Summary
AsSonic the Hedgehog 3continues to shatter franchise records both critically and commercially, Paramount is moving full steam ahead with another sequel.
Sega’sSonic the Hedgehoghas defied the video game movie curse time and again, with the film franchise having generated more box office revenue and warmer reception with each subsequent entry. In addition to garnering over one billion dollars across the trilogy, the Paramount+ spin-off series,Knuckles, set a milestone of its own by becoming the most-watched series on the streaming platform. Sonic has since become one of Paramount’s more consistent and reliable franchises,prompting the studio to greenlight a fourth filmone day beforeSonic the Hedgehog 3’s North American opening. WithSonic the Hedgehog 4set to bow in spring 2027, work on the sequel is slated to start imminently.
According toProduction List, which tracks pre-production on projects across the film and television industry, development onSonic the Hedgehog 4is set to begin as soon as this February. The site notes that Jeff Fowler, the director of theSonictrilogy and the first episode ofKnuckles, is expected to assume directing duties once more. The Film and Television Alliance-backed site also mentions that the sequel will offer plenty of opportunities across many pre-production departments for crew members and production professionals.
The news comes off the heels ofSonic the Hedgehog 3’s global success. The film has already eclipsedSonic the Hedgehog 2’s $190 million domestic total at the box office last week — an achievement that only took Sonicthe Hedgehog 3nineteen days to accomplish — and is expected to overtake its predecessor’s worldwide $405 million haul in the coming days to become the highest-grossing entry in the franchise. The film also earned 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and currently stands as one of the highest-rated video game film adaptations ever made,with many praising Jim Carrey’s performancesas Ivo and Gerald Robotnik as one of the film’s highlights.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3closed out “Fearless:The Year of Shadow,“Sega’s Shadow-centric promotional campaignthat shone a spotlight on the hedgehog through several events and the release of an animated mini-series that led into his very own campaign in the acclaimedSonic X Shadow Generations. The game also features Keanu Reeves, who voiced Shadow inSonic the Hedgehog 3, where he reprised the role in a piece of downloadable content inspired by the film.
Despite all the continued successSonic the Hedgehog 3is receiving, itwill not be in the running for an Oscar this year. While winning the most coveted award in the film industry is not a possibility,Sonic the Hedgehog 3furthers the golden age of video game adaptations, joined by the likes ofThe Last of UsandFallout,by offering unique interpretations that honor the source material.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)
Cast
Directed by Jeff Fowler, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 sets up a new threat for Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails by introducing Shadow the Hedgehog. Shadow presents such a big danger to planet Earth, that the heroes have to team up with Dr. Robotnik.
