The last pre-pandemic box office hit prior to theaters around the world shutting down was 2020's Sonic the Hedgehog, which pulled in $320 million on an $85 million budget. Well, this April Sonic is back in his second film, with the returning vilainy of Dr. Robotnik (aka Eggman) and the introduction of pal Tails and bad guy (undoubtedly ready to turn good) Knuckles. Well, now Paramount and Sega are announcing the expansion of that universe with a third film — scheduled for release in 2023 — being put into development.
On top of that, a spin-off Paramount+ television series focusing on Knuckles, with Idris Elba reprising his vocal performance from Sonic 2, has been announced. That show will begin streaming in 2023 as well.
Noted Paramount Pictures CEO Brian Robbins, "For more than three decades, Sonic the Hedgehog's universe of vibrant, unique characters has generated one of the most passionate fanbases. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Sega, [producer] 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."
No word on whether or not Jeff Fowler, director of the first two films, will be involved with the third chapter or the TV series.
Sonic 2 reaches theatres on April 8, and is officially described as follows: "After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search of an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.”