The cinematic universe of Sonic the Hedgehog is getting expanded big time. Paramount has officially announced that a third Sonic the Hedgehog movie is in the works ahead of the sequel's upcoming release in theaters. If that weren't enough, it's also been announced that a live-action Knuckles series is also in development for Paramount+ with Idris Elba reprising the role he'll first be voicing in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
“We are delighted to announce that the third Sonic theatrical film and the first live-action Sonic series for Paramount+ are being actively developed," said Haruki Satomi, CEO of Sega Corporation, per Deadline. "We’ve got a remarkable partnership with Paramount, and we are excited to continue expanding the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise with them. 2022 is shaping up to be a significant year for the franchise with the second film being released this April, as well as Sonic Frontiers, the highly anticipated video game title, coming this holiday. Sonic has been beloved by fans across the world for over 30 years and we look forward to continuing to bring memorable moments and experiences to them for many years to come,”
Brian Robbins, President and CEO of Paramount Pictures & Nickelodeon, made the announcement on Tuesday's Viacom Investor Event. Robbins noted, "For more than three decades, Sonic the Hedgehog’s universe of vibrant, unique characters has generated one of the most passionate fanbases. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with SEGA, Neal Moritz, and all our creative partners as we explore additive ways to holistically scale the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise across platforms and captivate its loyal audience around the world.”
“The world of Sonic the Hedgehog has been capturing imaginations for decades, and we are thrilled to stretch the limits of what this franchise is capable of with world-class offerings both on the big screen and for Sonic fans at home. The sky is truly the limit, and I am immensely proud to be part of creating new Sonic content for longtime fans as well as introducing Sonic to a new generation,” added Moritz.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Will Introduce Idris Elba as Knuckles
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is not even going to be hitting theaters until April 8, so this news of the sequel getting put into development months ahead of time is a nice surprise. Paramount must also be happy with the fan response to knuckles in the teasers and trailers if they're now committed to giving the character his own spinoff series. Idris Elba will debut as Knuckles in the upcoming sequel with video game voiceover artist Colleen O'Shaugnessey reprising the role of Tails.
Jeff Fowler directs Sonic the Hedgehog 2 using a screenplay by Pat Casey, Josh Miller, and John Whittington. Along with Elba and O'Shaugnessey, the film stars Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog. Also starring are Jim Carrey, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, and Shemar Moore. Whatever ends up happening in the film, expect for the adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog - as well as his new foe Knuckles - to continue in a new film and tie-in series.