Illumination released the official trailer for its upcoming The Secret Life of Pets 2 film and, unless you are dead inside, it’ll have you cracking up. If the trailer isn’t enough to get you excited for the film, Universal Studios also announced plans for a Pets-inspired ride that will open next year at Universal Studios Hollywood.
All of your favorite pets from the first film are back, and man, they are having some issues! Terrier Max (Patton Oswalt) is coping with some major life changes — starting with his voice. Max was voiced by Louis C.K. in the first film, but Universal ended its relationship with the actor in 2017 amid reports of sexual harassment.
In the sequel, Max’s owner (Ellie Kemper) is now married and has a toddler, Liam. Max is so worried about Liam that he develops a nervous tic. On a family trip to a farm, Max and mutt Duke (Eric Stonestreet) encounter canine-intolerant cows (I’m sorry, what?!), hostile foxes, and a terrifying turkey. While there, Max gets some guidance from a veteran farm dog named Rooster (Harrison Ford, making his animated-film debut), who pushes Max to ditch his neuroses, find his inner alpha, and give Liam a little more freedom.
Meanwhile, home alone, plucky Pomeranian Gidget (Jenny Slate) tries to rescue Max’s favorite toy from a cat-packed apartment with a little help from her feline friend, Chloe (Lake Bell), who has discovered the joys of catnip. (Have you seen a cat on catnip?! Good luck!)
And cute, psycho bunny Snowball (Kevin Hart) gets delusions of grandeur that he’s an actual superhero after his owner Molly starts dressing him in superhero pajamas. It’s all fun and games until a new pet on the block named Daisy (Tiffany Haddish), a fearless Shih Tzu, shows up to ask for Snowball’s help on a dangerous mission.
Check out the trailer below!
So, about this ride. … The Universal ride, called “Off the Leash,” will invite guests to play the role of stray puppies and is centered on pet adoption.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring another exciting Illumination movie-based ride to our guests,” says Universal Studios Hollywood President and COO Karen Irwin. “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! will capture the essence of the popular film and invite our guests to live vicariously through some of their favorite characters as they embark on a one-of-a-kind experience only available at Universal Studios Hollywood.”
Off the Leash will combine live, dimensional, and animated characters and take guests along a track through New York City streets toward a pet adoption event and ultimately a home.
The Secret Life of Pets 2 is produced by Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy, the team behind Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch and the Despicable Me and Minions franchise, and is written by returning Pets screenwriter Brian Lynch. The film is directed by returning filmmaker Chris Renaud, who also directed Illumination’s Despicable Me series and Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax.
Photo: Illumination
