Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)
{{Short description|Film series based on video game franchise}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{italic title|string=Sonic the Hedgehog}}
{{Infobox media franchise
| image = Sonic the Hedgehog 2020.svg
| image_upright = 1.3
| alt =
| caption = Logo as seen in the first film
| creator =
| comics = {{Plainlist|
- Sonic the Hedgehog: The Adventures of Sonic & Donut Lord (2020)
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2: The Official Movie Pre-Quill (2022)
- Sonic X Shadow TOKYO MISSION: Episode 0 (2024)
}}
| origin = Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
| owner = Paramount Pictures
Sega Sammy Group
| years = 2020–present
| based_on = {{based on|Sonic the Hedgehog|Sega}}
| shorts = {{Plainlist|
- Around the World in 80 Seconds (2020)
- Sonic Drone Home (2022)
- A Very Sonic Christmas (2024)
}}
| films = {{Plainlist|
- Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)
- Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (2027)
}}
| tv_series = Knuckles (2024)
| soundtracks = {{Plainlist|
}}
| website =
}}
Sonic the Hedgehog is an action-adventure comedy film series developed by Paramount Pictures and Sega Sammy Group. It is part of Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog video game franchise and consists of three released films, with a fourth in production, and a spin-off TV series. The film series has been primarily directed by Jeff Fowler, who directed all three feature films and the pilot of Knuckles (2024). The series has grossed $1 billion worldwide and received a generally positive critical reception.{{Cite web |last=Tartaglione |first=Nancy |date=2025-01-05 |title='Sonic The Hedgehog' Franchise Zooms Past $1B Global Box Office |url=https://deadline.com/2025/01/sonic-the-hedgehog-franchise-one-billion-global-box-office-milestone-1236246684/ |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}
Background
Development for a Sonic the Hedgehog film dates back to 1993, when Michealene Risley, consumer products director of Sega of America, negotiated with several Hollywood producers. Risley had helped license Sonic for the animated series Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. Sega of America CEO Tom Kalinske feared damaging the brand, citing the commercial and critical failures of previous video game film adaptations such as Super Mario Bros. (1993) and Street Fighter (1994). Despite Kalinske's concerns, Sega was enthusiastic. In August 1994, Sega struck a development deal with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Trilogy Entertainment Group, with Pen Densham as executive producer.{{Cite news |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/05/the-sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-that-never-got-made/ |title=The Sonic The Hedgehog Movie That Never Got Made |last=Owen |first=Luke |date=July 6, 2018 |work=Kotaku |access-date=January 4, 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708134505/http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2018/07/06/the-sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-that-never-got-made |archive-date=Jul 8, 2018}} The film was to be titled Sonic the Hedgehog: Wonders of the World, and would follow Sonic after coming into the real world of a kid named Josh and fighting Doctor Robotnik. MGM later cancelled the film after a failed attempt to give the film to DreamWorks Pictures.
In 2002, Ben Hurst pitched an animated Sonic film to DIC Entertainment that would be a continuation of the Sonic 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 by Ken Penders, writer of the Archie 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 to co-opt the franchise, leading Sega to dismiss Hurst and his proposal.{{Cite news |url=https://www.saturdaymorningsonic.com/features/ben_hurst/ |title=Ben Hurst on SatAM |last=Hurst |first=Ben |date=2005 |work=Saturday Morning Sonic |access-date=February 17, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113070038/https://www.saturdaymorningsonic.com/features/ben_hurst/ |archive-date=November 13, 2020}} In September 2003, Penders pitched his own concept for a Sonic film, Sonic Armageddon. In Penders' words, the film would have been an origin story and a series reset, resolving the plot threads which began in the animated Sonic 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.{{Cite tweet |number=1105647131438673920 |user=KenPenders |title=Amazing what bullshit gets spread over the Internet. This was NEVER pitched to Dreamworks. It didn't even exist in 2002. It was 1st pitched to SEGA - and ONLY SEGA - in Sept 2003. (I have the documents to prove it.) The ONLY reason it died in 2007 was massive corporate upheaval. |author-link=Ken Penders |date=March 12, 2019 |access-date=February 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213205554/https://twitter.com/kenpenders/status/1105647131438673920 |archive-date=December 13, 2020 |url-status=live |last=Penders |first=Ken |language=en}}{{primary source inline|date=March 2025}} Penders later confirmed that the film was not pitched to DreamWorks at all.
Development
= Films =
In 2013, Sony Pictures Entertainment acquired the rights to produce and distribute a Sonic film.{{Cite web |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-live-action-movie/ |title=Live-Action Sonic the Hedgehog Movie Is Speeding into Development |last=Bui |first=Hoai-Tran |date=October 3, 2017 |website=SlashFilm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803074356/https://www.slashfilm.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-live-action-movie/ |archive-date=August 3, 2018 |access-date=February 17, 2022}} On June 10, 2014, a live-action animated film was announced as a joint venture between Sony Pictures and Marza Animation Planet, a Japan-based subsidiary of Sega Sammy Holdings which had produced CGI cutscenes for several Sonic games.{{Cite magazine |last=Siegel |first=Tatiana |date=June 10, 2014 |title='Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie in the Works at Sony |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/sonic-hedgehog-movie-works-at-710867 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926185306/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/sonic-hedgehog-movie-works-at-710867 |archive-date=September 26, 2015 |access-date=February 17, 2022 |url-status=live}} It would be produced by Neal H. Moritz by his Original Film banner alongside Takeshi Ito, Mie Onishi, and Toru Nakahara, and written by Evan Susser and Van Robichaux. In February 2016, Sega CEO Hajime Satomi said the film was scheduled for 2018.{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-confirmed-for-2018-will-be-a-live-action-and-animation-hybrid-a6866831.html |title=Sonic the Hedgehog movie confirmed for 2018, will be 'a live-action and animation hybrid' |last=Loughrey |first=Clarisse |date=February 11, 2016 |work=Independent |access-date=February 17, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803231018/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-confirmed-for-2018-will-be-a-live-action-and-animation-hybrid-a6866831.html |archive-date=August 3, 2018}} Blur Studio's Tim Miller and Jeff Fowler were hired in 2016 to develop it, with the film being the latter's feature directorial debut and Miller serving as executive producer. Blur Studio previously produced cutscenes for the games Shadow the Hedgehog (2005), for which Fowler directed cutscenes, and Sonic the Hedgehog (2006).{{Cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/deadpool-director-tim-miller-developing-sonic-hedgehog-movie-sony-942661 |title='Deadpool' Director Shifts to Sony's 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie (Exclusive) |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=October 31, 2016 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=February 17, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161101125431/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/deadpool-director-tim-miller-developing-sonic-hedgehog-movie-sony-942661 |archive-date=November 1, 2016}} Patrick Casey, Josh Miller, and Oren Uziel were writing the screenplay, while Casey and Miller wrote the story.{{Cite web |url=https://deadline.com/video/sonic-the-hedgehog-trailer-jim-carrey-dr-robotnik/ |title='Sonic The Hedgehog' Trailer: First Look At Jim Carrey As Dr. Robotnik |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=April 30, 2019 |website=Deadline |access-date=February 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430173136/https://deadline.com/video/sonic-the-hedgehog-trailer-jim-carrey-dr-robotnik/ |archive-date=April 30, 2019 |url-status=live }}
On October 2, 2017, Paramount Pictures announced that they had acquired the rights after Sony put the film in turnaround.{{Cite magazine |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=June 21, 2017 |title='Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie Races to Paramount (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/sonic-hedgehog-movie-races-paramount-1044819 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003041014/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/sonic-hedgehog-movie-races-paramount-1044819 |archive-date=October 3, 2017 |access-date=February 17, 2022 |url-status=live}} Filming began in September 2018.{{Cite web |date=2018-06-14 |title=Paramount budgets $7M for Sonic the Hedgehog movie shoot in 'hero town' Ladysmith |url=https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/news/paramount-budgets-7m-for-sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-shoot-in-hero-town-ladysmith-7160393 |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Vancouver Island Free Daily |language=en |archive-date=2024-04-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428181623/https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/news/paramount-budgets-7m-for-sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-shoot-in-hero-town-ladysmith-7160393 |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |author1=Bradley Russell |date=2019-11-12 |title=The new Sonic movie trailer shows off the blue blur's new design |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-movie-trailer-redesign-teeth/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=gamesradar |language=en |archive-date=2019-11-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112160551/https://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-movie-trailer-redesign-teeth/ |url-status=live }} The film was released in February 2020 to a mixed-to-positive reception. The film features a post-credits scene featuring Miles "Tails" Prower, with Fowler, Casey, Miller, and stars Ben Schwartz and James Marsden expressed interest in a sequel that further explored the video game's world.{{Cite web |date=2020-04-10 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog director reveals deleted scenes, teases Tails & sequel plans |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/sonic-director-teases-more-tails-in-sequel |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=SYFY Official Site |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-04-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428181621/https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/sonic-director-teases-more-tails-in-sequel |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Sonic the Hedgehog Star James Marsden on What He'd Like to See in a Potential Sequel |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-james-marsden-interview-sequel-tails/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Gaming |date=12 April 2020 |language=en |archive-date=2021-05-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518055029/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-james-marsden-interview-sequel-tails/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Taylor-Foster |first=Kim |date=2020-04-23 |title=Jim Carrey Wants to Wear a Fat Suit for 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Sequel |url=https://www.fandom.com/events/sonic-sequel-jim-carrey-fat-suit |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Fandom |language=en |archive-date=2024-04-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428181620/https://www.fandom.com/events/sonic-sequel-jim-carrey-fat-suit |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Hermanns |first=Grant |date=2020-04-16 |title=CS Interview: Ben Schwartz on Sonic the Hedgehog Success, Possible Future |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/1131407-cs-interview-ben-schwartz-on-sonic-the-hedgehog-success-possible-future |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More |language=en-US |archive-date=2020-04-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419150734/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/1131407-cs-interview-ben-schwartz-on-sonic-the-hedgehog-success-possible-future |url-status=live }}
A sequel was confirmed in May 2020, with most of the production team and cast returning from the first film.{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=2020-05-28 |title='Sonic the Hedgehog' Sequel in the Works (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-sequel-1234619356/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=2020-05-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529030235/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-sequel-1234619356/ |url-status=live }}
= Expansion into television =
During development on Sonic 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 "these Avengers-level events" while the shows explore the franchise's supporting characters and give them more depth.{{Cite web |title=Toon In: Animated TV Highlights for April, from ARK: The Animated Series to Knuckles |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/animation/animated-series-news-april-2024-ark-the-animated-series-fright-krewe-kaiju-no-8-knuckles-sonic |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=Paste Magazine |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-04-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425002204/https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/animation/animated-series-news-april-2024-ark-the-animated-series-fright-krewe-kaiju-no-8-knuckles-sonic |url-status=live }}
Films
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center; width:99%;" |
| scope="col" | Film
! scope="col" | U.S. release date ! scope="col" | Director ! scope="col" | Screenwriter(s) ! scope="col" | Story by ! scope="col" | Producer(s) ! scope="col" | Status |
|---|
| scope="row" style="text-align:left" | Sonic the Hedgehog
| style="text-align:left" | {{start date|2020|2|14}} | rowspan="3"| Jeff Fowler | colspan="2"|Pat Casey and Josh Miller | colspan="1"|Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, Toru Nakahara and Takeshi Ito | rowspan="3"| Released |
| scope="row" style="text-align:left" | Sonic the Hedgehog 2
| style="text-align:left" | {{start date|2022|4|8}} | rowspan="2"| Pat Casey, Josh Miller and John Whittington | rowspan="2"| Pat Casey and Josh Miller | rowspan="2"| Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, Toru Nakahara and Hitoshi Okuno |
| scope="row" style="text-align:left" | Sonic the Hedgehog 3
| style="text-align:left" | {{start date|2024|12|20}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:left" | Sonic the Hedgehog 4
| style="text-align:left" | {{start date|2027|03|19}} | colspan=4 {{TBA}} | In production |
= ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' (2020) =
{{Main|Sonic the Hedgehog (film)|l1=Sonic the Hedgehog (film)}}
Having superhuman speed, Sonic is forced to abandon his home world of Mobius{{Cite book|title=Sonic the Hedgehog 2: The Official Movie Novelization|date=April 8, 2022|isbn=9780593387368|quote='Don't play dumb with me.' Knuckles shook him hard. 'Child of Mobius. Apprentice of Longclaw.' |last1=Phegley |first1=Kiel |publisher=Penguin }} and ends up on Earth. After being discovered on Earth, he teams up with a human named Tom Wachowski to stop Dr. Ivo Robotnik, who wants to harness his powers. The first film in the series, it was released in theaters on February 14, 2020.{{Cite web|last=Auty|first=Dan|date=May 24, 2019|title=Sonic The Hedgehog Movie Delayed While Sonic Is Redesigned|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-delayed-while-sonic-is-re/1100-6467149/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201229193659/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-redesign-delays-movie-to-2020/1100-6467149/|archive-date=December 29, 2020|access-date=February 17, 2022|website=GameSpot}}
Originally intended for release on November 8, 2019,{{Cite news|last=Loughrey|first=Clarisse|date=February 11, 2016|title=Sonic the Hedgehog movie confirmed for 2018, will be 'a live-action and animation hybrid'|work=Independent|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-confirmed-for-2018-will-be-a-live-action-and-animation-hybrid-a6866831.html|url-status=live|access-date=February 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803231018/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-confirmed-for-2018-will-be-a-live-action-and-animation-hybrid-a6866831.html|archive-date=August 3, 2018}} Sonic the Hedgehog was pushed back to February 14, 2020, due to the overwhelmingly negative response to Sonic's design in the first trailer.{{Cite web|last=Jackson|first=Gita|date=April 30, 2019|title=The Internet Is Having A Hard Time With The Sonic The Hedgehog Trailer|url=https://kotaku.com/the-internet-is-having-a-hard-time-with-the-sonic-the-h-1834418559|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430223344/https://kotaku.com/the-internet-is-having-a-hard-time-with-the-sonic-the-h-1834418559|archive-date=April 30, 2019|access-date=February 17, 2022|website=Kotaku}}{{Cite web|last=Molina|first=Brett|date=April 30, 2019|title=The 'Sonic the Hedgehog' movie trailer is here, and fans have some issues with it|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2019/04/30/sonic-hedgehog-trailer-fans-puzzled-live-action-sega-star/3626084002/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430223344/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2019/04/30/sonic-hedgehog-trailer-fans-puzzled-live-action-sega-star/3626084002/|archive-date=April 30, 2019|access-date=February 17, 2022|website=USA Today}}{{Cite news|last=Stuart|first=Keith|date=April 30, 2019|title=The Sonic the Hedgehog movie trailer is a 200mph slap in the face|newspaper=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2019/apr/30/sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-trailer|url-status=live|access-date=February 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501083836/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2019/apr/30/sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-trailer|archive-date=May 1, 2019}} Upon its release, the film was met with mixed reviews from critics, but was a box-office success, becoming the sixth highest-grossing film of 2020.{{cite news|date=19 October 2020|title=Sonic the Hedgehog Ends Marvel's 10-Year Run As Highest-Grossing Superhero Movie|work=Screen Rant|url=https://screenrant.com/sonic-hedgehog-highest-grossing-superhero-movie-marvel-2020/|url-status=live|access-date=February 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201229193712/https://screenrant.com/sonic-hedgehog-highest-grossing-superhero-movie-marvel-2020/|archive-date=December 29, 2020}}
= ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'' (2022) =
{{Main|Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (film)|l1=Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (film)}}
Sonic joins forces with Tails to stop Dr. Robotnik, who recruits Knuckles 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 and Josh Miller.{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=May 28, 2020 |title='Sonic the Hedgehog' Sequel in the Works |url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-sequel-1234619356/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529030235/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-sequel-1234619356/ |archive-date=May 29, 2020 |access-date=February 17, 2022 |website=Variety.com}} Neal H. Mortiz, Toby Ascher, and Toru Nakahara produced the sequel, having previously co-produced the first film alongside Takeshi Ito, while Tim Miller, Hajime Satomi, and Haruki Satomi returned from the first film as executive producers. Most of the first film's cast returned to reprise their roles, with Idris Elba joining the voice cast as Knuckles the Echidna.{{Cite web |last=Vary |first=Adam B. |date=2021-08-10 |title=Idris Elba Joins 'Sonic the Hedgehog 2' as Knuckles |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/idris-elba-knuckles-sonic-the-hedgehog-2-1235038654/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-08-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811181518/https://variety.com/2021/film/news/idris-elba-knuckles-sonic-the-hedgehog-2-1235038654/ |url-status=live }} Filming began in March 2021, in Vancouver, Canada.{{Cite web |last=Hermanns |first=Grant |date=2021-03-16 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Officially Begins Production! |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1166477-sonic-the-hedgehog-2-officially-begins-production |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316132916/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1166477-sonic-the-hedgehog-2-officially-begins-production |url-status=live }} The film premiered internationally in March 30, 2022,{{Cite web |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) {{!}} FilmTotaal |url=https://www.filmtotaal.nl/film/35493 |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=www.filmtotaal.nl |archive-date=2022-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119012339/https://www.filmtotaal.nl/film/35493 |url-status=live }} followed by a world premiere on April 5, 2022,{{Cite web |title=IMAGO. |url=https://www.imago-images.com/st/0154746420 |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=www.imago-images.com |archive-date=2022-08-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821071427/https://www.imago-images.com/st/0154746420 |url-status=live }} and a theatrical release in the United States in April 8.{{Cite web |last=Romanchick |first=Shane |date=2022-03-19 |title='Sonic the Hedgehog 2' Gets New Game-Inspired Poster for Dolby Cinema |url=https://collider.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-2-poster-dolby-cinema/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Collider |language=en |archive-date=2023-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325103147/https://collider.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-2-poster-dolby-cinema/ |url-status=live }}
= ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'' (2024) =
{{Main|Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|l1=Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)}}
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 third Sonic the Hedgehog film was in active development,{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=February 15, 2022 |title=Sonic The Hedgehog Universe Continues To Grow As Sega And Paramount Sign Off On Third Film As Well As A Knuckles Spin-Off Series In The Works At Paramount+ With Idris Elba Reprising Role |url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/sonic-the-hedgehog-sega-paramount-third-installment-knuckles-spin-off-series-idris-elba-1234933921/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215220856/https://deadline.com/2022/02/sonic-the-hedgehog-sega-paramount-third-installment-knuckles-spin-off-series-idris-elba-1234933921/ |archive-date=February 15, 2022 |access-date=February 15, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} 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,{{Cite web |last=Sharf |first=Zack |date=April 1, 2022 |title=Jim Carrey 'Fairly Serious' About Retiring From Acting: 'I Have Enough. I've Done Enough' |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/jim-carrey-retiring-acting-1235220945 |access-date=April 1, 2022 |website=Variety |archive-date=April 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401130626/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/jim-carrey-retiring-acting-1235220945/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |date=2022-04-07 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Producers Believe Jim Carrey Would Return for Part 3 |url=https://movieweb.com/jim-carrey-teased-return-producers-sonic-3/ |access-date=2022-04-22 |website=MovieWeb |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-04-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407133958/https://movieweb.com/jim-carrey-teased-return-producers-sonic-3/ |url-status=live }} On August 8, 2022, it was announced that the film would release in theaters on December 20, 2024.{{Cite web |last=Grobar |first=Matt |date=August 9, 2022 |title=Paramount Sets Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Release, Pushes Date For Smurfs Animated Musical |url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/paramount-updates-release-plans-for-sonic-the-hedgehog-3-smurfs-musical-1235087859/ |access-date=April 17, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809003403/https://deadline.com/2022/08/paramount-updates-release-plans-for-sonic-the-hedgehog-3-smurfs-musical-1235087859/ |url-status=live }} The character Shadow the Hedgehog also appears following his cameo in the mid-credit scene of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, with Keanu 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.{{Cite web |title='Sonic the Hedgehog 3' Sets Summer Filming Date in London |url=https://collider.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-filming-start-date/ |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=Collider |date=20 June 2023 |archive-date=2023-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115020419/https://collider.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-filming-start-date/ |url-status=live }} Due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, filming would start in September 2023 without actors.{{Cite web|last=Reynolds|first=Maca|date=August 9, 2023|title=Sonic the Hedgehog to Start Filming Without Actors|url=https://movieweb.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-to-start-filming-without-actors/|access-date=August 14, 2023|website=Movie Web|archive-date=August 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810204754/https://movieweb.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-to-start-filming-without-actors/|url-status=live}} In February 2024, it was officially confirmed that Carrey would be reprising his role for the film,{{Cite web |last=Lang |first=Brent |date=2024-02-02 |title=Jim Carrey Returning for 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/jim-carrey-returning-sonic-the-hedgehog-3-dr-robotnik-1235894927/ |access-date=2024-02-02 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-02-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202142110/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/jim-carrey-returning-sonic-the-hedgehog-3-dr-robotnik-1235894927/ |url-status=live }} while Krysten Ritter, Alyla Browne, James Wolk, Sofia Pernas, Cristo Fernández, and Jorma Taccone were cast.{{Cite web |last=Bankhurst |first=Adam |date=February 2, 2024 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Adds Krysten Ritter, Cristo Fernández, Alyla Browne, and More |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-adds-krysten-ritter-cristo-fernndez-alyla-browne-and-more |access-date=February 2, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en-US |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202171109/https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-adds-krysten-ritter-cristo-fernndez-alyla-browne-and-more |url-status=live }}
The film is set after the events of Knuckles (2024),{{Cite web |last=Fahadullah Hussaini |first=Syed |url=https://screenrant.com/sonic-3-knuckles-spinoff-show-connections-explained/ |title=How Sonic 3 Will Connect To Idris Elba's Knuckles Spinoff Show |website=Screen Rant |date=June 8, 2022 |access-date=April 17, 2024 |archive-date=June 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608134803/https://screenrant.com/sonic-3-knuckles-spinoff-show-connections-explained/ |url-status=live }} and takes place a few months after the events of the second film and one year after the events of the first film.
= ''Sonic the Hedgehog 4'' (2027) =
In September 2024, producer Toby Ascher stated intent for additional installments in the franchise following the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3.{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-producer-more-movies/|title=Sonic 3 Producer Teases More Movies: "I Don't See Us Slowing Down"|website=ComicBook.com|last=Deschamps|first=Marc|date=September 24, 2024|access-date=December 20, 2024|archive-date=September 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924170254/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-producer-more-movies/|url-status=live}} In December 2024, the film was officially greenlit, slated for Spring 2027.
{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/12/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-1236238143/|title='Sonic The Hedgehog 4' In Development For Spring 2027 Release|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=December 20, 2024|access-date=December 20, 2024|archive-date=December 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219214706/https://deadline.com/2024/12/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-1236238143/|url-status=live}} In January 2025, it was announced that the film would be released on March 19, 2027.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2025-01-21 |title='Sonic The Hedgehog 4' Coming To Theaters In Spring 2027 |url=https://deadline.com/2025/01/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-release-date-1236262719/#comments |access-date=2025-01-21 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}
It is expected that Amy Rose and Metal Sonic, who both appeared in the mid-credits scene of the previous film, will appear in this film.{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2025-01-20 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 3 director teases plans for Metal Sonic, Amy Rose in Sonic 4 |url=https://www.polygon.com/movies/510831/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-digital-release-voice-actor-metal-sonic-amy-rose |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Moreau |first=Jordan |date=2024-12-21 |title='Sonic 3' Post-Credits Scene Explained: Who Are Those Video Game Characters? Does [SPOILER] Die? What's Next in 'Sonic 4'? |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/sonic-3-post-credits-amy-metal-sonic-1236255559/ |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} While nothing has yet been officially disclosed about the film's story, fans and journalists have widely speculated that it will take inspiration from Sonic CD, which served as the introduction of both characters to the video game series.{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Bradley |date=2025-01-21 |title=New Sonic 3 concept art may have spoiled what Metal Sonic will get up to next in Sonic 4 – and it could involve Eggman and time travel |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/live-action-movies/new-sonic-3-concept-art-may-have-spoiled-what-metal-sonic-will-get-up-to-next-in-sonic-4-and-it-could-involve-eggman-and-time-travel/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=gamesradar |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=McPherson |first=Chris |date=2025-01-21 |title='Sonic the Hedgehog 3' Concept Art Reveals Potential Path for Future Films |url=https://collider.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-concept-art/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Collider |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Nightingale |first=Ed |date=2025-01-20 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 3 film concept art reveals cut content and secret characters |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-film-concept-art-reveals-cut-content-and-secret-characters |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Eurogamer.net |language=en}} In January 2025, Carrey expressed interest in returning as Robotnik if the film's premise interested him.{{Cite web |date=January 3, 2025 |title=Jim Carrey Says He's Down To Return For Sonic 4 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/jim-carrey-says-hes-down-to-return-for-sonic-4/1100-6528618/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250104140854/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/jim-carrey-says-hes-down-to-return-for-sonic-4/1100-6528618/ |archive-date=January 4, 2025 |access-date= |website=GameSpot |publisher=Fandom |language=en-US}}
Short films
=''Around the World in 80 Seconds'' (2020)=
The home media release of the first film includes a short film titled Around the World in 80 Seconds, which follows a drawing of Sonic traveling the world in 80 seconds before returning to Green Hills.{{cite news | url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-debuting-early-march-31-on-digital-on-disc-may-19/ | title='Sonic the Hedgehog' Racing to Digital Early March 31, Debuting on Disc May 19 | work=Media Play News | date=20 March 2020 | last1=Prange | first1=Stephanie | archive-date=21 March 2020 | access-date=6 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321024401/https://www.mediaplaynews.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-debuting-early-march-31-on-digital-on-disc-may-19/ | url-status=live }}
=''Sonic Drone Home'' (2022)=
On May 23, 2022, a digital release was announced with an animated short film called Sonic 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.{{cite web | url=https://www.etonline.com/media/videos/watch-sonic-try-to-rescue-knuckles-in-sonic-drone-home-animated-short-exclusive-184476 | title=Watch Sonic Try to Rescue Knuckles in 'Sonic Drone Home' Animated Short (Exclusive) | access-date=2022-05-23 | archive-date=2022-05-23 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523183204/https://www.etonline.com/media/videos/watch-sonic-try-to-rescue-knuckles-in-sonic-drone-home-animated-short-exclusive-184476 | url-status=live }}
=''A Very Sonic Christmas'' (2024)=
A stop-motion short titled A Very Sonic Christmas was released on December 11, 2024, with Schwartz, Elba, Colleen O'Shaughnessey, and Reeves reprising their roles and Wade Whipple actor Adam Pally voicing Santa Claus.{{Cite web |last=Deschamps |first=Marc |date=December 11, 2024 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Christmas Short Mimics Classic Rankin/Bass Style |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-a-very-sonic-christmas-short/ |access-date=December 13, 2024 |website=ComicBook.com |publisher=Savage Ventures |language=en-US |archive-date=December 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213033815/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-a-very-sonic-christmas-short/ |url-status=live }} Animated in a similar style to the Rudolph 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, and Santa 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.
Television series
{{Series overview
| infoA = Showrunner(s)
| width = 99%
| multiseries = y
| dontclose = y
}}
{{Series overview
| series = Knuckles
| infoA = y
| infoB = y
| color1 = #B30E0E
| episodes1 = 6
| released1 = {{Start date|2024|4|26}}{{Cite magazine |last=Kim Murphy |first=J. |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/trailers/knuckles-trailer-idris-elba-sonic-show-paramount-plus-1235901759/ |title='Knuckles' Trailer Reveals Idris Elba's 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Spinoff Series on Paramount+ |magazine=Variety |date=February 8, 2024 |access-date=February 8, 2024 |archive-date=February 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219235405/https://variety.com/2024/tv/trailers/knuckles-trailer-idris-elba-sonic-show-paramount-plus-1235901759/ |url-status=live }}
| infoA1 = Toby Ascher
}}
{{Series overview/end}}
= ''Knuckles'' (2024) =
{{Main|Knuckles (TV series)|l1=Knuckles (TV series)}}
Knuckles the Echidna takes Green Hills deputy officer Wade Whipple as his apprentice, teaching him the ways of the Echidnas.{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=2023-04-17 |title='Sonic the Hedgehog' Spinoff Series 'Knuckles' at Paramount+ Sets Cast, Including Adam Pally, Tika Sumpter |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/knuckles-series-paramount-plus-cast-adam-pally-tika-sumpter-sonic-the-hedgehog-1235584850/ |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-04-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417145911/https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/knuckles-series-paramount-plus-cast-adam-pally-tika-sumpter-sonic-the-hedgehog-1235584850/ |url-status=live }}
On February 15, 2022, during ViacomCBS' investor day, a television series centered around Knuckles was revealed to be in development for Paramount+, with it set for release in 2024.{{Cite web|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=February 15, 2022|title='Sonic The Hedgehog' Universe Continues To Grow As Sega And Paramount Sign Off On Third Film As Well As A 'Knuckles' Spin-Off Series In The Works At Paramount+ With Idris Elba Reprising Role|url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/sonic-the-hedgehog-sega-paramount-third-installment-knuckles-spin-off-series-idris-elba-1234933921/|access-date=February 17, 2022|website=Deadline|language=en-US|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215220856/https://deadline.com/2022/02/sonic-the-hedgehog-sega-paramount-third-installment-knuckles-spin-off-series-idris-elba-1234933921/|url-status=live}} John Whittington was announced as head writer and executive producer in April 2023, with Toby Ascher announced as showrunner and co-developer alongside Wittington in February 2024.{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=2024-02-08 |title='Knuckles': 'Sonic The Hedgehog' TV Spinoff Gets First Trailer & Premiere Date At Paramount+ |url=https://deadline.com/2024/02/knuckles-sonic-the-hedgehog-spinoff-trailer-premiere-date-1235818690/ |access-date=2024-03-03 |website=Deadline |archive-date=2024-03-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303170644/https://deadline.com/2024/02/knuckles-sonic-the-hedgehog-spinoff-trailer-premiere-date-1235818690/ |url-status=live }} Additional executive-producers include Idris Elba and Sonic film director Jeff Fowler, who directed the pilot. Filming began on April 2023 in London, England.
The series is set between the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024). 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. Christopher Lloyd voices Pachacamac,{{Cite web |title=Knuckles {{!}} Photos |url=https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/paramount-plus/shows/knuckles/photos |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419135747/https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/paramount-plus/shows/knuckles/photos/ |archive-date=April 19, 2024 |access-date=April 19, 2024 |website=Paramount Press Express}} who previously made a silent cameo during the first film's prologue.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/tyson_hesse/status/1246227402704863232 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404092223/https://twitter.com/tyson_hesse/status/1246227402704863232 |archivedate=4 April 2020 |title=Tyson Hesse on Twitter |work=Twitter |date=4 April 2020 |accessdate=10 April 2021 |url-status=live }} All six episodes premiered on April 26, 2024 on Paramount+.{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/trailers/knuckles-trailer-idris-elba-sonic-show-paramount-plus-1235901759/|title='Knuckles' Trailer Reveals Idris Elba's 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Spinoff Series on Paramount+|magazine=Variety|date=February 8, 2024|access-date=February 8, 2024|archive-date=February 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219235405/https://variety.com/2024/tv/trailers/knuckles-trailer-idris-elba-sonic-show-paramount-plus-1235901759/|url-status=live}}
= Future =
In April 2024, Toby Ascher stated that either additional seasons of Knuckles or more television series based on other characters were possible if Knuckles would be a success, and as long as the filmmakers had a "really great story to tell." In an interview with ComicBook, O'Shaughnessey expressed interest in voicing Tails in a spin-off series that could potentially explore the character's origins within the film series.{{Cite web |last=Deschamps |first=Marc |date=2025-01-23 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Actress "Would Love" to Appear in a Tails Spin-off (Exclusive) |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-colleen-o-shaughnessey-tails-spin-off/ |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en-US}}
Other media
= Comics =
In an exclusive Steelbook release for the first film, a short comic was included, titled Sonic the Hedgehog: The Adventures of Sonic & Donut Lord.{{Cite web |title=Best Buy: Sonic the Hedgehog [SteelBook] [Digital Copy] [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray] [Only @ Best Buy] [2020] |url=https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sonic-the-hedgehog-steelbook-digital-copy-4k-ultra-hd-blu-ray-blu-ray-only--best-buy-2020/6403511.p?skuId=6403511&intl=nosplash |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Best Buy |language=en}}
As a promotional tie-in to Sonic the Hedgehog 2, a prequel comic called Sonic 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.{{Cite tweet |number=1501280400731262986 |user=KielPhegley |title=I've been quiet about it because there's a lot going on, but tomorrow is FOC for my first honest-to-goodness comic book. It's the official 'Pre-Quill' to @SonicMovie 2. 40 pages of insane action between the two @sonic_hedgehog movies. Call your comic shop about it, huh? |first=Kiel |last=Phegley |date=March 8, 2022 |access-date=January 10, 2025}}
As a promotional tie-in to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 handed out to moviegoers in Japan, a prequel manga called Sonic X Shadow TOKYO MISSION: Episode 0 was released on December 27, 2024, written and illustrated by Yuki Imada.{{Cite web |title=完全描きおろし漫画が入場者特典に決定！さらに特別映像も解禁！！ |url=https://sonic-movie.jp/news/2024/12/16/sonic_1216/ |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=ニュース｜映画『ソニック × シャドウ TOKYO MISSION』公式サイト |language=ja}}
= Video games =
Multiple characters from the films have been added to the mobile games Sonic Dash and Sonic Forces: Speed Battle as part of promotional events for each film.{{Cite tweet |user=SEGAHARDlight |number=1221493471170658304 |title=Gotta. Go. Fast! Yep, you guessed it, he's on his way! Get ready for a major celebration in #SonicForces Mobile to tie in with the upcoming #SonicMovie Join the race! http://toappsto.re/sonicforces}} Cosmetic items based on the 2020 film were released as downloadable content (DLC) for Sonic Colors Ultimate (2021).{{cite web|date=May 27, 2021|title=Sonic Colors Ultimate announced for PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/05/sonic-colors-ultimate-announced-for-ps4-xbox-one-switch-and-pc|website=Gematsu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527162717/https://www.gematsu.com/2021/05/sonic-colors-ultimate-announced-for-ps4-xbox-one-switch-and-pc|archive-date=27 May 2021|url-status=live}}
A Sonic the Hedgehog 3-themed DLC pack for Shadow 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.{{Cite web |last=Stedman |first=Alex |date=September 24, 2024 |title=Keanu Reeves Will Headline an Upcoming Sonic x Shadow Generations DLC |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/keanu-reeves-will-headline-an-upcoming-sonic-x-shadow-generations-dlc-state-of-play |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924222610/https://www.ign.com/articles/keanu-reeves-will-headline-an-upcoming-sonic-x-shadow-generations-dlc-state-of-play |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=September 24, 2024 |title=Movie Shadow coming to Sonic X Shadow Generations – PlayStation.Blog |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2024/09/24/movie-shadow-coming-to-sonic-x-shadow-generations/ |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=PlayStation.Blog |publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment |language=en-US |archive-date=September 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925040727/https://blog.playstation.com/2024/09/24/movie-shadow-coming-to-sonic-x-shadow-generations/ |url-status=live }}
Cast and characters
{{further|topic=individual characters|Characters of Sonic the Hedgehog{{!}}Characters of Sonic the Hedgehog}}
{{Cast indicator|appeared=in the franchise|A|C|P|V|Y|U}}
- {{Cast indicator/note|singing|S|an appearance as a character's singing voice}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=100%
! rowspan="3" width="13%" | Characters ! colspan="3" | Films ! Colspan="3" | Short films ! Television series |
| align="center" width="13%" | Sonic the Hedgehog
! align="center" width="13%" | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 ! align="center" width="13%" | Sonic the Hedgehog 3 ! align="center" width="12%" | Around the World in 80 Seconds ! align="center" width="12%" | Sonic Drone Home ! align="center" width="12%" | A Very Sonic Christmas ! align="center" width="10%" | Knuckles |
|---|
| style="background:ivory;"| {{small|2020}}
! style="background:ivory;"| {{small|2022}} ! style="background:ivory;"| {{small|2024}} ! style="background:ivory;"| {{small|2020}} ! style="background:ivory;"| {{small|2022}} ! colspan="2" style="background:ivory;"| {{small|2024}} |
| colspan="8" style="background-color:lightblue;" | Principal characters |
| rowspan="2" | Sonic the Hedgehog
| rowspan="2" | Ben Schwartz{{ref|voice|V}} Benjamin L. Valic{{ref|young|Y}}{{ref|voice|V}} | Ben Schwartz{{ref|voice|V}} | colspan="5" rowspan="2" | Ben Schwartz{{ref|voice|V}} |
| {{N/A|Benjamin L. Valic}}{{ref|archive|A}}{{ref|young|Y}}{{ref|voice|V}} |
| Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik
| colspan="3"| Jim Carrey | style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | colspan="2" {{N/A|Mentioned}} | {{N/A|Jim Carrey}}{{ref|archive|A}} |
| Tom Wachowski
| colspan="3" | James Marsden | colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | {{N/A|James Marsden}}{{ref|photo|P}} | {{N/A|James Marsden}}{{ref|archive|A}} |
| Maddie Wachowski
| colspan="3" | Tika Sumpter | style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | {{N/A|Mentioned}} | {{N/A|Tika Sumpter}}{{ref|photo|P}} | Tika Sumpter |
| Agent Stone
| colspan="3" | Lee Majdoub | colspan="4" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Miles "Tails" Prower
| Colleen O'Shaughnessey{{ref|cameo|C}}{{ref|voice|V}} | colspan="2" | Colleen O'Shaughnessey{{ref|voice|V}} | style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | Alicyn Packard{{ref|voice|V}} | colspan="2" | Colleen O'Shaughnessey{{ref|voice|V}} |
| Knuckles the Echidna
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | colspan="2" | Idris Elba{{ref|voice|V}} | style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | Fred Tatasciore{{ref|voice|V}} | colspan="2" | Idris Elba{{ref|voice|V}} |
| Shadow the Hedgehog
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | {{N/A|Silent cameo}} | Keanu Reeves{{ref|voice|V}} | colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | Keanu Reeves{{ref|voice|V}} | style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Amy Rose
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | rowspan="2" {{N/A|Silent cameo}} | colspan="4" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Metal Sonic
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | colspan="4" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| colspan="8" style="background-color:lightblue;" | Supporting characters |
| Wade Whipple
| colspan="3" | Adam Pally | style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | {{N/A|Mentioned}} | style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | Adam Pally Kit Rakusen{{ref|young|Y}} Michael Bolton{{ref|singing|S}}{{ref|uncredited|U}} |
| Rachel Handel
| colspan="2" | Natasha Rothwell | {{N/A|Natasha Rothwell{{ref|cameo|C}}{{efn|name=Maddie|As a disguise used by Maddie.}}}} | colspan="4" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Commander Sam Walters
| colspan="2" | Tom Butler | Tom Butler{{efn|name=Tom/Walters|Appears as both Walters and as a disguise used by Tom.}} James Wolk{{ref|young|Y}} | colspan="3" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | {{N/A|Mentioned}} |
| Longclaw
| colspan="2" | Donna J. Fulks{{ref|voice|V}} | {{N/A|Silent cameo}} | colspan="3" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | {{N/A|Silent cameo}} |
| Jojo Handel
| colspan="2" | Melody Nosipho Niemann | colspan="5" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Randall Handel
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | {{N/A|Shemar Moore{{ref|cameo|C}}{{efn|name=Tom|As a disguise used by Tom.}}}} | colspan="4" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Gerald Robotnik
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | Jim Carrey | colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | {{N/A|Mentioned}} | style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Maria Robotnik
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | colspan="4" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Director Rockwell
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | Krysten Ritter{{efn|name=Maddie/Rockwell|Appears as both Rockwell and as a disguise used by Maddie.}} | colspan="4" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Pachacamac
| colspan="2" {{N/A|Silent cameo}} | colspan="4" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | Christopher Lloyd{{ref|voice|V}} |
| Wendy Whipple
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | {{N/A|Mentioned}} | colspan="4" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Agent Mason
| colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Agent Willoughby
| colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Wanda Whipple
| colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | Darcy Castle{{ref|young|Y}} |
| "The Buyer"
| colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| "Pistol" Pete Whipple
| colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Jack Sinclair
| colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Susie Barnes
| colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | Alice Tregonning |
| colspan="8" style="background-color:lightblue;" | Minor characters |
| Secretary of Homeland Security
| Elfina Luk | colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Major Bennington
| colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Crazy Carl
| colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| U.S. Army Chief of Staff
| colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| U.S. Navy Chief of Staff
| colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Air Force Chief of Staff
| colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Armored Truck Driver
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | Jeff Sanca | colspan="5" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Drench
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | Brad Kalilimoku | colspan="5" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| G.U.N. Mean Bean Agent
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | Sarah Surh | colspan="5" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Faucet
| style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | Krista Alvarez | colspan="5" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Kyle Lancebottom
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Gabriella{{efn|name=Fiction|Appears only as an in-universe TV show character.}}
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | colspan="4" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Pablo{{efn|name=Fiction}}
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | rowspan="2" | Cristo Fernández | colspan="4" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Juan{{efn|name=Fiction}}
| colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | colspan="4" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Unit
| colspan="4" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | Aaron Landon{{ref|voice|V}} | colspan="2" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Santa Claus
| colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | Adam Pally{{ref|voice|V}} | style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Bill Barnes
| colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Mrs. Barnes
| colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | | Jaimi Barbakoff |
| Gary N. Sinclair III Esq.
| colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
| Dylan Beagleton
| colspan="6" style="background-color:lightgrey;" | |
{{notelist}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
Crew
| class="wikitable" width="100%" |
| rowspan="2" width=20% | Role
! colspan="4" | Film |
|---|
| Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) ! Sonic the Hedgehog 2 ! Sonic the Hedgehog 3 ! Sonic the Hedgehog 4 |
| Director
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="3" | Jeff Fowler | {{TBA}} |
| Producer(s)
| style="text-align:center;"| Neal H. Moritz | style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Neal H. Moritz | {{TBA}} |
| Writer(s)
| style="text-align:center;"| Pat Casey | style="text-align:center;" colspan="2" | Screenplay by: Story by: Pat Casey Josh Miller | {{TBA}} |
| Executive Producer(s)
| style="text-align:center;"| Hajime Satomi | style="text-align:center;"| Haruki Satomi | style="text-align:center;"| Haruki Satomi | {{TBA}} |
| Cinematographer
| style="text-align:center;"| Stephen F. Windon | style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Brandon Trost | {{TBA}} |
| Composer
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="3"| Tom Holkenborg | {{TBA}} |
| Editor(s)
| style="text-align:center;"| Stacey Schroeder | style="text-align:center;"| Jim May | style="text-align:center;"| Al LeVine | {{TBA}} |
| Production companies
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="4"| Paramount Pictures |
| Distributor
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="4"| Paramount Pictures |
| Running time
| style="text-align:center;"|99 minutes | style="text-align:center;"|122 minutes | style="text-align:center;"|110 minutes | {{TBA}} |
Reception
= Box office performance =
{{Hatnote|Each film is linked to the "Box office" section of its article.}}
= Critical and public response =
{{Hatnote|Each film and television series is linked to the "Critical response" section of its article.}}
==Films==
==Television series==
{{Television critical response
| multiseries =
{{Television critical response
| series = Knuckles
| rotten_tomatoes1 = 75% (32 reviews){{cite Rotten Tomatoes |id=knuckles |title=Knuckles |type=tv |season=1 |access-date=April 22, 2024}}{{cbignore}}
| metacritic1 = 61 (11 reviews){{Cite Metacritic |id=knuckles |title=Knuckles |type=tv |season=1 |access-date=April 22, 2024}}{{cbignore}}
}}
}}
= Accolades =
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha|refs=
{{efn|name=overview1|Tied with Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)}}
}}
Music
= Soundtracks =
== Films ==
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align: center; width: 99%;"
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | U.S. release date ! scope="col" | Length ! scope="col" | Composer(s) ! scope="col" | Label |
| scope="row" | Sonic the Hedgehog (Music from the Motion Picture)
| {{start date|2020|2|14}} | 42:54 | rowspan="4" | Tom Holkenborg / Junkie XL | rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Paramount Music |
|---|
| scope="row" | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Music from the Motion Picture)
| {{start date|2022|4|8}} | 57:33 |
| scope="row" | Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Music from the Motion Picture)
| {{start date|2024|12|20}} | 1:03:03 | style="text-align: center;" | Milan Records |
== Television series ==
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align: center; width: 99%;"
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | U.S. release date ! scope="col" | Length ! scope="col" | Composer(s) ! scope="col" | Label |
| scope="row" | Knuckles (Music from the Paramount+ Original Series)
| {{start date|2024|4|26}} | 1:11:06 | Tom Howe |
|---|
= Singles =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align: center; width: 99%;"
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | U.S. release date ! scope="col" | Length ! scope="col" | Artist(s) ! scope="col" | Label ! scope="col" | Film |
| scope="row" | "Speed Me Up"
| {{start date|2020|1|24}} | 2:46 | style="text-align: center;" | Wiz Khalifa, Ty Dolla Sign, Lil Yachty and Sueco the Child | style="text-align: center;" | Atlantic | style="text-align: center;" | Sonic the Hedgehog |
|---|
| scope="row" | "Stars in the Sky"
| {{start date|2022|3|24}} | 3:05 | style="text-align: center;" | Kid Cudi | rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Republic, UMG Recordings | style="text-align: center;" | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 |
| scope="row" | "Run It"
| {{start date|2024|11|22}} | 2:39 | style="text-align: center;" | Jelly Roll | style="text-align: center;" | Sonic the Hedgehog 3 |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Sonic the Hedgehog in other media}}
{{Paramount Franchises}}
{{portal bar|Animation|Film|Television}}
Category:Film series introduced in 2020
Category:Paramount Pictures franchises