If you've spent any time with a seven-year-old lately, you know the name Dav Pilkey carries more weight than most Nobel Prize winners. The guy is a rockstar. Naturally, when the words "Mission Impawsible" started floating around the internet, the hype train left the station at about a hundred miles an hour.
But here is the thing. Most people looking for the Dog Man Mission Impawsible release date are actually looking for three different things without realizing it. Are we talking about the video game? The movie? Or the next book?
Honestly, the naming conventions in the "Pilkey-verse" can be a total mess if you aren't paying close attention. Let's clear the air. Dog Man: Mission Impawsible officially launched as a video game on December 6, 2024.
Wait, you thought it was the movie? You aren't alone. Because the game dropped right before the massive DreamWorks theatrical release, everyone got the titles tangled up. It's basically a classic case of franchise crossover confusion.
The Dog Man Mission Impawsible Release Date: It Is Already Here
Let's get the big one out of the way. If you are looking to play, you don't have to wait. The game hit shelves and digital stores just in time for the 2024 holidays.
Mindscape and Floor 84 Studio handled the development, and they didn't just dump this on one console. It's everywhere. You can grab it on:
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 5 and PS4
- Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
- PC (via Steam)
The game is a 2D side-scrolling platformer. It’s got that signature Pilkey art style that looks like a kid drew it in the back of a math class, which is exactly why it works. You aren't just playing as Dog Man, though. The game lets you swap between him, Li’l Petey, and 80-HD.
Why does this matter? Because each character has specific "supa powers" needed to get through the 50 levels. Dog Man can glide, Li’l Petey can crawl into tight spaces, and 80-HD handles the heavy lifting. It's surprisingly decent for a licensed game. Usually, these things are rushed out as "shovelware," but this one actually captures the vibe of the books.
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Why Everyone Is Confused About the Movie
The real reason the search for the Dog Man Mission Impawsible release date is so high right now is the movie. Universal and DreamWorks finally pulled the trigger on a big-screen adaptation.
The movie, simply titled Dog Man, hit theaters on January 31, 2025.
If you are reading this in 2026, the movie has already done its theatrical run. It was a massive hit, too. It pulled in over $145 million at the box office on a relatively modest $40 million budget. Pete Davidson voiced the main dog/man himself, which was a casting choice that had parents raising eyebrows but kids absolutely loving it.
The confusion stems from the fact that the Mission Impawsible game was marketed as a "tie-in" to the movie. They aren't the same story, but they were part of the same massive marketing push. If you missed it in theaters, it’s been hovering around the top of the Netflix charts for months now.
What about the next book?
People often mix up the game title with the latest book releases. Dav Pilkey is a machine when it comes to publishing. We just saw Big Jim Begins (Book 13) at the end of 2024, and Big Jim Believes (Book 14) landed on November 11, 2025.
If you're hunting for a book specifically named Mission Impawsible, you won't find it. It's a game-exclusive title.
Technical Details You Might Care About
The game isn't just a button masher. Well, it is, but it's a good one.
- The Plot: A "supa bad guy" (we won't spoil who, but you can probably guess it involves a certain feline) steals the key to the city and lets all the crooks out of jail.
- The Mechanics: It uses a "gadget" system where you unlock new tools as you go.
- The Levels: There are 50 of them. They cover iconic spots like City Hall and the Giant Marshmallow Factory.
One thing that's kinda cool is how the game handles the "comic book" feel. It uses speech bubbles and sound effect graphics that pop up on the screen, just like the graphic novels. It feels authentic. It doesn't feel like a corporate cash grab, which is rare these days.
What Should You Do Now?
If you're a parent or a fan trying to stay on top of all this, here is the "Supa Buddy" roadmap for 2026.
First, check your consoles. If you haven't played the Mission Impawsible game yet, it's frequently on sale now that it's been out for over a year. It's a great "entry-level" game for younger kids who find Mario a bit too punishing.
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Second, if you haven't seen the movie, go find it on streaming. The animation style is unique—it tries to mimic the hand-drawn look of the books rather than going for that hyper-realistic Pixar sheen. It's refreshing.
Finally, keep an eye on Scholastic's announcements for late 2026. While Book 14 just came out, Pilkey rarely stays quiet for long. There are already rumors of a 15th book in the works, though a title hasn't been confirmed yet.
Basically, the "Mission Impawsible" era was the start of Dog Man becoming a true multi-media franchise. It wasn't just a book anymore; it became a game and a cinematic universe. It’s a lot to keep track of, but hopefully, this clears up the timeline.
Go grab a controller, or a book, or a remote. Just make sure you've got some snacks. Preferably not dog treats.
Check your local library's digital catalog for the e-book versions of the series if you want to save some cash, as the wait times for the physical copies of Book 14 are still pretty long in most cities. If you're looking for the game, the Nintendo eShop usually has the best digital discounts during the spring sales.