Mighty Bug 5: The Movie is a 2025 American animated action-adventure superhero film produced by Cal Brunker and directed by Mark Salisbury. Based on a 2005 Nick Jr. interstitial series of the same name produced by Scull & Belt with the cast reprising their roles. They are joined by Dee Bradley Baker (voicing Super Antny), Rob Paulsen, Shazdeh Kapadia, Trevor Devall, Laz Meiman, Addison Holley, Cullen McCarthy, David Kaufman, Eva Bella & Monique Alvarez. In the film, Mighty Bug 5 and their super-fox ally stops Neil Dorpatjou from taking over Yardley.
Upon Mighty Bug 5's 19th anniversary in 2024, Michael Lennix wrote the screenplay. Nickelodeon said they wanted a 5th movie based on a Nick Jr. show that aired on its network. The film was produced by Paramount Animation & Nickelodeon Movies, animated by Jam Filled Entertainment. Jonathan Hylander composed the score.
Mighty Bug 5: The Movie was released on February 28, 2025 on Paramount+ before was later premiere on Nickelodeon & Nick Jr. on March 1, 2025. It received generally mixed-to-positive reviews from critics with Rotten Tomatoes call it "The first-known Nick Jr. movie based on a 2005 children's TV series of 4-minute shorts."
Summary[]
When a dirt dauber kinkajou plans to ruling Yardley, a thrips fox help & join the 5 superhero bugs embarking their most challengeable mission.
Plot[]
A determined thrips swift fox walks in the playground besides Yardley Kindergarten & slowly greets five bugs catching the ball. He introduced for them as Robin Hunter, Jason knew that Robin dressed with a superhero cape. His mellow friends, Lil' Stench (a stinkbug skunk) & Brightly Beatricie (a bush cricket raccoon) warns them about Neil Dorpatjou, a very-mean dirt dauber kinkajou plans to eliminate bugs & conquers Yardley. Jason, his gang & Robin heads to milk carton HQ as Lil' Stench & Brightly waves goodbye for them.
In the milk carton HQ as Mr. Bigsnail knows a big trouble in Yardley, 5 insects had become "Mighty Bug 5", a super-heroic team Robin always follow. Mr. Bigsnail trains them fairly, but Robin feels unconfident so Mighty Bug & Lizzy/Invisilizzy comforts him. At Yardley town, Brightly & Lil' Stench found a sight of Neil Dorpatjou plan something before vanished & running back to Yardley kindergarten for call Mighty Bug 5. Upon ability workout, Parnell try keep Robin stay heroic, but only Antny/Super Antny, Catybug/Go Girl & Invisilizzy helped him out.
The swift fox was trying best of gaining powers, Mighty Bug stats he couldn't which Parnell gave him a glowing sphere. Robin slowly touch it & possessed, but likely didn't happened as Princess Kerstie, who came in the carton base, comfort him. After Robin & the Mighty Bugs prepared, Mr. Bigsnail announce which Mighty Bug's powerful enough to defeat Neil as Robin got unexpectedly chosen from viewers. Upon his backstory taking place of Yardley Kindergarten, a young Robin meets young versions of Lil' Stench & Brightly at recess. During their chase, Mighty Bug lead other Mighty Bugs to catching up Neil, but called to his bodyguards & capture the Mighty Bugs leads Robin head back to Mr. Bigsnail & Princess Kerstie.
Somewhere in the skate park besides the playground, Lil' Stench, Brightly greets Kernelnut (an earwig chipmunk), Ruster Jo Lopperbun (a springtail bunny rabbit) & his playful partner Feisty Fluffball (a wingless dragonfly kitten) with Brightly hears them about Neil kidnap the Mighty Bugs, Lil' Stench call the endangerment signal for Mr. Bigsnail much to Robin & Princess Kerstie (as her hidden superhero identity, Magic Dazzle)'s shocked in fear. As the mission deployed, Robin (now named his superhero identity, Rescue Fox) give Magic Dazzle a ride to Neil's factory lair joined by Robin's bugimal friends for a Mighty Bug 5 rescue plan. Outside, Feisty & Ruster Jo distracts the bodyguards while Brightly, Lil' Stench & Magic Dazzle confront several kinkajou henchmen they fought.
At Neil's hideout room whereas Rescue Fox facing off Neil Dorpatjou, who attempts of exterminate the Mighty Bugs with a Bug-Extermination Zapper he built, Kernelnut shows up to immediately rescue Mighty Bug & his team. However as Mighty Bug join Rescue Fox's battle with Neil, Super Antny is dropped until Rescue Fox jump below & flies in to rescue him. Invisilizzy & Parnell discovers that Rescue Fox's super ability was pounce flight, Neil retreats before attempt wiping out Yardley citizens of Yardley. Mighty Bug lets Kerstie & the bugimals to defend many bug citizens while Rescue Fox encounter Neil as they both fighting for the Bug-Extermination Zapper, but they fall down in the process. Go Girl proceeded to save Rescue Fox & Neil by her mighty rocket speed, Super Antny destroys the Bug-Extermination Zapper using his power to grow. Neil Dorpatjou, despite being surrounded by the Mighty Bugs, escape from the police until was defeated by Lil' Stench & Brightly.
After Rescue Fox becomes a new honorary Mighty Bug-imal, he joins the Mighty Bugs departed for a mission Kernelnut signals them for a big emergency.
Cast[]
- Bill Lobley as Jason (Mighty Bug), the film's main protagonist. A blue beetle with "mighty vision" & leads the Mighty Bug 5.
- Rob Paulsen as Robin Hunter (Rescue Fox), a free-spirited cyan thrips swift fox befriends the Mighty Bug 5. Towards the film's ending, Robin's superpower is "pounce-flight", able to fly when jumped & the first honorary Mighty Bug.
- Kingsley Marshall as Young Robin
- Shazdeh Kapadia as Princess Kerstie (Magic Dazzle), a light orange beetle princess with magical powers. She was Robin's mentor & ally of the Mighty Bug 5.
- Trevor Devall as Neil Dorpatjou, the film's main antagonist. A dirt dauber kinkajou with a gruff-general dislike for bugs.
- Laz Meiman as Lil' Stench, a self-coward purple stinkbug skunk who's a friend of Robin.
- Shayle Simons as Young Lil' Stench & Marshall.
- Addison Holley as Brightly Beatricie, a tomboyish bright yellow bush cricket Florida raccoon & best friend of Robin.
- Isabella Leo as Young Brightly & Lorri.
- Cullen McCarthy as Kernelnut, a lighthearted orange earwig red-tailed chipmunk with a neon-blue knitted chullo greeted by Robin.
- McCarthy also voices Diageo.
- David Kaufman as Ruster Jo Lopperbun, an energetic springtail Dutch rabbit & Robin's pen-pal of childhood.
- Eva Bella as Feisty Fluffball, a bubbly & cherish periwinkle-blue wingless dragonfly shorthair kitten who always meet Robin & Ruster Jo's childhood partner.
- Monique Alvarez as Professor Claira Insecto, a light blue beetle & Robin's bug friend.
- Dee Bradley Baker as Antny (Super Antny), a small purple ant whose superhero ability is "power to grow." Baker replaces Nancy Giles from the original short-series.
- Ashley Paige Albert as Lizzy (Invisilizzy), a sweet orange honeybee who'll can become invisible.
- Nancy Giles as Catybug (Go Girl), a ladybug with jet pack, enabling her to fly at high speeds.
- Jonny Belt as Parnell, a timid earthworm with excellent driving skills.
- Chris Phillips as Mr. Bigsnail, an enormous garden snail who sends Mighty Bug 5 on missions.
- Phillips also voices Narrator.
- Iain Armitage as Brent
- Laura Bailey as Mallie Spottypup, a Welsh clearwing Aussiedoodle who is Yardley kindergarten's teacher.
Transcript[]
Mighty Bug 5: The Movie/Transcript
Gallery[]
Mighty Bug 5: The Movie/Gallery
Production[]
Announcement[]
In February 9, 2025, Nickelodeon released a teaser promo for a new animated film based on Mighty Bug 5, titled Mighty Bug 5: The Movie. In February 10, 2025, further details on the film were disclosed including the cast, crew & release date. Short series regulars Bill Lobley, Jonny Belt, Ashley Paige Albert, Nancy Giles & Chris Phillips followed by Dee Bradley Baker (voicing Super Antny) lead the voice cast. The film was directed by Peach Nova Productions founder Mark Salisbury, produced by PAW Patrol director Cal Brunker & co-executive produced by Jonny Belt & Robert Scull.
During an interview with Collider, Salisbury spoke about enjoying the voice cast overall. "Although 3 of the bug-imals were voiced by child actors, it's new for us & really popular. We really worked with meaningful performances out of all the characters, I know they did a terrific job. The character of Robin Hunter, played by Rob Paulsen, follows the Mighty Bugs & even brought so much to it. I would ever said you're always rooting for him."
In an interview with Screen Rant, Rob Paulsen spoke about the film & aspires to be like Robin Hunter, ahead of the film's home entertainment release. He stated about the film's 2nd main character, "Robin was funny, clever, loyal & heroic fox, I don't think he'll just following heroes, but in fact, he always help many bugs in Yardley, that's very important. Thinking I try to be just like him at everyday life. I don't always succeed, but I can try."
Development[]
As Michael Lennicx wrote the screenplay, Nickelodeon said they wanted a 5th movie based on a Nick Jr. show that is a 4-minute short series. The creators know they wanted a story just like PAW Patrol: The Movie's, but only with 5 superhero bugs embark the most challengeable mission yet followed by their bug-imal ally.
In February 11, 2025, Cal Brunker stating they're excited about the partnership with Paramount Pictures & Nickelodeon Movies bring the franchise to the family home screen. He adds, "The first foray into the arena of feature film marks a significant strategic expansion for Peach Nova Productions. It demonstrates our commitment to harnessing our own internal entertainment production teams to develop & deliver IP in a motion picture format, allow us connect our characters to fans through shared streaming experiences."
While focusing on the backstory of a new character Robin Hunter of the Mighty Bugs, they add returning & brand new characters since Yardley might need "bug-imals" to the film.
Lennicx stated: "For us, in terms of actually creating Robin Hunter, it was really fun because of the nice stuff was creating characters who definitely are hybrids of insects & animals. In terms of Rob Paulsen, who plays him, an incredible Nickelodeon actor. Salisbury said Robin was much of an ally to Mighty Bug 5, allowing them to write differently for him."
Writing[]
Michael Lennix announced he would write the screenplay with Bob Barlen. Mark Salisbury, who also wrote the film along with Bob & Michael, came to the film with a solid understanding of the characters.
Music[]
Jack Lenz wrote the opening song in the film when composing the music. On February 16, 2025, it was confirmed that the American band Earth, Wind & Fire has provided September. Another song titled It's "The Mighty Bug 5" announced in the same day & the official release on February 17, 2025 provided by DJ Snake & Timbaland.
A soundtrack album was released by Republic Records Kids & Family label on March 10, 2025.
Track listing[]
- Mighty Bug 5 Theme (Reimagined): Performed by The Math Club
- September: Performed by Earth, Wind & Fire
- Robin the Rescue Fox: Performed by Jack Lenz
- Let's Go Bug-imals: Performed by Jack Lenz
- Mighty Bug 5 vs. Neil Dorpatjou: Performed by Jack Lenz
- It's The Mighty Bug 5: Performed by DJ Snake ft. Timbaland
Release[]
Mighty Bug 5: The Movie was released on February 28, 2025 by Paramount+. It was later premiere on Nickelodeon & Nick Jr. in March 1, 2025 during the 19th anniversary of the 4-mintue short series on 2024.
Marketing[]
By March 5, 2025, the number of UK marketing partners signed to promote Mighty Bug 5: The Movie.
On March 14, 2025, a series of books based on the film followed by a line of action figures & toys collection by Hasbro. In March 25, 2024, VTech announced its partnership for the launch of the film.
Additional marketing partners for the film included Build-A-Bear, Mattel, Kellogg's, Campbell's, Kraft Heinz & Random House Children's Books, while ViacomCBS has partnered with retailers such as Walmart, Target, Amazon, Kroger & LIDL.
Home Media[]
Paramount Home Entertainment release Mighty Bug 5: The Movie on digital in April 8, 2024 & released on DVD & Blu-ray in May 6, 2024.
Reception[]
Box Office[]
Mighty Bug 5: The Movie received mixed-to-positive reviews.
Post-Release[]
Short Film[]
A short film titled The Mini Searcher Scouts follows Robin & the gang with emergency service skills picking up trash in Yardley skate park. The short was released on Paramount+ in April 1, 2025.
Television spin-off[]
Main article: The League of Children Friends
The League of Children Friends is a Mighty Bug 5 prequel spinoff series that involves Robin Hunter/Rescue Fox & his bugimal friends formed their own superhero group called The League of Children Friends.
On April 10, 2025, the official title was revealed, announced the series would be premiering on October 11, 2025.
Sequel[]
A sequel titled "Mighty Bug 5: Super Bugimal Forces" focusing The League of Children Friends attempt to rescue Mighty Bug 5 from a villainous lanternfly jackal named Gleamy Jackhowl. It was released in March 14, 2026 on Paramount+.
Video Game[]
Trivia[]
- It considered to be a 5th movie based on a Nick Jr. show & the 1st to be based on a mini series.
- A 4th Nickelodeon Movies film using the 2008-2009 logo after Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie & Under the Boardwalk.
- Considered to be a 2nd Nick Jr. film rated PG by the MPA followed by PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie.
- It is Cal Brunker's first work in the animated film after directing 2 PAW Patrol films & before directing PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie.
- This was Rob Paulsen, Kingsley Marshall & Iain Armitage's second roles in the film after Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius & PAW Patrol: The Movie respectively.
- It also marks Laz Meiman, Addison Holley, Eva Bella & David Kaufman's first roles in the film.
- Cullen McCarthy made his first role in the film outside the company.
Cultural References[]
- Robin Hunter (Rescue Fox)'s name parodies to the fox character Robin Hood, in the titular 1973 Walt Disney animated film.
- Ruster Jo Lopperbun was reading a Super Duper Bunny League comic book.
- The cat pawprint on Feisty's backpack resembles a pawprint from Blue's Clues.
- One of Feisty Fluffball's drawing book's pages shown a flyboat drawing from Wonder Pets! appear in the left-hand corner.
- A few references to PAW Patrol were both made in the movie and short film:
- A purple beetle skater is named "Marshall" could be a reference to a firefighter/paramedic pup, who likely shares the same name.
- Rescue Fox shouts "Mighty Bugimals, time to roll!" is a reference to Ryder's call-out "PAW Patrol is on a roll!".
- The titular search & rescue group of the Mini Searcher Scouts share similarities with the PAW Patrol (team).
- In the same short film, Kernelnut said "Just remember: Finding waste, recycle it!" loosely reference to Rocky's 2nd call-out "Don't lose it, reuse it!".
Variant Studios[]
Paramount Animation - None
Nickelodeon Movies - Against black background, the orange fluid swirls from the distance, pans around. It forms the "Nickelodeon" logo with blue "movies" appearing letter-by-letter on its right.
Peach Nova Productions - On the white background where Jason/Mighty Bug searching for Lizzy/Invisilizzy & asks "Where could that bumblebee has gone?". After 2 seconds, Invisilizzy peeks behind the logo & said "I am here!", she land besides Mighty Bug.