Even with the ongoing WGA strike grinding Hollywood to a halt, seemingly nothing can stop Paramount from moving forward with plans for Sonic the Hedgehog 3. According to the film industry-related website Production List, cameras will roll on the threequel in London on August 31, 2023.
While details about Sonic the Hedgehog 3 remain a mystery, the sequel will likely introduce more fan-favorite characters from the more-popular-than-you-would-ever-think franchise, including Shadow the Hedgehog, who Paramount teased during an after-credits scene for Sonic the Hedgehog 2. While Shadow is a known quality, Sonic fans hope the film series is planning to introduce more characters, including Amy Rose, Big the Cat, Rogue the Bat, Cream the Rabbit, Vector the Crocodile, and more. So far, there has yet to be a word if Jim Carrey will return to reprise his role as Dr. Robotnik.
Jeff Fowler returns to direct Sonic the Hedgehog 3 from a screenplay by Pat Casey and Josh Miller. Neal H. Moritz produces alongside Hajime Satomi, Toby Ascher, Tim Miller, Nan Morales, and Toru Nakahara.
In addition to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 production kicking off in August, Paramount is giving Knuckles the Echidna his own spin-off TV series! Idris Elba reprises his role as Knuckles, with Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future), Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride), Stockard Channing (Grease), Paul Scheer (Veep), and Rob Huebel (Children’s Hospital) joining the cast.
The Knuckles TV series will be set between the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3. According to the official logline, the series will follow Knuckles as he “agrees to train Wade as his protégé and teach him the ways of the Echidna warrior.” Sonic the Hedgehog 2 co-writer John Whittington wrote the script for the Knuckles pilot and will serve as head writer and executive producer on the series. Jeff Fowler, who helmed both Sonic movies, will direct the pilot and serve as executive producer. Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, and Idris Elba are also on board the series as executive producers, with Ged Wright, Brandon Trost, Jorma Taccone, and Carol Banker directing the remaining series episodes.
We’re in the thick of the Age of Sonic, my friends! Paramount sees the dollars, and multiple generations see a beloved universe from their gaming and comic book history coming to life on the silver screen. Eat well, Sonic fans! Now is your time to shine!