Over the Hedge 2 (2025) – Detailed Review
🌳🦊🐿️🍕

Overview

Over the Hedge 2 (2025) is the long-awaited sequel to the 2006 animated comedy Over the Hedge, which was based on the comic strip by Michael Fry and T. Lewis. Directed by Tim Johnson and Karey Kirkpatrick, the first film followed a group of forest animals who venture into suburban America to find food and deal with the growing human presence. It became known for its clever humor, charming animation, and messages about consumerism, community, and adaptation.

The sequel, Over the Hedge 2, aims to build on the original’s success with more adventures for the woodland creatures as they continue navigating the challenges of living near a rapidly changing suburban world. The film will likely balance humor, heart, and environmental themes, this time expanding on the relationships between the characters and the increasingly absurd world they inhabit.

Plot Summary

In Over the Hedge 2, the woodland creatures have settled into their new suburban lives, now somewhat accustomed to the world beyond the forest. After their initial run-ins with the human world, where they formed a bond with RJ the raccoon (voiced by Bruce Willis) and Verne the turtle (voiced by Garry Shandling), the group has learned to rely on their wits and teamwork. However, things are about to get complicated again.

This time, the animals face new challenges: the suburbia they once thought they understood has grown even more chaotic and technologically advanced. The once quiet, residential streets are now a battleground for food as the humans start upgrading their neighborhoods, introducing high-tech gadgets, even robotic systems, and increasingly bizarre landscaping that puts the animals’ survival skills to the test. The neighborhood has become overrun by super-advanced “smart homes” and robots designed to scare off wildlife. And then there’s the ultimate threat: a wealthy, tech-obsessed millionaire who plans to gentrify the entire area, pushing the animals further from their homes.

The story picks up with RJ and his friends—Verne, Hammy the squirrel (voiced by Steve Carell), Stella the skunk (voiced by Wanda Sykes), and Ozzie the opossum (voiced by William Shatner)—having to go on a new mission: they must band together once again to stop the humans’ plans for a massive construction project that could destroy the animals’ access to food and homes forever. As the animals navigate this new world of technology and innovation, they realize they’ll have to outsmart both the humans and the increasingly complex gadgets that threaten their way of life.

The movie will feature a mix of classic slapstick comedy and social commentary on technology, urbanization, and the clash between nature and artificial advancement. At its core, it will be a story about adaptation, family, and how living beings—no matter how small or seemingly outmatched—can come together to protect what’s important.

Characters and Performances

• RJ (Bruce Willis) – RJ is back as the smooth-talking raccoon, still using his cunning and resourcefulness to get what he wants. In Over the Hedge 2, he will continue to play the role of the group’s leader and main strategist, but he will also face new challenges as he tries to reconcile his own desire for comfort with the need to protect his friends and their homes.
• Verne (Garry Shandling) – The ever-anxious turtle and voice of reason, Verne continues to be the glue that holds the group together. He’ll be tested in new ways as the threat to their suburban home becomes more sophisticated. Garry Shandling’s dry, sarcastic voice brings a layer of wisdom to Verne, even if his cautious nature often leads to comedic moments.
• Hammy (Steve Carell) – Hammy the hyperactive squirrel is back, bringing his manic energy and hilarious antics. Hammy’s lack of filter and endless enthusiasm will be key to navigating the increasingly high-tech world around them. Steve Carell’s voice work as Hammy continues to be one of the highlights of the film, bringing his signature blend of innocence and wild energy.
• Stella (Wanda Sykes) – Stella is still the tough, no-nonsense skunk with a heart of gold. Wanda Sykes’ voice work continues to bring a layer of humor and strength to the character, and she will have some standout moments as she takes on some of the new tech-savvy dangers that the group faces.
• Ozzie (William Shatner) – The lovable and slightly goofy opossum, Ozzie continues to be a source of comic relief. Played by William Shatner, Ozzie provides the family with his wisdom—albeit in a confusing and sometimes completely contradictory manner. He will continue to be one of the film’s most endearing, quirky characters.
• New Characters (TBD) – Over the Hedge 2 will introduce a number of new characters, both human and animal. A new human antagonist, the tech-obsessed billionaire Craig Huxley (possibly voiced by John C. Reilly), will serve as the film’s primary human villain. His plans to re-develop the neighborhood threaten to wipe out the animals’ homes, and his high-tech, AI-powered systems could make life even harder for the animals.

Additionally, the film might introduce some new animal characters who are either allies or competitors in the quest for food and survival, perhaps including animals that have adapted to the high-tech world in their own quirky ways.

Themes and Direction

Over the Hedge 2 will continue to address themes of adaptation and community. As technology and suburban life rapidly evolve, the animals must figure out how to keep up with a world that is changing faster than they can understand. The film will emphasize the importance of working together, using resourcefulness and wit to survive, and taking on bigger-than-life challenges despite being the “underdogs” in a high-tech world.

There will likely be strong environmental undertones, as the animals’ struggle against human development echoes concerns about the destruction of natural habitats and the consequences of rapid urbanization. While still funny and family-friendly, the film will likely take a satirical approach to the over-reliance on technology and the impersonal nature of modern living, showing the contrast between the simplicity and togetherness of the animal world and the cold, mechanized structures of the human world.

The movie will also explore themes of family—both biological and chosen. While RJ and Verne have different approaches to leadership, and the family of animals sometimes clash in their personalities and goals, they ultimately come together for a common cause. The message of love, loyalty, and sacrifice will be central to the film’s narrative, and there will be a focus on the importance of appreciating what we have before it’s taken away by progress.

Visuals and Animation

The animation in Over the Hedge 2 will likely continue to showcase a vibrant, stylized take on suburban America. Expect lush forests, colorful gardens, and quirky, over-the-top suburban environments filled with high-tech gadgets and strange new “human” creations.

The animals’ interactions with this world will involve plenty of dynamic visual gags, with high-speed chases, stealthy operations to get food, and creative problem-solving. Given the more technologically advanced world they’ll be exploring, expect a lot of visual humor around tech, including malfunctioning robots, AI traps, and elaborate gadgets that become obstacles for the animals.

The visual contrast between the natural world and the increasingly invasive human world will be a key aspect of the film’s aesthetic, with the animals’ world looking increasingly out of place as technology takes over.

Music and Soundtrack

The film’s soundtrack will likely combine upbeat, family-friendly tunes with some more playful, action-oriented tracks as the animals go on their new mission. The first film had a mix of quirky pop songs and original score by Randy Edelman, and it’s possible that the sequel will feature a similar blend, with some new songs added to the mix to emphasize the quirky, comedic nature of the animals’ interactions with the human world.

Expect an energetic and fun score, with plenty of light-hearted moments paired with suspenseful, high-stakes chase sequences.

Conclusion

Over the Hedge 2 (2025) promises to be a fun, heartwarming, and timely sequel to the original film, combining slapstick humor with a bit of social commentary on technology, urbanization, and family. The animals’ cleverness and resourcefulness will continue to shine as they navigate a world that’s more complicated than ever, and the themes of survival, adaptation, and community will resonate with both kids and adults alike. Fans of the first film can look forward to a return to the familiar, quirky world of the Croods’ woodland counterparts, along with plenty of laughs, action, and heartwarming moments.