| Sonic the Hedgehog | |
|---|---|
 Logo as seen in the first film | |
| Original work | Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) |
| Owners | Paramount Pictures Sega Sammy Group |
| Years | 2020–present |
| Based on | Sonic the Hedgehog bySega |
| Print publications | |
| Comics |
|
| Films and television | |
| Film(s) |
|
| Short film(s) |
|
| Television series | Knuckles (2024) |
| Audio | |
| Soundtrack(s) | |
Sonic the Hedgehog, also known as theSonic Cinematic Universe (SCU),[1] is anaction-adventurecomedy film series developed byParamount Pictures andSega Sammy Group. It is part ofSega'sSonic the Hedgehog franchise and consists of three films —Sonic the Hedgehog (2020),Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022), andSonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)— and the spin-off TV seriesKnuckles (2024).Jeff Fowler directed all three films and thepilot ofKnuckles. The series has grossed over $1 billion worldwide and received a generally positive critical reception.[2]
Development for aSonic the Hedgehog film dates back to 1993, whenMichealene Risley, consumer products director ofSega of America, negotiated with severalHollywood producers. Risley had helped licenseSonic for the animated seriesAdventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. Sega of America CEOTom Kalinske feared damaging the brand, citing the commercial and critical failures of previous video game film adaptations such asSuper Mario Bros. (1993) andStreet Fighter (1994). Despite Kalinske's concerns, Sega was enthusiastic. In August 1994, Sega struck a development deal withMetro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Trilogy Entertainment Group, withPen Densham as executive producer.[3] The film was to be titledSonic the Hedgehog: Wonders of the World, and would follow Sonic after coming into the real world of a kid named Josh and fightingDoctor Robotnik. MGM later cancelled the film after a failed attempt to give the film toDreamWorks Pictures.[3]
In 2002, Ben Hurstpitched an animatedSonic film toDIC Entertainment that would be a continuation of theSonic the Hedgehog TV series, on which he worked as a writer. DiC put Hurst in contact with a Sega executive interested in the idea. Hurst was contacted byKen Penders, writer of theArchie Comics'Sonic the Hedgehog comic book series, who had been alerted of Hurst's plans. Though Hurst told him his strategy and offered to include him in his effort, Penders told Sega that Hurst was trying toco-opt the franchise, leading Sega to dismiss Hurst and his proposal.[4] In September 2003, Penders pitched his own concept for aSonic film,Sonic Armageddon. In Penders' words, the film would have been anorigin story and a series reset, resolving the plot threads which began in the animatedSonic show and continued in Archie's comic series. The project was dropped in 2007 due to a corporate upheaval and the death of Sega licensing manager Robert Leffler, who had supported Penders.[5] Penders later confirmed that the film was not pitched to DreamWorks at all.[5]
In 2013,Sony Pictures Entertainment acquired the rights to produce and distribute aSonic film.[6] On June 10, 2014, alive-action animated film was announced as a joint venture between Sony Pictures andMarza Animation Planet, a Japan-based subsidiary ofSega Sammy Holdings which had produced CGIcutscenes for severalSonic games.[7] It would be produced byNeal H. Moritz by hisOriginal Film banner alongside Takeshi Ito, Mie Onishi, and Toru Nakahara, and written byEvan Susser andVan Robichaux.[7] In February 2016, Sega CEOHajime Satomi said the film was scheduled for 2018.[8]Blur Studio'sTim Miller andJeff Fowler were hired in 2016 to develop it, with the film being the latter'sfeature directorial debut and Miller serving as executive producer. Blur Studio previously produced cutscenes for the gamesShadow the Hedgehog (2005), for which Fowler directed cutscenes, andSonic the Hedgehog (2006).[9] Patrick Casey, Josh Miller, andOren Uziel were writing the screenplay, while Casey and Miller wrote the story.[9][10]
On October 2, 2017,Paramount Pictures announced that they had acquired the rights after Sony put the film inturnaround.[11] Filming began in September 2018.[12] Following the release of the first trailer in April 2019, the film was delayed from its November 2019 release date to re-design Sonic after his original design was heavily criticized.[13] The film was released in February 2020 to a mixed-to-positive reception. The film features a post-credits scene featuringMiles "Tails" Prower, with Fowler, Casey, Miller, and starsBen Schwartz andJames Marsden expressed interest in a sequel that further explored the video game's world.[14][15][16][17]
A sequel was confirmed in May 2020, with most of the production team and cast returning from the first film.[18]
During development onSonic the Hedgehog 2, the producers became interested in developing television series set in the films' universe that served as character studies for the cast, with the films serving as "theseAvengers-level events" while the shows explore the franchise's supporting characters and give them more depth.[19]
| Film | U.S. release date | Director | Screenwriter(s) | Story by | Producer(s) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic the Hedgehog | February 14, 2020 (2020-02-14) | Jeff Fowler | Pat Casey andJosh Miller | Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, Toru Nakahara and Takeshi Ito | Released | |
| Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | April 8, 2022 (2022-04-08) | Pat Casey, Josh Miller andJohn Whittington | Pat Casey and Josh Miller | Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, Toru Nakahara and Hitoshi Okuno | ||
| Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | December 20, 2024 (2024-12-20) | |||||
| Sonic the Hedgehog 4 | March 19, 2027 (2027-03-19) | TBA | Pre-production | |||
Havingsuperhuman speed,Sonic is forced to abandon his home world of Mobius[20] and ends up on Earth. After being discovered on Earth, he teams up with a human named Tom Wachowski to stopDr. Ivo Robotnik, who wants to harness his powers. The first film in the series, it was released in theaters on February 14, 2020.[21]
Originally intended for release on November 8, 2019,[22]Sonic the Hedgehog was pushed back to February 14, 2020, due to the overwhelmingly negative response to Sonic's design in the first trailer.[23][24][25] Upon its release, the film was met with mixed reviews from critics, but was a box-office success, becoming thesixth highest-grossing film of 2020.[26]
Sonic joins forces withTails to stop Dr. Robotnik, who recruitsKnuckles the Echidna to find a powerful emerald that has the power to build and destroy civilizations.
Following the success of the first film, Paramount had confirmed that a sequel was in development in May 2020, with Fowler set to return as director alongside writers Casey andJosh Miller.[27] Neal H. Mortiz, Toby Ascher, and Toru Nakahara produced the sequel, having previously co-produced the first film alongside Takeshi Ito, whileTim Miller, Hajime Satomi, and Haruki Satomi returned from the first film as executive producers.[27] Most of the first film's cast returned to reprise their roles, withIdris Elba joining the voice cast asKnuckles the Echidna and replaceJason Momoa, because he is in the filming ofAquaman and the Lost Kingdom.[28] Filming began in March 2021, inVancouver, Canada.[29] The film premiered internationally on March 30, 2022,[30] followed by a world premiere on April 5, 2022,[31] and released in theaters in the United States on April 8.[32]
Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles take on a mysterious and powerful adversary,Shadow the Hedgehog, while Dr. Ivo Robotnik reunites with his lost grandfather, Prof. Gerald Robotnik, unaware that Gerald has a sinister agenda of his own.
In February 2022, Sega and Paramount confirmed that a thirdSonic the Hedgehog film was in active development,[33] with Schwartz reprising his role, who expressed interest in it being subtitled "The Next Level." In April 2022, after Carrey announced that he was considering retiring from acting,[34] producers Moritz and Ascher confirmed that his role as Dr. Robotnik would not be recast in any sequels if he followed through with his retirement plans. However, they remained hopeful that they could develop a script good enough for him to continue the role.[35] On August 8, 2022, it was announced that the film would released in theaters on December 20, 2024.[36] The characterShadow the Hedgehog also appears following his cameo in the mid-credit scene ofSonic the Hedgehog 2, withKeanu Reeves revealed to be providing the voice for the character in April 2024. In June 2023, it was reported that filming would begin in late August 2023 in London.[37] Due to the2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, filming would start in September 2023 without actors.[38] In February 2024, it was officially confirmed that Carrey would be reprising his role for the film,[39] whileKrysten Ritter,Alyla Browne,James Wolk,Sofia Pernas,Cristo Fernández, andJorma Taccone were cast.[40] The film is set after the events ofKnuckles (2024), and its story draws inspiration from the video gamesSonic Adventure 2 (2001) andShadow the Hedgehog (2005).[41]
In September 2024, producer Toby Ascher stated intent for additional installments in the franchise following the release ofSonic the Hedgehog 3.[42] In December 2024, the film was officially greenlit, slated for Spring 2027.[43] In January 2025, it was announced that the film would be released on March 19, 2027.[44]
It is expected thatAmy Rose andMetal Sonic, who both appeared in the mid-credits scene of the previous film, will appear in this film.[45][46] While nothing has yet been officially disclosed about the film's story, fans and journalists have widely speculated that it will take inspiration fromSonic CD, which served as the introduction of both characters to the video game series.[47][48][49] In January 2025, Carrey expressed interest in returning as Robotnik if the film's premise interested him.[50]
In April 2025,The Wrap reported that Paramount is planning aspinoff film. Marc Deschamps fromComicBook.com noted rumours of the film starring Shadow and following up on the third film'spost-credits scene.[51]
The home media release of the first film includes a short film titledAround the World in 80 Seconds, which follows a drawing of Sonic traveling the world in 80 seconds before returning to Green Hills.[52]
On May 23, 2022, a digital release was announced with an animated short film calledSonic Drone Home following the events of the second film with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles trying to deal with a badnik upgrading itself at the Green Hills Junkyard.[53]
Astop-motion short titledA Very Sonic Christmas was released on December 11, 2024, with Schwartz, Elba,Colleen O'Shaughnessey, and Reeves reprising their roles and Wade Whipple actorAdam Pally voicingSanta Claus.[54] Animated in a similar style to theRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer television special, the short sees Sonic showing Tails and Knuckles how to celebrate their first Christmas, including holiday sweaters, tree decorating, andSanta Claus. Sonic uses one of his rings to summon Santa, but he injures his ankle upon falling through the ring, seemingly canceling Christmas. Team Sonic volunteers to deliver the presents, including to the Robotniks (which is just coal). After finishing delivering the presents, the team drops Santa off back at the North Pole, where they find Shadow stealing Santa's sleigh with his motorcycle.
| Series | Season | Episodes | Originally released | Showrunner(s) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First released | Last released | |||||
| Knuckles | 1 | 6 | April 26, 2024 (2024-04-26)[55] | Toby Ascher | ||
Knuckles the Echidna takes Green Hills deputy officer Wade Whipple as his apprentice, teaching him the ways of the Echidnas.[56]
On February 15, 2022, duringViacomCBS' investor day, a television series centered around Knuckles was revealed to be in development forParamount+, with it set for release in 2024.[38][57]John Whittington was announced as head writer and executive producer in April 2023,[56] with Toby Ascher announced as showrunner and co-developer alongside Wittington in February 2024.[58] Additional executive-producers include Idris Elba andSonic film directorJeff Fowler, who directed the pilot.[56] Filming began in April 2023 inLondon,England.[56]
The series is set between the events ofSonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) andSonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024).[41] Elba,Adam Pally,Tika Sumpter,Ben Schwartz, and O'Shaughnessey reprise their respective roles from the films as Knuckles, Wade Whipple, Maddie, Sonic, and Tails.[56][58]Christopher Lloyd voices Pachacamac,[59] who previously made a silent cameo during the first film's prologue.[60] All six episodes premiered on April 26, 2024, onParamount+.[61]
In April 2024, Toby Ascher stated that either additional seasons ofKnuckles or more television series based on other characters were possible ifKnuckles would be a success, and as long as the filmmakers had a "really great story to tell."[19] In an interview withComicBook, O'Shaughnessey expressed interest in voicingTails in a spin-off series that could potentially explore the character's origins within the film series.[62]
In an exclusive Steelbook release for the first film, a short comic was included, titledSonic the Hedgehog: The Adventures of Sonic & Donut Lord.[63]
As a promotional tie-in toSonic the Hedgehog 2, a prequel comic calledSonic the Hedgehog 2: The Official Movie Pre-Quill was released on March 30, 2022, which is written by Kiel Phegley with artwork by Adam Bryce Thomas,Tracy Yardley and Evan Stanley.[64]
As a promotional tie-in toSonic the Hedgehog 3 handed out to moviegoers in Japan, a prequelmanga calledSonic X Shadow TOKYO MISSION: Episode 0 was released on December 27, 2024, written and illustrated by Yuki Imada.[65]
Multiple characters from the films have been added to the mobile gamesSonic Dash andSonic Forces: Speed Battle as part of promotional events for each film.[66] Cosmetic items based on the 2020 film were released asdownloadable content (DLC) forSonic Colors Ultimate (2021).[67]
ASonic the Hedgehog 3-themed DLC pack forShadow Generations (2024) was released on December 12, 2024. The pack includes an additional level set in Tokyo as it appears in the film; during the level, Shadow's appearance changes to resemble his movie counterpart, with Reeves reprising his voice.[68][69]
This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in in the franchise.
| Characters | Films | Short films | Television series | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic the Hedgehog | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | Around the World in 80 Seconds | Sonic Drone Home | A Very Sonic Christmas | Knuckles | |||
| 2020 | 2022 | 2024 | 2020 | 2022 | 2024 | ||||
| Principal characters | |||||||||
| Sonic the Hedgehog | Ben SchwartzV Benjamin L. ValicYV | Ben SchwartzV | Ben SchwartzV | ||||||
| Benjamin L. ValicAYV | |||||||||
| Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik | Jim Carrey | Mentioned | Jim CarreyA | ||||||
| Tom Wachowski | James Marsden | James MarsdenP | James MarsdenA | ||||||
| Maddie Wachowski | Tika Sumpter | Mentioned | Tika SumpterP | Tika Sumpter | |||||
| Agent Stone | Lee Majdoub | ||||||||
| Miles "Tails" Prower | Colleen O'ShaughnesseyCV | Colleen O'ShaughnesseyV | Alicyn PackardV | Colleen O'ShaughnesseyV | |||||
| Knuckles the Echidna | Idris ElbaV | Fred TatascioreV | Idris ElbaV | ||||||
| Shadow the Hedgehog | Silent cameo | Keanu ReevesV | Keanu ReevesV | ||||||
| Amy Rose | Silent cameo | ||||||||
| Metal Sonic | |||||||||
| Supporting characters | |||||||||
| Wade Whipple | Adam Pally | Mentioned | Adam Pally Kit RakusenY Michael BoltonSU | ||||||
| Rachel Handel | Natasha Rothwell | Natasha RothwellC[a] | |||||||
| Commander Sam Walters | Tom Butler | Tom Butler[b] James WolkY | Mentioned | ||||||
| Longclaw | Donna J. FulksV | Silent cameo | Silent cameo | ||||||
| Jojo Handel | Melody Nosipho Niemann | ||||||||
| Randall Handel | Shemar Moore | Shemar MooreC[c] | |||||||
| Gerald Robotnik | Jim Carrey | Mentioned | |||||||
| Maria Robotnik | Alyla Browne | ||||||||
| Director Rockwell | Krysten Ritter[d] | ||||||||
| Pachacamac | Silent cameo | Christopher LloydV | |||||||
| Wendy Whipple | Mentioned | Stockard Channing | |||||||
| Agent Mason | Scott Mescudi | ||||||||
| Agent Willoughby | Ellie Taylor | ||||||||
| Wanda Whipple | Edi Patterson Darcy CastleY | ||||||||
| "The Buyer" | Rory McCann | ||||||||
| "Pistol" Pete Whipple | Cary Elwes | ||||||||
| Jack Sinclair | Julian Barratt | ||||||||
| Susie Barnes | Alice Tregonning | ||||||||
| Minor characters | |||||||||
| Secretary of Homeland Security | Elfina Luk | ||||||||
| Major Bennington | Neal McDonough | ||||||||
| Crazy Carl | Frank C. Turner | ||||||||
| U.S. Army Chief of Staff | Peter James Bryant | ||||||||
| U.S. Navy Chief of Staff | Garry Chalk | ||||||||
| Air Force Chief of Staff | Michael Hogan | ||||||||
| Armored Truck Driver | Jeff Sanca | ||||||||
| Drench | Brad Kalilimoku | ||||||||
| G.U.N. Mean Bean Agent | Sarah Surh | ||||||||
| Faucet | Krista Alvarez | ||||||||
| Kyle Lancebottom | Jorma Taccone | ||||||||
| Gabriella[e] | Sofia Pernas | ||||||||
| Pablo[e] | Cristo Fernández | ||||||||
| Juan[e] | |||||||||
| Unit | Aaron LandonV | ||||||||
| Santa Claus | Adam PallyV | ||||||||
| Bill Barnes | Fergus Craig | ||||||||
| Mrs. Barnes | Jaimi Barbakoff | ||||||||
| Gary N. Sinclair III Esq. | Paul Scheer | ||||||||
| Dylan Beagleton | Rob Huebel | ||||||||
| Role | Film | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) | Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024) | |
| Director | Jeff Fowler | ||
| Producer(s) | Neal H. Moritz Toby Ascher Toru Nakahara Takeshi Ito | Neal H. Moritz Toby Ascher Toru Nakahara Hitoshi Okuno | |
| Writer(s) | Pat Casey Josh Miller | Screenplay by: Pat Casey Josh Miller John Whittington Story by: Pat Casey Josh Miller | |
| Executive Producer(s) | Hajime Satomi Haruki Satomi Masanao Maeda Nan Morales Tim Miller | Haruki Satomi Yukio Sugino Shuji Utsumi Nan Morales Tim Miller | Haruki Satomi Yukio Sugino Shuji Utsumi Jeff Fowler Tommy Gormley Tim Miller |
| Cinematographer | Stephen F. Windon | Brandon Trost | |
| Composer | Tom Holkenborg | ||
| Editor(s) | Stacey Schroeder Debra Neil-Fisher | Jim May | Al LeVine |
| Production companies | Paramount Pictures Sega Sammy Group Original Film Marza Animation Planet Blur Studio | ||
| Distributor | Paramount Pictures | ||
| Running time | 99 minutes | 122 minutes | 110 minutes |
| Film | U.S. release date | Box office gross | All-time ranking | Budget | Ref. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. and Canada | Other territories | Worldwide | U.S. and Canada | Worldwide | ||||
| Sonic the Hedgehog | February 14, 2020 (2020-02-14) | $148,974,665 | $170,741,018 | $319,715,683 | 338 | 474 | $85–90 million | [70][71] |
| Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | April 8, 2022 (2022-04-08) | $190,872,904 | $214,548,614 | $405,421,518 | 263 | 361 | $90–110 million | [72][73] |
| Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | December 20, 2024 (2024-12-20) | $236,115,100 | $256,047,504 | $492,162,604 | 170 | 261 | $122 million | [74][75] |
| Total | $575,962,669 | $640,778,518 | $1,216,741,187 | $297–322 million | [76] | |||
| Film | Critical | Public | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotten Tomatoes | Metacritic | CinemaScore | PostTrak | |
| Sonic the Hedgehog | 64% (252 reviews)[77] | 47 (43 reviews)[78] | A[79] | 4/5 stars[80] |
| Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | 69% (175 reviews)[81] | 47 (33 reviews)[82] | A[79] | 87%[79] |
| Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | 85% (144 reviews)[83] | 56 (28 reviews)[84] | A[85] | 89%[86] |
| Title | Season | Rotten Tomatoes | Metacritic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knuckles | 1 | 75% (32 reviews)[87] | 61 (11 reviews)[88] |
| Year | Award | Category | Recipients | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | SXSW Film Festival | Excellence in Title Design | Sonic the Hedgehog | Nominated | [89][90] |
| People's Choice Awards | The Family Movie of 2020 | Nominated | [91] | ||
| 2021 | Critics' Choice Super Awards | Best Superhero Movie | Nominated | [92][93] | |
| Best Villain in a Movie | Jim Carrey,Sonic the Hedgehog | Won | |||
| Best Actor in a Superhero Movie | Ben Schwartz and Jim Carrey,Sonic the Hedgehog | Nominated | |||
| Hollywood Critics Association Awards | Best Animated or VFX Performance | Ben Schwartz | Won | [94] | |
| Best Blockbuster | Sonic the Hedgehog | Nominated | |||
| Best Visual Effects | Ged Wright,Sonic the Hedgehog | Nominated | |||
| Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards | Favorite Movie | Sonic the Hedgehog | Nominated | [95] | |
| Favorite Movie Actor | Jim Carrey,Sonic the Hedgehog | Nominated | |||
| Ursa Major Awards | Best Motion Picture | Sonic the Hedgehog | Nominated | [96][97] | |
| Saturn Awards | Best Fantasy Film Release | Nominated | [98] | ||
| 2022 | The Game Awards | Best Adaptation | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Nominated | [99] |
| Golden Trailer Awards | Best Animation/Family Poster | WORKS ADV,Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Nominated | [100] [101] | |
| 2023 | |||||
| Black Reel Awards | Outstanding Voice Performance | Idris Elba,Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Nominated | [102] [103] | |
| Movieguide Awards | Best Movies for Families | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Won[a] | [104] | |
| Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards | Favorite Movie | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Won | [105] | |
| Favorite Movie Actor | Jim Carrey,Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Nominated | |||
| 2024 | The Game Awards | Best Adaptation | Knuckles | Nominated | [106] |
| 2025 | Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards | Favorite Movie | Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | Nominated | [107][108] |
| Favorite Movie Actor | Jim Carrey | Nominated | |||
| Favorite Male Voice from an Animated Movie | Ben Schwartz | Nominated | |||
| Keanu Reeves | Nominated | ||||
| Favorite Villain | Jim Carrey | Won | |||
| Favorite Song from a Movie | "Run It" –Jelly Roll | Nominated |
| Title | U.S. release date | Length | Composer(s) | Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic the Hedgehog (Music from the Motion Picture) | February 14, 2020 (2020-02-14) | 42:54 | Tom Holkenborg / Junkie XL | Paramount Music |
| Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Music from the Motion Picture) | April 8, 2022 (2022-04-08) | 57:33 | ||
| Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Music from the Motion Picture) | December 20, 2024 (2024-12-20) | 1:03:03 | Milan Records |
| Title | U.S. release date | Length | Composer(s) | Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knuckles (Music from the Paramount+ Original Series) | April 26, 2024 (2024-04-26) | 1:11:06 | Tom Howe | Sony Classical |
| Title | U.S. release date | Length | Artist(s) | Label | Film |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Speed Me Up" | January 24, 2020 (2020-01-24) | 2:46 | Wiz Khalifa,Ty Dolla Sign,Lil Yachty and Sueco the Child | Atlantic | Sonic the Hedgehog |
| "Stars in the Sky" | March 24, 2022 (2022-03-24) | 3:05 | Kid Cudi | Republic,UMG Recordings | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 |
| "Run It" | November 22, 2024 (2024-11-22) | 2:39 | Jelly Roll | Sonic the Hedgehog 3 |
'Don't play dumb with me.' Knuckles shook him hard. 'Child of Mobius. Apprentice of Longclaw.'
