Villains Inc. Ending Explained

The following contains spoilers for Villains Inc, now playing in select theatersVillains Inc. ends on a largely optimistic note for the main characters, but sets the stage for a more dangerous world going forward. The film follows Beatrix and her friends/fellow henchmen Harold and Clay as they navigate a world of superheroes and supervillains. Their efforts are complicated by the death of their boss, which sets Beatrix off on a more committed approach to becoming a villain in her own right.

While the film leans more into comedy than drama, the plot of Villains Inc. does push the heroes down some surprisingly dark paths. By the end of the film, there have been some notable deaths and huge fights, all resulting in a world that might be dealing with a dangerous superpowered vacuum. The nominal heroes of the film escape the chaos largely unscathed and united in their friendship, but the plot also quietly sets up a far more dangerous future for them going forward. Here’s how the ending of Villains Inc. changes Beatrix and sets up a potential sequel.

Does Beatrix Become A True Supervillain In Villains Incorporated?

Becoming A Superhero Is The Closest Beatrix Comes To Breaking Bad

Villains Incorporated largely focuses on Beatrix and her efforts to become an official supervillain, building to her decision in the finale to remain an undecided wildcard for the sake of her friends. Beatrix’s efforts to become a fully licensed villain almost get her killed early in the film, but spur her to falsify her success to her friends. However, her crafty capabilities and dogged determination catches the attention of Sigma, who offers her the chance to become a “superhero” and spokeswoman for his products as a means of recruiting her.

Much of the film’s emotional arc focuses on Beatrix’s internal struggle over her ambitions. Beatrix is shown fighting against the standard rules of her world, but is tempted to join the establishment when the opportunity presents itself. Although she briefly gives in and becomes a hero sponsor for Justice Juice, Beatrix’s decision to help her friends ultimately makes up for her prior lies and establishes the group. The ultimate theme of the film for Beatrix highlights how she needs others in her life to feel genuinely happy, even if it means sacrificing her larger goals and ambitions for success.

How Does The World Of Villains Incorporated Reflect Real Life?

The World Of Villains Inc. Is Surprisingly Bleak

The world of Villains Incorporated initially seems to be a silly take on the real world. However, the film steadily reveals that the development of superpowers and the continued political success of Richard Nixon resulted in a world where crime and danger have become increasingly powerful. In the world of Villains Inc., the sale of super-powered drugs has become a major epidemic on the streets.

All of these newfound superpowered drugs are funneled through the powerful corporations that develop them. At the same time, Sigma operates in the open as a business owner. The reveal late in Villains Inc. that Sigma runs a successful public business — and is even the one behind Justice Juice — highlights how dark the world of Villains Inc. has become. Even the heroes like Captain Justice are painted in a dark light, as the nominal good guy in the film is revealed to be casually murderous towards his foes.

Who Survives The Ending Of Villains Incorporated?

Villains Inc.‘s Biggest Deaths, Explained

While the main four characters of Villains Inc. survive the events of the film, many of the film’s other notable characters die before the end of the film. The subtly dangerous tone of the film is underscored in the opening scenes, which result in the accidental death of Winter General. Several minor characters also die throughout the film, including the villainous Megadeath on the orders of his ex-wife Deb. The two biggest deaths in the film are Captain Justice and Sigma. Led to believe that Beatrix and her allies are dangerous, Captain Justice attacks the main characters at their hideout.

Captain Justice comes close to murdering them, but the pacifist Clay is able to use a superweapon stolen from the dead Megadeath to kill Captain Justice. This leads to the events that break up the main characters for a time, and leaves an opening for Beatrix to briefly replace the fallen hero as the mascot for Justice Juice. After giving up that life to save Alex, Beatrix is able to ultimately trick Sigma into destroying himself. This leaves a clear power vacuum in the world of Villains Incorporated, but one the film doesn’t really focus on in the climax.

What Happens To The Other Henchmen In Villains Incorporated’s Ending?

What Happens To Beatrix, Clay, Harold, and Alex?

Villains Inc. is primarily focused on Beatrix and her personal growth, but her friends also play important roles in the film. Harold and Clay are enranged when they discover Beatrix’s lies about becoming an official villain, but they reluctantly team up to save Alex when he’s captured by Sigma for experimentation. This mission ends up reaffirming their friendship, with Harold even risking his life to save Beatrix from certain death.

However, the film does end with the group briefly split up. Video evidence of Captain Justice’s death leaves the police convinced that Alex was behind the murder, leading him to be arrested. The remaining three agree to rescue him from prison after they recover from the injuries they suffered in the film’s climax. Much of Villains Inc. highlights the bond between the three, and the ending of Villains Inc. reinforces the friendship between them.

Does Villains Incorporated Set Up A Sequel?

Why The Whole World Could Come Hunting For Beatrix, Clay, Harold, And Alex

The final moments of Villains Inc. sees the trio follow through on their promise a month after the climax of the film. Arriving at a penitentiary named for Richard Nixon, the three are able to quickly able to break Alex out of prison. The film ends with the four on the run, which could easily set up future adventures for the group. This is especially true given the circumstances surrounding their escape.

Alex is still likely wanted for the murder of Captain Justice, which could increase any law enforcement attention on the group. On the other side of the coin, Beatrix’s defeat of Sigma might rile up the other villains and set them after the film’s protagonists. Then there are wildcards like Deb, Megadeath’s ex-wife who could reattempt to capture Alex after learning of Sigma’s demise. The ending of Villains Inc. is somewhat open-ended, with plenty of potential directions to go if the film garners enough support for a sequel.