theater’s comfort and dining options, Maron humorously distinguished between movie types suited for casual viewing with food and more serious cinematic experiences where distractions are unwelcome. He remarked,
“What the f*** is a movie now?”
—Marc Maron, Actor and Comedian
The conversation underscored the actors’ shared passion for the cinematic experience and their hopes that audiences continue to support theaters for films like “The Bad Guys 2.”
Behind the Scenes: The Challenges and Fun of Voice Acting
The actors provided insight into the unique demands of voice acting, revealing how different it is from on-camera work. Rockwell described the recording booth as sometimes lonely, especially when working solo, requiring intense energy and imagination. Maron reflected on pushing his vocal limits for his character, saying,
“Sam’s just doing himself. It’s lazy, almost.”
—Marc Maron, Actor and Comedian
Maron’s voice work is physically taxing, often requiring him to scream or grunt, which leaves his throat sore by the day’s end. Robinson explained how the process often involves experimentation, returning to earlier scenes once the actor has better settled into the character’s voice. Rockwell shared his appreciation for the directors and team’s patience during this iterative process, and mentioned actor Mike Odair who joins them to read alongside.
The trio also discussed the sequence of intense action in the film’s third act, joking about how it might challenge stunt performers like Tom Cruise. Maron quipped that Cruise might take on similar feats in real life, highlighting the film’s exciting animation and creative set pieces.
Rockwell revealed how Colin Jost, the head writer of Saturday Night Live and fellow actor, contributed to making one of his scenes even funnier with a spontaneous punch-up:
“Can you help me with this?”
—Sam Rockwell, Actor
Robinson confirmed Jost’s reputation, calling him “funny” and praising his sharp comedic instincts to enhance the script naturally. This collaboration added an extra layer of humor that filmmakers and actors were eager to share.
Upcoming Projects and Future Plans for the Cast
When asked about what lies ahead, the actors shared exciting updates on several ventures beyond “The Bad Guys 2.” Marc Maron is involved in a Bruce Springsteen biopic titled “Deliver Me From Nowhere” and his HBO comedy special premiering August 1st, coinciding with the film’s release. He also mentioned an independent film called “In Memoriam,” aiming for Sundance inclusion.
Craig Robinson highlighted his role in the Netflix animated feature “In Your Dreams,” which debuts on November 14th and features a voice cast including Simu Liu, Cristin Milioti, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Elias Janssen, and himself as Baloney Tony. The actors expressed enthusiasm for these projects, showing their versatility and appeal across different entertainment formats.
Rockwell touched on his collaboration with director Gore Verbinski on an unreleased project, revealing excitement about what’s to come. He also teased an appearance at Comic-Con with fellow cast members, where they expect to engage with fans and celebrate “The Bad Guys 2.”
Looking further ahead, Maron confirmed a sequel is already in the works, ensuring the franchise will continue to entertain audiences:
“There will be a sequel to this. I’m letting you know right now.”
—Marc Maron, Actor and Comedian
Meet the Voice Cast Behind the Characters
“The Bad Guys 2” features a talented ensemble bringing to life its animated animal characters. Sam Rockwell returns as Mr. Wolf, the charismatic leader of the group. Marc Maron voices Mr. Snake, known for his sly and skeptical attitude, while Craig Robinson reprises his role as Mr. Shark, the lovable and slightly goofy member of the team. Anthony Ramos also joins the cast as Mr. Piranha, adding to the dynamic mix of personalities.
Together, this cast breathes energy and wit into the story, balancing humor with moments of heartfelt transformation as they navigate themes of redemption and friendship.
