The Croods 3 is a speculative 2025 American computer-animated adventure comedy film, envisioned as the third theatrical installment in DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods franchise, following The Croods (2013) and The Croods: A New Age (2020). Directed by Kirk Wise (per fan wikis) or potentially Joel Crawford, it’s distributed by Universal Pictures. The film is expected to continue the prehistoric family’s journey in the whimsical “Croodaceous” era, blending slapstick humor, vibrant visuals, and family-friendly themes. However, as of May 2025, The Croods 3 has no official confirmation from DreamWorks or Universal, with details drawn from fan speculation, unverified reports, and franchise trends. This review assumes a hypothetical release based on available information, incorporating fan-driven concepts and logical extensions of the series.

Plot Summary

Set after The Croods: A New Age, The Croods 3 focuses on Eep Crood (Emma Stone) and Guy (Ryan Reynolds) as they navigate their budding romance and new responsibilities in a prehistoric world. The Croods—Grug (Nicolas Cage), Ugga (Catherine Keener), Thunk (Clark Duke), Gran (Cloris Leachman), and Sandy (Kailey Crawford)—settle into their idyllic farm with the Bettermans, Phil (Peter Dinklage), Hope (Leslie Mann), and Dawn (Kelly Marie Tran). A new threat emerges: a rival tribe or environmental upheaval (e.g., a volcanic eruption or bizarre hybrid creatures), forcing the families to venture into uncharted lands, possibly the Crystaline Flats or Bonefall Jungles, as suggested by fan wikis

The story emphasizes Eep and Guy’s leadership, with Grug struggling to relinquish control. Subplots include Thunk’s quest for confidence, Dawn’s friendship with Eep, and Gran’s mischievous antics. The narrative explores themes of growth, adaptation, and unity, with the Croods helping another family or tribe, mirroring the second film’s cohabitation arc. Expect chaotic adventures, like battling a mega-predator or solving ancient puzzles, culminating in a heartwarming resolution. The plot is likely to retain the franchise’s colorful, action-packed tone, with a runtime around 95–100 minutes

Cast and Performances

• Nicolas Cage as Grug Crood delivers his signature over-the-top energy, blending gruff protectiveness with comedic vulnerability. His performance anchors the family dynamic.
• Emma Stone as Eep shines as a fierce, adventurous heroine, her chemistry with Reynolds driving the romantic arc. Her vocal range adds emotional depth.
• Ryan Reynolds as Guy brings witty charm, balancing innovation with loyalty. His banter with Cage is a comedic highlight.
• Catherine Keener as Ugga and Cloris Leachman as Gran provide warmth and humor, though Leachman’s role may be limited or recast due to her 2021 passing.
• Clark Duke as Thunk and Kailey Crawford as Sandy offer goofy, youthful energy, with Thunk potentially getting a larger arc.
• Peter Dinklage, Leslie Mann, and Kelly Marie Tran as the Bettermans return, with Dinklage’s smug Phil clashing hilariously with Cage’s Grug. Tran’s Dawn adds spunk, though some fans speculate the Bettermans may have reduced roles.
• New Characters: Fan speculation suggests additions like a rival tribe leader (voiced by Chris Pratt or Anya Taylor-Joy) or quirky creatures (voiced by Dee Bradley Baker).

The ensemble’s chemistry, honed in prior films, keeps the humor lively, but new characters risk overcrowding the story if not integrated well.

Direction and Style

Kirk Wise, known for Beauty and the Beast, or Joel Crawford (A New Age) directs, leveraging DreamWorks’ signature vibrant CGI. The animation is expected to be a visual feast, with lush, fantastical landscapes—think glowing caverns or rainbow-hued jungles—rendered by Mikros Animation. The “Croodaceous” era’s hybrid creatures (e.g., wolf-spiders, punch-monkeys) remain a highlight, with new beasts adding spectacle. The film’s aesthetic builds on A New Age’s colorful palette, though some fans worry it may feel too polished, losing the first film’s raw charm.

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