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A Live-Action Sonic the Hedgehog Movie is in Production

Aug 13, 2018

By: Max Cannon

While Mario got his own film, even if it wasn't very good, there's another classic gaming mascot with a movie in the works. The Sonic the Hedgehog movie is currently in production with some big names attached to the project and a few photos snapped on the set have shown up online!

Which of Sonic's friends could wind up in the movie?Which of Sonic's friends could wind up in the movie?

Sonic in San Francisco 

A handful of A-list actors are currently working on the hedgehog's first live-action outing including Ben Schwartz of "Parks and Recreation" giving a voice to a CGI'd Sonic. Jim Carrey will be portraying the longtime series villain Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik who is known for turning animals into evil robots in the games. So far, it seems like Carrey will be playing Robotnik in a live action role rather than a CGI performance in motion capture or voice acting. In a recently posted picture, James Marsden of Enchanted and "Westworld" is seen on the movie's set alongside a stand-in for what'll presumably be Sonic. Production seems to be taking place in San Francisco which shares a resemblance with the opening levels of Sonic Adventure 2.

James Marsden on the Sonic the Hedgehog set.James Marsden on the Sonic the Hedgehog set.Courtesy of Just Jared

According to the film's IMDB page, here's the official description of the movie:

"A cop in [the] rural town of Green Hills will help Sonic escape from the goverment [sic] who is looking to capture him."

Green Hills is most certainly a reference to the iconic opening level of the earliest Sonic games Green Hill Zone and rumors point toward James Marsden playing the cop from the film's description. Another image captured from the same set shows off an actor in a green suit driving an SUV, it's likely that this will be replaced with Schwartz's Sonic character in the finished film. We haven't seen any art for the film so there's no public knowledge of how Sonic will look in the film. He could wind up based on his classic look, the early 3D days, something from the newer Sonic Boom, or maybe something else entirely?

It seems like Sonic will wind up behind the wheel of a car during the movie.It seems like Sonic will wind up behind the wheel of a car during the movie.Courtesy of Hollywood North

A Modern Video Game Movie

With the talent working in the film, it's likely that this could end up being a more self-aware comedy than most video game movies. Ben Schwartz is well-known for his comedy work on shows and podcasts like "Comedy Bang! Bang!" and comedian/actor Adam Pally of ABC's "Happy Endings" was recently announced to have joined the project. With the frequent failures of past video game movies, this could be an effective mindset for making a decent video game adaptation especially given the pedigree of the talent involved. 

Jim Carrey will be playing as the classic Sonic antagonist Dr. Robotnik.Jim Carrey will be playing as the classic Sonic antagonist Dr. Robotnik.

Though we can only really speculate on the minimal information we have so far, we'll likely get some official information (and hopefully a look at Sonic himself) as we get closer to the film's release date at an undetermined time in 2019.

Sonic's Special Edition - Kidzworld Weekly News

Have Your Say!

Are you looking forward to the Sonic the Hedgehog movie? Which other video game characters would you like to see starring on the big screen? Leave your comments below!