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The Bad Guys Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Bad Guys (2022). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


In the dazzling metropolis known as the City of Angels, a hub for rogues and miscreants, the charming Mr. Wolf, played by Sam Rockwell, and his loyal partner, Mr. Snake, portrayed by Marc Maron, show up at a quaint diner. Their presence, marked by sharp fangs and keen instincts, raises eyebrows among the diners. While they engage in light-hearted banter about Snake’s birthday—coincidentally falling on the same day as a significant turning point—their mischievous intentions hint at the heist they are about to undertake. After leaving the diner, they expertly pull off a bank heist, capitalizing on the fear surrounding them. However, they soon find themselves in the crosshairs of the relentless Chief Misty Luggins, played by Alex Borstein, who is eager to apprehend the notorious duo.

Reuniting with their quirky allies, the gang includes Ms. Tarantula/Webs, voiced by Awkwafina, the tech whiz, Mr. Shark, voiced by Craig Robinson, the master of disguise, and Mr. Piranha, played by Anthony Ramos, the unpredictable wild card. Each character contributes uniquely to the group: Wolf, the silver-tongued mastermind; Snake, the safe-cracking prodigy; Webs, the digital expert; Shark, the chameleon-like strategist; and Piranha, the spunky rebel always ready for action—all harmonizing together like a well-orchestrated ensemble.

As they navigate through the city in a thrilling game of cat and mouse, the authorities remain hot on their trail. Undeterred, the Bad Guys swiftly return to their secret hideout boastfully showcasing their haul of stolen treasures—gold, money, and precious artifacts. Amid the revelry, Snake’s birthday fades into the background as he grumbles about the festivities. Meanwhile, Wolf tunes into a news broadcast featuring reporter Tiffany Fluffit, played by Lilly Singh, who captures their audacious escapades.

Governor Diane Foxington, portrayed by Zazie Beetz, dismisses their reputation as pathetic has-beens heralding less glory than they once claimed. This stinging remark ignites a fire within Wolf, propelling him to devise a cunning plan for a grand heist at the Golden Dolphin Gala, where the governor will honor the esteemed Professor Rupert Marmalade IV, voiced by Richard Ayoade. Eager to reclaim their former glory, the Bad Guys kit themselves out in disguises, but Wolf still finds himself momentarily distracted by a chance to swipe a purse from an unsuspecting elderly lady—an action that instinctively leads him to lend her a helping hand, earning a charming label of “a good boy.”

While Shark creates a distraction, Wolf and Snake navigate their way to the award’s location at the gala. Yet, Diane has foreseen their shenanigans and is one step ahead. After a series of botched attempts, including an unfortunate mishap during a rescue operation aimed at saving a cat from a tree, the gang’s efforts at altruism seem painfully inadequate.

Realizing their talents lie elsewhere, Marmalade proposes harnessing their infamous skills for a different purpose. He guides them to Sunnyside Labs to save captive guinea pigs while sporting adorable onesie pajamas. However, their heist goes awry, leading to calamity as the protesters outside expose their true nature. Just when it seems the group’s chances for redemption are slipping away, Diane steps in as the Crimson Paw, uniting forces with Wolf to thwart Marmalade’s sinister plans.

As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, the gang faces an uncertain future. Wolf struggles with his desire to reform while the others cling to their wicked identity. In a thrilling climax filled with acute twists and revelations, the Bad Guys transition from deeply ingrained villainy to an unexpected display of heroism, culminating in a whirlwind chase that tests their resolve and unity.

When the dust settles, after deceptions are revealed and alliances forged in the heat of chaos, the day is saved, leading to a heartfelt reunion with Diane—who now officially embraces their wild ways. A year later, the gang emerges from incarceration, welcomed back into the fold with promises of new adventures on the horizon. The tale of The Bad Guys unfolds as an exploration of friendship, redemption, and the unbreakable bond forged through chaos and camaraderie.

The Bad Guys Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The Bad Guys (2022) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Arrival at the Diner

In the bustling City of Angels, Mr. Wolf and Mr. Snake arrive at a quaint diner, drawing the attention of the patrons with their sharp fangs and sly demeanor. The two engage in playful banter about Snake's birthday, hinting at the mischief they are planning.

Diner

Executing the Bank Heist

After leaving the diner, the dynamic duo expertly pulls off a bank heist, leveraging the fear they generate around them. Their swift and cunning tactics allow them to escape with a massive haul of stolen treasures.

Bank

Encounter with Chief Luggins

As they celebrate their successful heist, they soon find themselves pursued by Chief Misty Luggins, who is determined to capture the notorious pair. This relentless pursuit sets off a high-stakes game of cat and mouse throughout the city.

City of Angels

Reunion with Allies

Mr. Wolf and Mr. Snake reunite with their quirky allies: Ms. Tarantula, Mr. Shark, and Mr. Piranha. Each character brings their unique skills to the group, creating a formidable team intent on outsmarting the authorities.

Showcasing the Heist Treasures

Back at their secret hideout, the gang boasts about their haul, which includes gold, money, and precious artifacts. Meanwhile, Snake feels his birthday celebrations are overshadowed by their criminal endeavors.

Secret Hideout

Governor's Dismissal

Governor Diane Foxington publicly dismisses the gang as pathetic has-beens, which rekindles their desire to reclaim their former fame. This dismissive attitude ignites Wolf’s determination to orchestrate a grand heist.

Governor's Office

Planning the Grand Heist

Wolf devises a cunning plan for a heist at the Golden Dolphin Gala, where the governor is honoring Professor Rupert Marmalade IV. The gang gear up in disguises for what they believe will be their ticket to redemption.

Planning Room

Distraction at the Gala

While Mr. Shark creates a diversion, Wolf and Snake attempt to access the critically guarded award location at the gala. However, their plans begin to unravel as the governor anticipates their intrusion.

Golden Dolphin Gala

Altruistic Failures

In a series of comedic blunders, the gang's attempts at acts of altruism culminate in failures, including a chaotic cat rescue. These mishaps illustrate their struggle to shed their villainous past and find a new purpose.

City Streets

The Guinea Pig Rescue

Professor Marmalade proposes a change direction by guiding the gang to Sunnyside Labs for a guinea pig rescue. However, their heist plan spirals into chaos, exposing their true nature to the public.

Sunnyside Labs

The Crimson Paw Emerges

As the situation becomes increasingly dire, Diane Foxington reveals her alter ego, the Crimson Paw, and joins forces with Wolf to battle against Marmalade’s sinister schemes. This unexpected alliance marks a turning point for the gang.

Climactic Showdown

Tensions rise as the gang encounters numerous twists and turns, testing their loyalty and resolve. They transition from villains to unexpected heroes, showcasing their growth amidst chaos.

City of Angels

Reunion and Redemption

After successfully fending off Marmalade's plans, the gang experiences a heartfelt reunion with Diane, who acknowledges their wild ways. The group's transformation reveals the potential for redemption.

City of Angels

Emerging from Incarceration

A year later, the gang emerges from incarceration with new prospects ahead. The newfound camaraderie and adventures remind them of the bond they forged through chaos and their shared experiences.

The Bad Guys Characters

Explore all characters from The Bad Guys (2022). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Wolf (Sam Rockwell)

Wolf is the charismatic mastermind of the group, known for his silver tongue and clever strategies. He often finds himself torn between his wicked nature and emerging desire for redemption. His journey reflects his struggle with identity and the temptations of past mischief.

🐺 Mastermind 🔥 Charismatic 🚀 Leader

Snake (Marc Maron)

Snake is the safe-cracking prodigy, loyal to Wolf but often frustrated with their antics. His skills and knowledge of heists make him a crucial member of the crew, yet he also faces the challenge of personal desires versus group loyalty.

🐍 Talent 🚪 Safe-Cracker 😒 Disgruntled

Shark (Craig Robinson)

Shark serves as the master of disguise, skillfully navigating situations with a unique charm. His role adds a layer of humor and creativity to their schemes, often providing comic relief while maintaining a strong sense of loyalty to his friends.

🦈 Disguise 😂 Humor 🤹‍♂️ Creative

Tarantula/Webs (Awkwafina)

Webs is the digital expert and tech whiz of the group, bringing modern skills to their classic heist scenarios. Her blend of wit and quick thinking makes her an invaluable asset to the team, while also adding to the dynamics of their friendship.

🕷️ Tech-Savvy 💻 Quick-Witted 🎉 Energetic

Piranha (Anthony Ramos)

Piranha is the unpredictable wild card of the gang, always ready for action. His spunky personality brings an element of surprise to their plans, and while his impulsiveness may lead to conflict, it also strengthens their camaraderie.

🐟 Wild Card 🌪️ Unpredictable 🌟 Adventurous

Chief Misty Luggins (Alex Borstein)

Chief Luggins is the relentless authority figure hunting down the gang, embodying the law's pursuit of justice. Her determination and cunning intuition put the gang in a constant state of risk, serving as a foil to their mischievous ways.

👮‍♀️ Determined 🔍 Cunning ⚖️ Justice-Seeker

Governor Diane Foxington (Zazie Beetz)

Diane is a powerful figure, serving as both a critic and eventual ally to the gang. Her character development highlights the capacity for change and acceptance, bridging the gap between villainy and heroism as she transforms into the Crimson Paw.

🏛️ Authority 💪 Empowering 🌹 Transformative

The Bad Guys Settings

Learn where and when The Bad Guys (2022) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The movie does not specify a particular time period but presents a contemporary setting marked by modern technology and urban challenges. The atmosphere resonates with a blend of humor and action that reflects today's fast-paced lifestyle.

Location

City of Angels

The City of Angels, known for its bright lights and vibrant atmosphere, serves as a notable backdrop for the movie's antics. It's famous for being a hub of entertainment and, seemingly, a playground for rogues and miscreants. This bustling metropolis is where the story unfolds, filled with both danger and opportunity.

🏙️ City 🐾 Mischief

The Bad Guys Themes

Discover the main themes in The Bad Guys (2022). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


🔄

Redemption

Throughout the story, themes of redemption are poignantly explored as the characters, especially Wolf, navigate their path from villainy to heroism. Their journey underscores the idea that even those with a notorious past can find a way to change and do good in their community. The transformation of the gang showcases the power of friendship and acceptance in overcoming one's dark tendencies.

🤝

Friendship

The bond among the gang members is crucial to the narrative, reflecting the importance of teamwork and loyalty. Their adventures highlight the strength that comes from unity, even in the face of adversity. The camaraderie developed through their escapades significantly aids their character development.

🎭

Identity

Identity plays a significant role as the characters grapple with their roles as villains and their desires to redefine themselves. The movie tackles the complexities of self-perception and societal labels, showcasing how they evolve from being known as 'Bad Guys' to potential heroes.

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The Bad Guys Ending Explained

Unravel the ending of The Bad Guys (2022) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.


At the end of “The Bad Guys,” the true villain is finally revealed to be Professor Marmalade, who has been disguised as Diane Foxington for most of the story. Marmalade’s real plan was to steal a powerful meteorite—known as the Love Crater—using a mind control device powered by its electromagnetic energy. His goal was to manipulate the city into helping him commit the greatest heist ever, all under the guise of his charity gala. The meteorite explosion at the climax reveals Marmalade’s scheme and destroys his plans, exposing him as the true criminal behind the facade of kindness. Throughout the story, Wolf and his gang go from notorious criminals to characters seeking redemption, driven by acts of kindness and self-discovery. Wolf, in particular, chooses to take responsibility for his actions and refuses to return to a life of crime, even risking his life to save Snake during a dramatic helicopter scene. In the end, Wolf and his gang are released from prison after demonstrating good behavior, hinting at a new beginning. The final scene shows them driving away with Diane, now revealed as an ally, suggesting that their future might involve helping others rather than crime, although Wolf’s potential for returning to his old ways remains open. The film’s message emphasizes that everyone, even those perceived as bad, have the capacity for goodness, and it’s never too late for change.

The Bad Guys Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of The Bad Guys (2022). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.


In the glittering stretch of the City of Angels, a place where neon lights flicker over alleyways that pulse with mischief, a notorious crew slips through the shadows with a charisma that makes even the most wary bystanders pause. At the heart of this ensemble is the silver‑tongued leader, Mr. Wolf, whose effortless charm masks a restless yearning for something beyond his reputation. Beside him, the quick‑fingers of Mr. Snake keep the crew’s plans humming, while the tech‑savvy brilliance of Ms. Tarantula/Webs turns data into leverage. Mr. Shark slides in and out of roles with a chameleon’s grace, and the untamed energy of Mr. Piranna adds a spark of unpredictability to every move.

The world they inhabit is a stylized, almost comic‑book version of a metropolis where the line between heroism and villainy is drawn in ever‑shifting shades of gray. The film shrouds its action in a tone that blends witty banter, vibrant animation, and a touch of heartfelt introspection, inviting audiences to smile at the crew’s audacious swagger while sensing the deeper currents of doubt that swirl beneath. Their reputation as the city’s most daring misfits is both a badge of honor and a weight that presses on their collective conscience.

When an unexpected turn forces the Bad Guys to masquerade as protectors, the dynamic shifts from playful rebellion to a delicate charade. Mr. Wolf finds his confidence tested as he grapples with the allure of acceptance and the pull of his old habits. The crew’s chemistry—part brotherhood, part contest of egos—creates a lively tension, each member quietly questioning whether they can truly rewrite their story or merely perform a new act on the same stage.

Amidst the bustling streets and whimsical set‑pieces, the film teases the possibility of redemption without spelling it out, letting curiosity linger. The audience is left to wonder how a group built on chaos navigates the fragile balance between their ingrained ways and the tantalizing promise of becoming something different, all while the city watches, amused and wary in equal measure.

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