Shared from Film
EXCLUSIVE: Even though the second film doesn’t bow till the spring, Paramount Pictures and Sega Corporation are moving fast to build on its ever growing universe with projects in both the film and TV realms. Paramount Pictures and Sega Corporation have commenced development on a third feature film installment to the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Additionally, Sega and Paramount+ are developing the first-ever original live-action Sonic series, to launch in 2023, which will feature the character Knuckles, with Idris Elba returning to voice the role. The character is set to make its debut in the upcoming sequel that bows on April 8.
The announcement was made during today’s Viacom Investor Event where Brian Robbins President and CEO, Paramount Pictures & Nickelodeon; Chief Content Officer, Movies, Kids & Family – Paramount+, delivered the news during the company’s presentation.
“We are delighted to announce that the third Sonic theatrical film and the first live action Sonic series for Paramount+ are being actively developed. 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,” said Haruki Satomi, CEO of Sega Corporation.
Sonic the Hedgehog, broke multiple box office records, including becoming the domestic top-grossing video game adaptation of all time, and earning nearly $320 million in worldwide box office when in bowed in 2020. The overachieving box-office success gave the studio another franchise to dive into with the studio quickly moved forward with development on its sequel. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is bringing back the original cast, as well as re-teaming director Jeff Fowler with writers Pat Casey & Josh Miller. Producing are Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher and Toru Nakahara, with Haruki Satomi, Nan Morales, and Tim Miller executive producing.
While the studio continues to build on a promising slate of films, Sonic is the prime example of the type of IP they want to focus on, giving them not only four-quadrant films that do well at the box-office but also a property that can be used to deliver more content for their streaming platform.
“For more than three decades, Sonic the Hedgehog’s universe of vibrant, unique characters has generated one of the most passionate fanbases,” said Robbins. “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.”
Based on the global blockbuster videogame franchise from Sega, the Sonic the Hedgehog film series tells the story of the world’s speediest hedgehog as he embraces his new home on Earth. The first installment of the film series, a live-action-adventure comedy released in February 2020, tells the story of Sonic and his new best friend Tom (James Marsden), who team up to defend the planet from the evil genius Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and his plans for world domination. The family-friendly film also stars Tika Sumpter and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic.
“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,” said Moritz.
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