The Bad Guys Trailer: “Tarantino for Kids!” According to the Director

The Bad Guys Trailer Drops: Director Pitches “Tarantino for Kids!”

Universal City, CA – The internet is buzzing with the “newly released” trailer for DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming caper, The Bad Guys, and it’s not just the slick visuals and all-star cast turning heads. Director Pierre Perifel has cheekily described his vision for the film as akin to “Tarantino for kids,” a comparison that’s simultaneously raising eyebrows and ramping up excitement for the animated heist comedy, which stormed into U.S. theaters on April 22, 2022.

The film, based on Aaron Blabey’s bestselling Scholastic graphic novel series, promises a stylish, comedic adventure that aims to charm both youngsters and their film-literate parents.

Smooth Criminals, Cooler Action: Trailer Highlights

The first official trailer, which landed around December 14, 2021, wastes no time introducing its titular crew of anthropomorphic animal outlaws. We meet the suave leader Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell), the curmudgeonly safecracker Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), the boisterous master-of-disguise Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), the short-fused muscle Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos), and the sharp-tongued tech whiz Ms. Tarantula, aka “Webs” (Awkwafina).

Key sequences showcase the gang’s undeniable chemistry and penchant for elaborate heists, all rendered in a distinct, stylized animation that blends 3D with 2D comic-book aesthetics. The trailer is packed with rapid-fire banter, cool car chases that feel ripped from a classic crime caper, and a general air of effortless cool. Observant viewers might catch visual nods to iconic heist films, with slick tracking shots and dynamic character introductions. The needle-drop soundtrack further amplifies the energetic, slightly irreverent tone, immediately setting it apart from more traditional family fare. While specific split-screen shots or overt trunk-shot homages might be subtle, the overall vibe – the sharp suits, the cool confidence, the witty dialogue amidst chaos – definitely hints at the director’s audacious comparison.

“Reservoir Dogs Meets Fun Animation” – Unpacking the Quote

The “Tarantino for kids” line, or variations of it, has been attributed to both the book’s author, Aaron Blabey, who originally pitched the series with that edgy spirit, and director Pierre Perifel in various interviews leading up to the film’s release. Speaking with outlets like FilmInk and Screen Rant, Perifel elaborated that the cover of Blabey’s first book immediately brought to mind Reservoir Dogs.

“The cover of the first book, The Bad Guys, is really those animals in black suits, and they look like gangsters. And to me, it was Reservoir Dogs,” Perifel told Screen Rant. “I’m like, ‘Oh my God, this is perfect. Animals, gangsters, driving cars, robbing banks, money flying – it was exactly that.'” He acknowledged that directly adapting Tarantino’s mature themes for children was impossible, so the concept evolved to incorporate the DNA of stylish heist films like Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven and Guy Ritchie’s Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

The amusement in the comparison lies in the stark contrast: Quentin Tarantino is celebrated for his nonlinear narratives, verbose and profane dialogue, and stylized, often brutal violence. DreamWorks Animation, on the other hand, is a titan of family-friendly entertainment. Yet, The Bad Guys aims to find a sweet spot, capturing the spirit of Tarantino’s cool – the ensemble casts of witty criminals, the genre-bending, the memorable soundtracks – and packaging it within a story of redemption suitable for all ages.

“I would picture that right away, and so that [was] Reservoir Dogs meets fun animation.” – Pierre Perifel, Director

The Crew Behind the Heist

The film boasts a stellar voice cast bringing these animal anti-heroes to life:

• Sam Rockwell as Mr. Wolf: A charming and smooth-talking pickpocket, the leader of the gang.
• Marc Maron as Mr. Snake: A sarcastic and cynical safecracking snake, Wolf’s second-in-command.
• Awkwafina as Ms. Tarantula (“Webs”): A sharp-witted expert hacker.
• Craig Robinson as Mr. Shark: A chill master of disguise.
• Anthony Ramos as Mr. Piranha: The feisty and short-fused “muscle” of the group.

The film is helmed by Pierre Perifel in his feature directorial debut, with a screenplay by Etan Cohen (known for Tropic Thunder, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa). Produced by Damon Ross and Rebecca Huntley, with executive producers including author Aaron Blabey, Etan Cohen, and Patrick Hughes, the DreamWorks Animation production promises a high-quality cinematic experience.

From Page to Screen: The Blabey Phenomenon

Aaron Blabey’s The Bad Guys graphic novel series has been a global sensation, a #1 New York Times bestseller with millions of copies sold worldwide. Praised for its humor, action, and endearing characters, the series (published by Scholastic) has captivated young readers by making “bad” look so fun, all while subtly exploring themes of perception, friendship, and the possibility of change. The film adaptation aims to tap into this existing fanbase while broadening its appeal.

Heists for the Whole Family: Industry Context

The Bad Guys arrives at a time when animated family films are increasingly incorporating sophisticated genre elements. Movies like Disney’s Zootopia (with its crime-noir undertones) and Illumination’s Despicable Me franchise (which turned a supervillain into a lovable dad) have demonstrated a clear audience appetite for stories that blend kid-friendly comedy with tropes typically found in more adult-oriented genres. Perifel’s “Tarantino for kids” pitch, while playful, signals a confident step in this direction, betting on families ready for a hipper, more ironic animated adventure.

Release and Reception

DreamWorks Animation’s The Bad Guys was released theatrically in the United States by Universal Pictures on April 22, 2022. It later arrived on Peacock for streaming, 45 days after its theatrical debut.

Early reactions to the trailer generated considerable positive buzz online, with particular praise for its unique animation style and the fresh, edgy approach to a family film. Upon its release, the film was met with positive critical reception, with many reviewers highlighting its visual flair, energetic pace, and the very heist-movie-for-kids atmosphere that the “Tarantino” comparison suggested. It went on to become a box office success, grossing over $250 million worldwide, proving that a little bit of “bad” could be very, very good for DreamWorks.

This unique blend of high-style heist and heartfelt comedy, all sparked by a “Tarantino for kids” vision, certainly made The Bad Guys one of the most talked-about animated features of its year.