This week, Sony Pictures is releasing ANGRY BIRDS 2, following the 2016 animated hit that adapted Rovio Entertainment’s video game series for the big screen.

Desde Hollywood had the pleasure of speaking with one of the architects of this franchise, Producer John Cohen, about the new chapter’s story, talent, and much more.

THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE 2 flies into theaters this Wednesday, Aug. 14.

You helped to shape the story of the first Angry Birds. Is there any contribution that you particularly proud of?

I am proud of the fact that we were able to give such great personalities to the characters, bringing them to live in very distinctive ways. The cast of both movies is the funniest group of people that I have seen assembled. Having people like Jason Sudeikis, Bill Hader, Maya Rudolph, Josh Gad, and Peter Dinklage, improvising and doing all kinds of great work was a treat to be part of.

Every sequel is about keeping the essential elements, while evolving and trying new things. How did you craft that balance?

We really wanted to bring back all of the audencies’ favorite characters from the first movie. In doing that, we also knew that we were going to have the opportunity to create a bunch of new ones. In the first one, we were focused on bringing the game to life, honoring what the fans love about it. We were able to take the sequel in a whole new direction, developing the characters and expanding this universe. We introduce a new villain that comes from an island that not the birds nor the pigs have heard before. They realize that they have no choice but to team up, generating all kinds of friction and comedy.

Another new element is Director Thurop Van Orman. Why do you think that he was a perfect pick to helm the sequel?

He is fantastic, and I’ve been a fan of his for years! He had created amazing shows on TV, and he did a wonderful job with this film. Super talented!

The voice talent features diverse newcomers like Awkwafina, Eugenio Derbez…

We are incredibly happy to have a very diverse cast, with phenomenal talent like Awkwafina, Eugenio Derbez, Tiffany Hadish, Leslie Jones… They are the funniest people in the world! We go to the recording booth and we get to enjoy a brilliant comedy show.

The first movie was a global hit. When you are crafting the stories, do you keep an eye on what can work or not in other markets?

We make these films with the international audience in mind. We actually have 29 countries represented in our filmmaking team and key members of the crew. That’s very important because everyone brings a different perspective and sensibility. The physical comedy, can work very well across the world, while other aspects you need to carefully adjust. We have learned a lot thanks to input from the people we work with, and that helps us create something that will be loved outside the United States as much as here.

THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE 2 will be released in theaters on August 14.

The flightless birds and scheming green pigs take their beef to the next level.