Let's be real: when word first got out that Kevin Hart was voicing a fourth-grader, people were a little confused. He’s a guy known for high-octane stand-up and R-rated comedies, not exactly the first name you’d link to a series of books about a principal who runs around in his drawers. But honestly? It worked. Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie hit theaters in 2017 and managed to do something most adaptations fail at—it actually felt like the books.
If you grew up hiding Dav Pilkey’s novels under your desk during math class, you know the vibe. It’s chaotic. It’s silly. It’s basically one long fart joke with a heart of gold. Kevin Hart stepped into the role of George Beard, the writer of the duo, alongside Thomas Middleditch as Harold Hutchins.
The Kevin Hart Factor: Why George Beard Worked
Most of us are used to seeing Kevin Hart play the "intense small guy" in movies like Ride Along or Jumanji. In this movie, he had to dial that back into a 9-year-old’s frequency. Interestingly, Hart didn't just show up and shout his lines. He actually worked on a specific pitch to make George sound younger, though he eventually admitted in interviews that the animation team had to do some heavy lifting to keep that "kid energy" consistent.
George is the brains. He’s the one who writes the stories while Harold draws them. Hart’s natural comedic timing—especially when George is trying to talk his way out of a detention from Principal Krupp—is what makes the character click. It wasn't just about being funny; it was about capturing that specific kind of "us against the world" friendship that every kid has with their best friend.
A Budget That Actually Made Sense
Most DreamWorks movies at the time, like Kung Fu Panda or How to Train Your Dragon, cost upwards of $145 million to make. Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie was different. It had a lean budget of about $38 million.
The studio used a more "cartoony" style that didn't require the hyper-realistic hair or water simulations that eat up cash. This was a smart move. Because the budget was lower, the film was technically a success, grossing over $125 million worldwide. But for a major studio, "good enough" isn't always enough to spark a massive franchise.
Why Haven't We Seen a Second Epic Movie?
This is the part that bugs a lot of fans. The first movie literally ends with a cliffhanger. If you remember the post-credits (or just the final scenes), it sets up a sequel involving the Turbo Toilet 2000. It felt like a sure thing.
Then... nothing.
Well, not "nothing," exactly. We got a Netflix series called The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants, which ran for several seasons. But the cast changed. Kevin Hart didn't return for the show. Neither did Ed Helms or Thomas Middleditch. The show was great for kids, but it lacked that cinematic punch that the Kevin Hart movie brought to the table.
There are a few reasons why a direct sequel probably stalled:
- The Disney/Fox Merger: Distribution rights got messy when Disney bought Fox.
- The Shift to Dog Man: Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man series has become an absolute juggernaut. It’s actually more popular than the original Captain Underpants books right now.
- Scheduling: Getting Kevin Hart back for a voice role years later is expensive and difficult given his massive production schedule.
The State of the Franchise in 2026
So, where are we now? If you’re looking for a sequel to the Kevin Hart version, I’ve got some bittersweet news. DreamWorks has shifted a lot of its focus toward the Dog Man movie. Since Dog Man is a spin-off of the Captain Underpants universe, it’s the closest thing we’re getting to a follow-up on the big screen.
However, there’s a new Captain Underpants manga coming in April 2026. Dav Pilkey is clearly still invested in this world. While there’s no official word on a "Second Epic Movie" starring the original cast, the door isn't totally shut. In Hollywood, if an old property gets a sudden surge in streaming numbers, sequels have a weird way of coming back to life.
What You Can Do Now
If you’re missing that specific George and Harold energy, there are a few ways to scratch the itch:
- Rewatch the 2017 Film: It’s currently available on several streaming platforms and honestly holds up better than most 3D animated films from that era.
- Check out the Dog Man Movie: Keep an eye on the release dates for the Dog Man adaptation. If it does well, the chances of a Captain Underpants return skyrocket.
- The New Manga: Look for Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga when it drops in 2026. It’s a fresh take on the source material that might just tide us over until another movie happens.
The chemistry between Hart and Middleditch was a rare lightning-in-a-bottle moment for DreamWorks. Even if we don't get a direct sequel this year, that first film remains a masterclass in how to adapt a "un-adaptable" book series without losing its soul.
