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Tag: Sonic the Hedgehog

  • Production Speeds Up! ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 4’ Officially Begins Filming

    The fastest franchise in Hollywood isn’t slowing down. Following the massive global success of the third installment, Paramount Pictures has officially moved into the next phase of the Blue Blur’s cinematic journey. Director Jeff Fowler took to Twitter today to confirm that production on Sonic the Hedgehog 4 has officially begun.

    Fowler’s post featured a “Ready 4 Action” teaser image from the set, showing him holding a high-fidelity physical prop of Amy Rose’s Piko Piko Hammer against a backdrop of massive blue screens.

    The Pink Hedgehog is Here: Kristen Bell Joins the Cast

    The production start comes just weeks after the industry-shaking announcement that Kristen Bell (The Good Place, Frozen) has officially signed on to voice Amy Rose, who first appeared in a mid-credit scene in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

    The casting was first teased on IG by Ben Schwartz, where he posted a photo of the two actors holding their respective character figurines. Bell’s inclusion marks a major win for the franchise, bringing a voice-acting powerhouse to one of the most beloved characters in the Sonic lore.

    The Rumor Mill: Metal Sonic, Time Travel, and “Sonic CD”

    While Paramount is keeping the script under lock and key, the start of production has reignited a frenzy of rumors. Here’s a recap of what fans are expecting from the fourth installment in the franchise.

    Many fans believe the fourth film will take heavy inspiration from the classic game Sonic CD, a theory bolstered by the fact that both Amy Rose and Metal Sonic debuted in that title. Rumors from reliable insiders suggest the plot revolves around a “Bad Future” scenario, that finds Sonic traveling through time to stop a world ruled by Dr. Robotnik’s automated army.

    While Amy is the focus now, fans are already hunting for clues about Silver the Hedgehog. Rumors suggest he may not appear in the main film but is a prime candidate for the inevitable post-credits stinger for the film, which is set to release March 19, 2027.

  • Christopher Lloyd, Cary Elwes, and More Join ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’s Knuckles Spinoff

    Christopher Lloyd, Cary Elwes, and More Join ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’s Knuckles Spinoff

    Still hard to believe that we’re discussing a spinoff series from a successful Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Not just that, we’re getting more time with a character like Knuckles the Echidna, who was only just introduced in the latest movie of the franchise. The Paramount+ original has been busy filming and it looks like the Idris Elba-led project has unveiled five new cast members.

    Variety has unveiled that the series has added not one but five new members to its cast. The biggest additions are the Back to the Future icon Christopher Lloyd, who has been busy with a variety of TV show appearances such as the last season of The Mandalorian. He’ll be joined by The Princess Bride’s Cary Elwes, Grease’s Stockard Channing, Rob Huebel of Bob’s Burgers fame, and Veep‘s Paul Scheer.

    They also join guest stars Tika Sumpter, who reprises her role as Maddie, and Rory McCann. Naturally, Elba is back to voice the leading role but there’s no word on who exactly the cast members might be playing. It’ll follow the story of Knuckles taking Wade under his wing to teach him what it means to be an Echidna warrior. Sadly, we don’t know if we’ll see other characters from Sonic the Hedgehog‘s gaming universe.

    Sonic the Hedgehog 2 writer John Whittington is behind the pilot and also serves as a head writer on the series. He was supported by Brian Schacter and James Madejski to continue Knuckles’ story beyond the major film release from last year. Of course, Jeff Fowler, who tackled both films, is also returning as an executive producer while also directing the pilot episode.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘Sonic Frontier’s Ending Makes a ‘Sonic Boom’ Character Canon

    ‘Sonic Frontier’s Ending Makes a ‘Sonic Boom’ Character Canon

    Sonic Frontiers has finally released and offered Sonic the Hedgehog fans a very different kind of entry. While some staples remain, it’s the first true attempt by Sonic Team to offer something that is open world-esque and while it’s not perfect, it might be the most emotional story set in the franchise since perhaps the Sonic Adventure games. Interestingly enough, there’s a curious little detail for those that manage to finish the game at any difficulty.

    If you haven’t played through Sonic Frontiers yet, be wary of spoilers to the ending and first post-credit sequence ahead.

    After the first credits roll and you managed to escape Cyber Space with your friends Tails, Amy, and Knuckles. You get a small cutscene as they set out from the island on Tail’s plane, the Tornado. Yet, briefly before, each character hints at their big plans after the events of this adventure; which recently was hinted as potential DLC with all three playable at some point in 2023. During this cutscene, Amy drops the line confirming that a Sonic Boom character is canon in the mainline franchise.

    I wonder if Cream and Sticks are free?

    Amy

    For those that might not know, Sticks the Bader is a character first introduced in the Sonic Boom franchise, which was an attempt to reboot the franchise. The game was riddled with bugs and ended the franchise long before it even got a chance to get going but it seems they still had some plans for the character moving forward. Perhaps it’s a hint that Sticks could appear as part of the upcoming DLC that is scheduled for next year.

  • ‘Sonic Frontiers’ Roadmap Reveals More Playable Characters in Future DLC

    ‘Sonic Frontiers’ Roadmap Reveals More Playable Characters in Future DLC

    Here’s something I don’t think anyone expected, but Sonic Frontiers is seemingly getting a roadmap for 2023. Not just that, but the game will receive three major updates throughout the year with the final one being the most surprising. While they are seemingly adding some small aspects like a new Koco, time trials and photo mode, Update 3 promises to be the biggest update for the game.

    While it’s unclear if this DLC will be for free, it does seem like they will add a new story alongside confirming playable characters. Yes, you read that correct: characters as in plural. so, it seems like we’ll be able to play as Knuckles, Amy and Sonic going by the new visual, but we can only speculate as of now. If this means they are only playable in specific missions or in the open world maps remains unknown.

    That’s quite the big update, especially if it ends up for free for those that own a copy. The game offers something a little different for fans of the franchise, as we finally venture out into an open world environment that is broken up in multiple hubs. You also have some more classic levels sprinkled throughout that pay homage to the many games that came before; Green Hill Zone naturally makes a return as well.

    Multiple playable characters as DLC adds the question if the “new story” teased in the official tweet also means that each character gets their own story like in Sonic Adventure DX, or rather just an overarching one as you switch from one to the next, something closer to Sonic Adventure 2. No matter what direction they decide to go, it definitely is exciting for those that were hoping to play more of Sonic Frontiers more in the future.

    Source: Twitter

  • New Japanese ‘Sonic Frontiers’ Trailer Hints at November Release

    New Japanese ‘Sonic Frontiers’ Trailer Hints at November Release

    Many have been wondering when we can expect the release of Sonic Frontiers. After a bit of a backlash of the game looking unfinished early on in its previews, many wondered if we might see it get delayed. Well, a new trailer ahead of Gamescom may have accidentally leaked that the game is eyeing a November 8th release.

    As shared by Twitter user @Nibellion, the Japanese trailer included the release date in November but was swiftly taken down later. So, it does add a bit of weight that this may have accidentally gone online earlier than intended especially with Gamescom’s opening night promising quite a few new trailers and reveals.

    https://twitter.com/nibellion/status/1562010814093180929?s=21&t=J2Q6gIQGMi1_EaiGMU6JcQ

    We’ll see what else might be heading our way with this game, especially if they made some tweaks to make it stand out more. While the open-world concept works well with Sonic the Hedgehog, it does seem oddly fixed on how you get around and especially with the combat showcased. Here’s hoping that a new trailer could build up some anticipation once it officially gets a release date.

    Source: Twitter

  • New ‘Fall Guys’ Leak Offers First Look at ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ Crossover Map

    New ‘Fall Guys’ Leak Offers First Look at ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ Crossover Map

    Fall Guys has recently found its way to consoles as free-to-play, which gave many the opportunity to check out what the insanity is just all about. With its loveable bean-like characters, we get a chance to join many other players in a unique take on the popular trend of battle royale games. Part Wipeout and Takeshi’s Castle, it has stood out for just the sheer amount of chaos each game comes with.

    Now, it seems that they have a crossover heading our way, as Fall Guys‘ leaker, Pancake, leaked an entire level that is part of this cooperation. The level will be titled Bean Hill Zone as a cute word play on the iconic Green Hill Zone, the level offers the usual Fall Guys insanity with some Sonic-inspired flair. The iconic bumpers are here and you’ll have a lot of fun jumping around on theem.

    The design looks great and coin collecting is a fitting combination for a Sonic the Hedgehog tie-in. We don’t know if we might see some more get added as well, but if this is a recurring map it’ll definitely make for a fun map people will look forward to. The game has certainly been an adventure for many who just want some fun and insanity. If you’re a Sonic the Hedgehog fan and enjoy Fall Guys, be sure to keep an eye out for it.

    Source: YouTube

  • Ugly Sonic Replaced Jar Jar Binks in ‘Chip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers’

    Ugly Sonic Replaced Jar Jar Binks in ‘Chip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers’

    It’s always interesting to get a look behind the scenes at how and what may have changed throughout production. The Disney+ Original Chip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers is filled to the brim with Easter eggs and familiar characters, but it looks like the infamous Ugly Sonic, the original design for Sonic the Hedgehog, cameo almost was carried by another icon that faced similar ridicule back in his day, Star Wars Episode 1: Phantom Menace‘s Jar Jar Binks.

    Storyboard artist Simeon Wilkins took to his personal Instagram account and shared a look at some sequences from the film. In it, he also included the Fan Expo chase sequence but with the original plans of having Jar Jar Binks appear. Sadly, he doesn’t mention what led to him getting replaced with Ugly Sonic, but it’s likely due to them getting the chance to include him as he’s a character owned by Paramount appearing in a Disney film.

    It must’ve been a blast storyboarding this film and pitching ideas on who may appear in what capacity. Who knows how many other characters had to get switched out throughout production due to rights discussions and generally what best fit the story. The film is one of those rare meta films that manages to connect with audiences.

    In a way, it even gave Ugly Sonic his own fanbase after being ridiculed out of a film. It would’ve been nice to see Jar Jar get a bit more positive feedback as Ugly Sonic did but who knows if they might tackle a sequel where he gets his chance to shine.

    Source: Instagram

  • ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ Writers Talk Amy Rose and Shadow the Hedgehog

    ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ Writers Talk Amy Rose and Shadow the Hedgehog

    It looks like the screenwriters of Sonic the Hedgehog, Pat Casey and Josh Miller, offered an update on what they are currently working on for the third installment of the Sonic franchise. While they naturally couldn’t give any details away, they did offer an update in regards to their plans for Shadow the Hedgehog at KCC Comic-Con’s Q&A. Many have been highly anticipating their plans for the character since he was first teased in the Sonic the Hedgehog 2‘s post-credit sequence.

    It looks like they don’t have anyone attached yet, or at least no names have been given in regards but Paramount is actively looking for someone. While it doesn’t seem like they’ll keep the original voice from the games like with Tails, they are going down a Knuckles route with a big-name Hollywood actor taking on the role. Keanu Reeves has been a popular choice online that fueled speculation. They also hinted that there are plans to incorporate his Sonic Adventure 2 and even the Shadow the Hedgehog spin-off elements.

    They also played coy on the potential addition of Amy Rose, but something is “in the works,” which further hints that we may get the character’s live-action debut after all. She would make for a great addition and give us a new dynamic with Sonic we probably haven’t seen yet. Miller goes on to highlight that:

    In each new Sonic movie, as long as the people got the appetite for them, we’ll keep adding yet another person from the game universe.

    Josh Miller

    That is not all, as they also hinted that the film is currently eyeing a 2024 release which would potentially would hint at when they start production. They have also hinted that they are aware of a lack of Crush 40 music and it seems they aren’t ruling out the idea of including them in the upcoming threequel.

    Source: KCC Comic-Con via Tail’s Channel

  • ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’s Director Shares Early Concept Art

    ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’s Director Shares Early Concept Art

    Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has some new iconic moments that seem directly inspired by his action-adventure games. We get Sonic Adventure’s snowboarding sequence, a level plucked directly out of the classic games, and even Eggman’s iconic Death Egg robot. There’s a lot to take away from the film for those that grew up with the games and generally wanted a good time with a Sonic film.

    Luckily, director Jeff Fowler has just shared some amazing artwork from the film that really highlights how much of the early concept art made it into the final product. We get to see Eggman with a much more game-inspired mustache. While he didn’t quite get that costume in the film, the red elements and the mustache survived the development process.

    It’s great to see that the Death Egg robot was always part of the plan, as it definitely gave the film quite the set-piece at the end. Plus, it gave Super Sonic something to take out to showcase just how powerful his abilities truly are. Hopefully, we get to see more concept art and maybe even some teases that didn’t quite make it into the film.

    With a Knuckles spinoff series and a third film on the horizon, it’s going to be a lot more Sonic the Hedgehog heading our way. It’ll be interesting to see if they also have other spinoffs in some form of development, which may add something special to the project.

    Source: Twitter

  • New Netflix Animation Trailer Includes First Look at ‘Sonic Prime’

    New Netflix Animation Trailer Includes First Look at ‘Sonic Prime’

    Here’s a fun surprise, but it looks like a new trailer on Netflix’s current and upcoming animation projects includes our first look at Sonic Prime. It’s a fun surprise that arrives at the end of the trailer, which only includes the blue blur running through a few rings with the iconic sound effect before dropping a jokey line. Surprisingly, it sounds like they have once again recast the voice but it’s unclear who is voicing him. At one point, it was announced that Roger Craig Smith was retiring from voicing the character but would confirm he’s back to voice Sonic after all. So, it’s interesting that the animated series has a different voice actor altogether.

    Image

    As with any new voice actor, it’s going to take some time to get used to. This new Sonic the Hedgehog sounds like he has the same attitude of what we’ve come to love from the character, but it’s an even bigger departure from the live-action voice provided by Ben Schwartz. There’s not much to the line and generally, we don’t get a lot of time with him in this short clip. So, it’s not much to really make an analysis based on, but the design looks quite promising and feels like a direct adaptation of the games.

    Overall, it’s exciting that Sonic the Hedgehog is going through a renaissance with his latest film release, new games, and an animated series. We’re still waiting anxiously on what Sonic Frontier might have to offer, but luckily classic fans will get to return to their favorite games with some unique animations as well to tie all four initial games together. So, Sonic fans are eating well right now.

    You can check out the full trailer and the brief clip here:

    Source: YouTube, TWitter