The Secret Life of Pets: A Look Back at Our Favorite Characters and Will There Be a Part 3?
The Secret Life of Pets. Have you ever closed the door behind you and wondered what your pet really does all day? This simple, universal question is the charming premise behind The Secret Life of Pets, the blockbuster animated franchise from Illumination, the studio that brought us Despicable Me. The movies give us a hilarious and heartwarming glimpse into the chaotic, adventurous, and surprisingly dramatic lives of a group of pets in a bustling New York City apartment building.
The franchise has been a massive global hit, beloved by audiences in the US, UK, and around the world for its lovable characters and relatable humor. As fans re-watch the first two films, one major question remains: will we ever get to see The Secret Life of Pets 3?
Meet the Unforgettable Characters
The heart and soul of the franchise are its quirky and endearing characters, each representing a familiar pet personality.
- Max: A loyal and slightly neurotic Jack Russell Terrier who loves his owner, Katie, more than anything. His world is turned upside down when a new dog enters his life, forcing him to find his inner courage.
- Duke: A giant, shaggy Newfoundland mix who is adopted by Katie. He starts as Max’s rival for attention but soon becomes his loyal and big-hearted brother.
- Gidget: A fluffy and prim white Pomeranian who lives across the hall. While she appears delicate, Gidget is fiercely tough, resourceful, and deeply in love with Max, willing to go to any lengths to save him.
- Snowball: The breakout star of the franchise. Voiced by Kevin Hart, Snowball is an adorable but completely unhinged white rabbit. In the first film, he is the revolutionary leader of “The Flushed Pets,” an underground gang of abandoned animals. In the sequel, he’s a pampered pet who adopts the persona of the superhero “Captain Snowball.”
- Chloe: The sarcastic, food-obsessed, and wonderfully lazy grey cat. She offers deadpan humor and a cat’s-eye view of the world, perfectly capturing feline indifference.
So, Will There Be a ‘Secret Life of Pets 3’?
This is the burning question on every fan’s mind. Here is what we know as of late 2025:
- Official Status: Illumination and Universal Pictures have not yet officially announced that The Secret Life of Pets 3 is in development.
- The Possibility: A third film is considered highly likely by industry insiders. The first two movies were massive box office successes, collectively grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide. The characters are incredibly popular, and there is a strong demand from audiences for another adventure.
- Potential Release Date: Animation production is a long process. Even if a third movie were announced today, fans should not expect to see it in theaters before 2027 or 2028 at the earliest.
Until an official announcement is made, fans can only speculate on what a third movie might be about. Perhaps it would explore the lives of Max and Duke’s own puppies, or maybe it would be another grand adventure for “Captain Snowball.”
Why We Love The Secret Life of Pets
The franchise’s success in both the US and UK comes down to a few key ingredients:
- Universal Relatability: Every pet owner watches these movies and sees a reflection of their own furry friend’s quirky habits and personalities.
- Hilarious Humor: The films are packed with clever gags for adults and hilarious physical comedy for kids.
- A Lot of Heart: Beneath all the jokes and action, the movies are ultimately about friendship, loyalty, finding your family, and the unconditional love between pets and their owners.
While we wait for any news on a potential third film, the first two movies remain a perfect choice for a family movie night, offering a joyful and funny peek into the secret world of our beloved pets.