HOODWINKED returns with a bright, fresh voice cast, signaling a new take on the cheeky animated mystery. Hayden Panettiere steps into the role of Red, replacing Anne Hathaway, and the result is a warmer, sharper cadence that listeners will notice from the moment the opening credits roll. HOODWINKED TOO! lands in theatres with a title that nods to the duel of cleverness and a maze of clues at its core. In this chapter, Jim Belushi’s Kirk the Woodsman is voiced by Martin Short, a choice that reshapes the character’s timing and energy without losing the film’s sly, toy-box charm. HOODWINKED TOO! — known in some markets as HOOD VS. EVIL — opens wide, inviting families to a color-packed, fast-paced adventure that stays playful while leaning into the sly parody of fairy-tale lore that made the first film a fan favorite in Canada and the United States.
Where the original film traced a classic whodunnit through a town full of suspicious suspects, HOODWINKED TOO! focuses on the mysterious disappearance of Hansel and Gretel. Hansel is voiced by Bill Hader and Gretel by Amy Poehler, bringing their signature rapid-fire timing to a tale that twists truth and memory with clever misdirection. Red, now training with the Sister Hoods, teams with Wolf, voiced by Patrick Warburton, a familiar voice whose rugged confidence adds punch to every misdirection and gag. The pair navigates a gallery of eccentric characters, each with a small motive and a big quip, as the story threads its way toward a playful, satisfying crescendo. The film balances slick visual gags with warm character moments, inviting viewers to piece together clues while laughing at the narrative nudge and wink.
Glenn Close returns as Granny, a grandmother who can dish out practical wisdom and surprising danger in equal measure. Andy Dick is back as Boingo the Bunny, keeping the anarchic energy and zany humor that fans of the original enjoyed. New voices join the lineup, including Joan Cusack, Cheech Marin, and Tommy Chong, adding distinctive flavors to a world already bursting with color and comic timing. Bill Hader and Amy Poehler reprise their roles as Hansel and Gretel, anchoring the film with familiar chemistry that helps new audiences latch on to the story, even as the ensemble delivers fresh gags. Director Mike Disa crafted a cast that blends nostalgia with contemporary humor, aiming for a vibe that feels current while preserving the goofy, self-aware spirit that propelled the series forward.
Critics have offered a spectrum of opinions, from celebration of inventive humor to calls for tighter plotting. In North American theaters, the reception skewed mixed, with some praising the brisk pace and polished animation and others signaling a desire for bolder ideas. For families weighing what to watch, Hoodwinked Too! delivers bright, candy-colored visuals, rapid-fire dialogue, and a light, self-referential take on fairy tales that can fuel repeat viewings. The film invites audiences to judge it on its own terms, enjoying the clever wordplay, character banter, and the steady rhythm that keeps kids and adults amused alike, even as some jokes skate near familiar ground.