SONIC THE HEDGEHOG Franchise Sets Focus on ‘AVENGERS-Level Events’
By Movieguide® Contributor
A SONIC THE HEDGEHOG producer revealed that upcoming films will feature “AVENGERS-level events,” whereas KNUCKLES, the new SONIC spinoff series, will focus on character development.
“We got really excited about the idea of expanding our characters in our world into television, specifically, because it gives us a platform to really do character studies,” executive producer Toby Ascher said.
“We knew that, with Shadow coming into SONIC 3 and some of the bigger things that we want to do, the SONIC franchise on the movie side is going to be these AVENGERS-level events,” he continued. “They’re going to be these big, exciting stories that have a lot of different characters. And so what television did for us is it gave us time to go into some of the more supporting characters in depth and really build them out in cool ways.”
SONIC 3 is slated for a Dec. 20, 2024, release and will see the return of Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik.
“The next movie in the ongoing franchise will feature the debut of Shadow the Hedgehog, a character first teased at the end of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2. So far, information on the threequel has been sparse outside Jim Carrey’s return as Dr. Robotnik and filming now being completed after facing some delays due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike,” Screen Rant reported.
KNUCKLES, Paramount+’s spinoff series, stars Idris Elba.
“Follow Knuckles (Idris Elba) on a hilarious journey of self-discovery when he agrees to teach Wade (Adam Pally) the ways of the Echidna warrior,” a synopsis reads.
“We thought we could translate that into a full series. I think it’s by far the funniest version we’ve had in any of the SONIC movies so far,” Ascher said. “It leans into weird comedy partially because of Adam Pally and because of what Idris brings in a really great way.”
So, what should the fans expect from the new series?
“First and foremost, the goal going into the series was: how do we replicate the movie quality in a much more condensed timeline?” the producer explained. “We knew that if, all of a sudden, this looked like a rip off series or something that was really shoddily put together, not only will fans reject it, but it’ll damage what we’ve made.”
As Movieguide® reported, “SONIC THE HEDGEHOG and SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 were box office successes, grossing a combined $870.8 million at the global box office. The movies featured wholesome, family-friendly storylines and were nominated for Movieguide® Awards.”
A part of Movieguide®’s review for SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 reads:
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 is a terrific sequel to the hit 2020 action comedy. This time, a red alien warrior named Knuckles helps Dr. Robotnik escape the mushroom planet. Knuckles is the last of the race that destroyed the race of owl aliens who protected Sonic. Knuckles and Robotnik are after an emerald of immense power. Sonic teams up with Miles, a fox alien with two tails, to reach the emerald before Robotnik and Knuckles do.
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 is a cute, funny action comedy with lots of jeopardy and humor. The script is well-written, with excellent character development, and the cast does a wonderful job. SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 has a strong moral, pro-family worldview. Finally, the priest at the wedding makes the Sign of the Cross in one shot, which honors the submission of mind, heart and strength that Christian believers make to their Father in Heaven, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross, by the power of the Holy Spirit. SONIC 2 has some light foul language and strong action, cartoon violence, so, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for children.
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