There was a new interview today with the director and producers of The Bad Guys Movie. However, it was in French. No worries, as always, I’m here to translate!
The interview was two hours long, they talked about a lot of interesting things, but I’ll simply mention what I think was the most interesting:
There was a bit of a war between DreamWorks, Netflix and Disney for the rights of the book series, since all three movie studios wanted to adapt the The Bad Guys books into a movie. DreamWorks ended up winning, since Aaron Blabey thought they were the one who really got his vision of the books. However, Netflix is currently adapting another one of Aaron’s book series into a movie (Thelma The Unicorn).
The movie’s art style is inspired from many animated french movies, along side anime, and comic books. Yes, they did take inspiration from Lupin III. They wanted to created an unique style that isn’t something we’ve seen a lot before, that isn’t always realistic, like from Pixar, Disney, ect. They wanted something kind of new. They did not take any reference or inspiration from GTA, despite what some people might think.
They used a special method with lightning and animation to save time on the movie, but that still makes it look good.
Teaming up the supervisors for this movie was easy since they all knew eachother for years. There was only 4-10 people at the beginning for this project, it ended up with 400 people. They were all like family and understood eachother very well. Of course, Covid made it a little harder, more meetings which are online and all, but it ended up going well.
The most satisfying part to do for the movie is the last one, the lightning.
The director and the producers have admitted that, if they do a TV series of The Bad Guys, it obviously won’t have the same high quality as the movie, because it’s hard and costs a lot. It’s a question of time, money, animators and all that.
Director Pierre Perifel was able to cast some of the french voice actors for The Bad Guys, such as Pierre Niney (the french voice of Wolf), and also helped out for the translation of the script from english to french.
They hope that The Bad Guys will bring a new air to DreamWorks, that it’s the goal.
Director Pierre Perifel is not a fan of the look of Turning Red, but thought that the facial expressions were the highlight of the movie. He also said it’s more interesting, and would rather see that movie over the upcoming Buzz Lightyear, which “scares” him a little because of how realistic it looks and how far it goes.
In a french interview with Pierre Perifel that I was listening to (because yes, I’m trilingual) He revealed that they hired a real stunt driver to explain and help them create the car chase scenes, how to feel the speed and all that, for The Bad Guys Movie.
Diane has gone through the same transformation as Wolf. She knows exactly what he’s feeling. She becomes his mentor, probably to make amends for who she used to be, because I think deep down, she has a little bit of guilt for never having really taken responsibility for what she did as the Crimson Paw. And I think by helping Wolf, she sees an opportunity for redemption. “I’m gonna teach you. I’m gonna show you. You have to let go all of those burdens that you are carrying with you: you’re not a bad guy because everybody says you’re a bad guy. Deep down you are a good guy; you’re a good person. Just accept that. Embrace it. It’s okay. Your pride should not get in the way of this.” And so she’s holding his hand throughout that journey, and I think that’s something that she wished somebody had done for her.
LARRIKINS (2015/2016) Photoshop Dreamworks Animation Character paintings for the cancelled feature Larrikins. Character designs by Peter de Seve and Pierre Perifel.
Diane has gone through the same transformation as Wolf. She knows exactly what he’s feeling. She becomes his mentor, probably to make amends for who she used to be, because I think deep down, she has a little bit of guilt for never having really taken responsibility for what she did as the Crimson Paw. And I think by helping Wolf, she sees an opportunity for redemption. “I’m gonna teach you. I’m gonna show you. You have to let go all of those burdens that you are carrying with you: you’re not a bad guy because everybody says you’re a bad guy. Deep down you are a good guy; you’re a good person. Just accept that. Embrace it. It’s okay. Your pride should not get in the way of this.” And so she’s holding his hand throughout that journey, and I think that’s something that she wished somebody had done for her.
Diane has gone through the same transformation as Wolf. She knows exactly what he’s feeling. She becomes his mentor, probably to make amends for who she used to be, because I think deep down, she has a little bit of guilt for never having really taken responsibility for what she did as the Crimson Paw. And I think by helping Wolf, she sees an opportunity for redemption. “I’m gonna teach you. I’m gonna show you. You have to let go all of those burdens that you are carrying with you: you’re not a bad guy because everybody says you’re a bad guy. Deep down you are a good guy; you’re a good person. Just accept that. Embrace it. It’s okay. Your pride should not get in the way of this.” And so she’s holding his hand throughout that journey, and I think that’s something that she wished somebody had done for her.
Director Pierre Perifel, The Art of The Bad Guys
the bad guys spoilers ahead!
this is why wolf covering for her as crimson paw is such an important and heartwarming moment in the film. I think, in those few seconds of silence before she confesses, it really hits him how much she has struggled in the same sense of self. obviously it’s something he has known, it isn’t a moment of sudden realisation, but it’s a proper chance for him to show both his admiration and gratefulness for diane in a way only she would understand right there and then. when wolf stepped in, I got a little emotional to be honest. it was a beautiful scene that, at face value, can be viewed as a simple act of kindness but once you connect more to these characters and delve into their relationships you can clearly see the true gravity behind a subtle interception.
I just wanted to say thank you for that one scene of Wolf and Snake falling into the love crater and confessing to eachother. Many animated films don’t take that risk. Such a great contribution to the queer community.
With pride month coming up, I was wondering, perhaps, if you see them as a couple? Because I know many of the fans do.
Pierre Perifel (director): “It’s true, not much animated films have that kind of scenario. But we love taking risks! They were going to die anyways, so they were like "might as well get everything off my chest, and confess how I feel about you.” As for their relationship, I honestly don’t know. I mean, for me personally in my head, I don’t really see it as more than friendship. They did say “I love you” to one another, however i’m not sure. But it’s great to see the fans interpreting them the way they see it, how liberated they are!“
You mentioned a flashback featuring Wolf and Snake that didn’t make the final cut, what is that about?
Pierre Perifel: "Well, I don’t know if I want to say because we might use it in the future, if the opportunity is given to make more. It involves how the both of them first met when they were teenagers. Wolf was in school and he wanted to play with the other kids, but it doesn’t go well. He always ends up in detention for something he didn’t do. One of these days, he meets Snake who asks "why are you here?” He answers “I wanted to play with other kids. Why are you here?” Wolf asks back to him, and he responds “snake.” However, I’m a lot happier with the final product as it is. That flashback didn’t make it to the final product because it wasn’t the style I wanted for the movie. But once again, we’re thinking of using it if we make a series or a sequel, fingers crossed.“
