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Sonic the Hedgehog (film)

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This article is about the 2019 film. For the 1996 animated feature, see Sonic the Hedgehog (OVA).

Sonic the Hedgehog
The film poster features Sonic running over a skyscraper chased by Dr. Robotnik's droids.
Teaser poster
Directed byJeff Fowler
Screenplay by
Story by
  • Van Robichaux
  • Evan Susser
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyStephen F. Windon
Edited byStacey Schroeder
Music byJunkie XL
Distributed byParamount Pictures
Release date
  • February 14, 2020 (2020-02-14)
Countries
  • Japan
  • United States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$90 million[1]

Sonic the Hedgehog is an upcoming adventure comedy film produced and distributed by Paramount Pictures and based on the eponymous video game franchise published by Sega. The film is directed by Jeff Fowler and written by Patrick Casey, Josh Miller, and Oren Uziel, from a story by Van Robichaux and Evan Susser. It stars Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog and Jim Carrey as Sonic's nemesis Doctor Robotnik, alongside James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Neal McDonough and Adam Pally. In the film, a small-town sheriff assists Sonic as he attempts to escape the government.

In 2013, Sony Pictures acquired the film rights to the Sonic franchise, and by 2014 had an adaptation in development. Fowler was hired to direct in 2016 and will make his directorial debut with the film. After Sony put the project in turnaround, Paramount acquired it in 2017, and the majority of the cast had signed on by August 2018. Filming took place between July and October 2018 in Vancouver, Ladysmith and elsewhere on Vancouver Island.

Sonic the Hedgehog is scheduled to be released in the United States on February 14, 2020.

Premise

Tom Wachowski, a San Francisco Police Department officer-turned-newly appointed Sheriff of Green Hills, Montana, journeys from Green Hills to San Francisco to assist Sonic, an anthropomorphic extraterrestrial blue hedgehog who can run at incredible speeds, in evading capture by the government, collecting his rings, and defeating the insane scientist Doctor Robotnik.[3][4]

Cast

Additionally, Lee Majdoub appears as Stone, an agent who works closely with Dr. Robotnik.[11] Frank C. Turner also appears as Crazy Carl.[12] Natasha Rothwell,[13] Debs Howard, Elfina Luk[14] Riff Raff and Garry Chalk are cast in undisclosed roles.[15][16][17]

Production

Development

Sony Pictures Entertainment acquired the rights to produce and distribute a film based on Sonic the Hedgehog in 2013.[18] On June 10, 2014, a live-action animated film based on Sonic the Hedgehog was announced as a joint venture between Sony Pictures and Marza Animation Planet.[19] It would be produced by Neal H. Moritz by his Original Film banner alongside Takeshi Ito, Mie Onishi, and Toru Nakahara, and written by Evan Susser and Van Robichaux.[19] In February 2016, Sega CEO Hajime Satomi stated the film was scheduled for 2018.[20] Blur Studio's Tim Miller and Jeff Fowler were hired in 2016 to develop the film; Fowler would make his feature directorial debut, and both Miller and Fowler would executive produce.[21] Patrick Casey, Josh Miller, and Oren Uziel were writing the screenplay.[21]

On October 2, 2017, Paramount Pictures announced that they had acquired the rights after Sony Pictures' Columbia Pictures put the film into turnaround. However, most of the production team remained unchanged.[22] In February 2018, it was announced that the movie would be released in November 2019.[23][24]

Casting

On May 29, 2018, it was reported that Paul Rudd was in talks for a lead role as Tom, "a cop who befriends Sonic and will likely team up to defeat Dr. Eggman," but was later denied.[1] A day later, it was announced that James Marsden was cast in an undisclosed role, but later revealed to be Tom Wachowski.[8] In June 2018, Tika Sumpter was cast. Jim Carrey was cast to play the villain, Dr. Robotnik.[7] In August 2018, Ben Schwartz joined the cast of the film voicing the title character.[25] A few days later, Adam Pally and Neal McDonough were cast.[26] Debs Howard and Elfina Luk joined the cast.[14]

Filming

Principal photography took place from July 24, 2018 and ended in Vancouver, Ladysmith, and Vancouver Island on October 16, 2018. Post-production and additional photography began and ended in October in New York, where Jim Carrey shot his scenes.[27]

Visual effects and design

After Sonic's initial design drew criticism, director Jeff Fowler announced it would be redesigned.[28]

The visual effects are provided by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Blur Studio, Digital Domain and the Moving Picture Company (MPC).[29] The production team created a realistic version of Sonic, adding fur, new running shoes, two separate eyes,[30] and a more human-like physique.[31] They used Ted, the living teddy bear from the Ted films, as a reference to insert a CG character into a real-world setting. Executive producer Tim Miller said: "It would be weird and it would feel like he was running around nude if he was some sort of otter-like thing. It was always, for us, fur, and we never considered anything different. It's part of what integrates him into the real world and makes him a real creature." According to Miller, Sega was not "entirely happy" with the design of Sonic's eyes.[30] Its humanoid appearance has been described as evoking an uncanny valley-type of revulsive response by viewers.[32]

On May 2, 2019, two days after the trailer's release, Fowler announced on Twitter that Sonic would be redesigned before the film's release, due to the audience backlash against the design in the first trailer and the fan edits that were much more well received.[28] The film's November release date remains unchanged, prompting concerns that a design overhaul of the main character would cause the visual effects teams to be overworked.[33][34]

Music

In February 2019, Junkie XL signed on to compose the score.[35] Riff Raff, who has a role in the film, will also appear on the soundtrack.[36]

Marketing

Test footage was screened at the Comic Con Experience in Brazil on December 6, 2018.[37] A teaser poster was released on December 10, 2018, revealing the redesigned Sonic.[30] The design received a mostly negative response from critics and fans,[38] and was compared unfavorably to another 2019 video game film adaptation, Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, which added fur and skin textures to the Pokémon characters.[31] Former members of Sonic Team, who created the original Sonic the Hedgehog games, expressed surprise at the design.[39]

A second poster for the film was leaked online shortly after the release of the first. Fans complained of a lack of resemblance to the games and criticized the positioning of Sonic's legs, spawning an internet meme in which users recreated the position.[40][41] The official Twitter account for the film posted an image of Sonic behind a sign reading: "Can't a guy work out?"[42] Images of the Sonic design leaked in March 2019 to more fan criticism. Former Sonic Team president and Sonic co-creator Yuji Naka was "shocked" by the design and felt the ratio of Sonic's head and abdomen was imbalanced.[43]

The first trailer premiered on April 4, 2019 at CinemaCon in Las Vegas,[44] and was released online on April 30. It received mostly negative reception,[45][46][47] with Gita Jackson of Kotaku calling it "horrific" and "a blight upon this weary earth".[45] Sonic's design was criticized, particularly for his humanoid appearance,[45][47] and some writers found the use of Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" inappropriate.[48][49] Conversely, CNET's Sean Keane praised the humor and references to the games.[50] Within two days of its release, the trailer had been viewed more than 20 million times on YouTube.[51]

Release

Sonic the Hedgehog was initially scheduled for 2018 by Columbia Pictures; however, Paramount Pictures rescheduled it to November 15, 2019.[20][52] The film was set for release again in the United States a week earlier on November 8, 2019.[53] On May 24 2019, the film was delayed to February 14, 2020 to allow for more time to redesign Sonic following controversy regarding it.

References

  1. ^ a b Raymond, Nicholas (May 29, 2018). "Paul Rudd Eyed For Lead Role In Sonic the Hedgehog Film [Updated]". Screen Rant. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
  2. ^ "DJ2 Entertainment". Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  3. ^ Gregory, Mike (June 14, 2018). "Paramount budgets $7M for Sonic the Hedgehog movie shoot in 'hero town' Ladysmith". Vancouver Island Free Daily. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
  4. ^ Sneider, Jeff (August 9, 2018). "Exclusive: 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie Adds MCU Veterans Adam Pally, Neal McDonough". Collider. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
  5. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony; D'Alessandro, Anthony (June 9, 2018). "Jim Gianopulos On Why He Chose Paramount, What Makes A Hit And Sparking To 'Sonic The Hedgehog' – Produced By".
  6. ^ Gregory, Mike (June 14, 2018). "Paramount budgets $7M for Sonic the Hedgehog movie shoot in 'hero town' Ladysmith". Vancouver Island Free Daily. Retrieved August 26, 2018.
  7. ^ a b Fleming Jr, Mike (June 29, 2018). "Jim Carrey To Play 'Sonic The Hedgehog' Villain Robotnik". Deadline. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
  8. ^ a b Kroll, Justin (May 30, 2018). "James Marsden to Star in 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  9. ^ Kroll, Justin (July 7, 2018). "Tika Sumpter Lands Female Lead in 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved August 12, 2018.
  10. ^ Sneider, Jeff (August 9, 2018). "Exclusive: 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie Adds MCU Veterans Adam Pally, Neal McDonough". Collider. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  11. ^ N'Duka, Amanda (September 19, 2018). "David Zayas Cast in Paramount's 'Body Cam'; 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Adds Lee Majdoub". Deadline. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  12. ^ Schaefer, Sandy (September 18, 2018). "Leaked Sonic The Hedgehog (2019) set pics show actor to the left was NOT Jim Carrey". ScreenRant. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  13. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 24, 2018). "'Insecure's Natasha Rothwell Joins 'Wonder Woman 1984'". Deadline. Retrieved August 12, 2018. Upcoming for Rothwell: She booked a role in Paramount's Sonic the Hedgehog...
  14. ^ a b "2019 #SonicMovie - New Filming Spotted in #SanFrancisco! 2 New Actresses Confirmed! (#SonicNews)". www.youtube.com. YouTube. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
  15. ^ Gwyn, Rhys ap (August 9, 2018). "The Sonic the Hedgehog movie finds its voice". Attack of the Fanboy. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
  16. ^ Conover, Stuart (August 9, 2018). "Ben Schwartz Has Run Towards The Call For 'Sonic The Hedgehog'". sciencefiction.com. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
  17. ^ https://super.abril.com.br/cultura/8-easter-eggs-do-novo-trailer-de-sonic-o-filme/
  18. ^ Bui, Hoai-Tran (October 3, 2017). "Live-Action Sonic the Hedgehog Movie Is Speeding into Development". SlashFilm. Retrieved May 17, 2018.
  19. ^ a b Siegel, Tatiana (June 10, 2014). "'Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie in the Works at Sony". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 10, 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  20. ^ a b Loughrey, Clarisse (February 11, 2016). "Sonic the Hedgehog movie confirmed for 2018, will be 'a live-action and animation hybrid'". Independent. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  21. ^ a b Kit, Borys (October 31, 2016). "'Deadpool' Director Shifts to Sony's 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
  22. ^ Kit, Borys (June 21, 2017). "'Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie Races to Paramount (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 2, 2017.
  23. ^ Frank, Allegra (February 22, 2018). "Sonic the Hedgehog film dated for November 2019 (update)". Polygon. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  24. ^ "SEGA of America and Paramount Pictures Finalize Agreement to Co-produce Sonic the Hedgehog Feature Film". Business Wire. February 22, 2018. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  25. ^ Kroll, Justin (August 9, 2018). "Ben Scwhartz to Voice 'Sonic the Hedgehog' in Upcoming Movie (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  26. ^ Wood, Matt (August 12, 2018). "Two MCU Actors Just Joined The Sonic The Hedgehog Movie". CINEMABLEND.
  27. ^ Gregory, Mike (June 14, 2018). "Paramount budgets $7M for Sonic the Hedgehog movie shoot in 'hero town' Ladysmith". Vancouver Island Free Daily. Retrieved August 24, 2018.
  28. ^ a b Grayson, Nathan (May 2, 2019). "Sonic The Hedgehog Movie Design To Be Changed Following Criticism". Kotaku. Retrieved May 2, 2019.
  29. ^ "Sonic the Hedgehog Official Trailer - Animation Boss". www.animationboss.net. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  30. ^ a b c Schwartz, Terri (December 10, 2018). "Sonic The Hedgehog Movie First Look: Check Out the Exclusive Official Poster". IGN. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  31. ^ a b Webb, Kevin. "A 'Sonic the Hedgehog' movie is on the way, but fans think his new design looks awful". Business Insider. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  32. ^ Stephen Lambrechts (May 1, 2019). "Sonic the Hedgehog trailer worse than being punched by Knuckles the Echidna, Sonic rolls his way into the uncanny valley". Techradar.
  33. ^ Loveridge, Lynzee. "Sonic Co-Creators Express Gratitude to Fans, But Live-Action Film Team Could Be in Tough Spot". Anime News Network. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
  34. ^ Donaldson, Kayleigh. "Redoing Sonic The Hedgehog's Design At the Last Minute is a Bad Idea". Screen Rant. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
  35. ^ Pearson, Ben (February 15, 2019). "'Sonic the Hedgehog' Score to Be Created By 'Mad Max: Fury Road' Composer Junkie XL". /Film. Retrieved April 2, 2019. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  36. ^ Jones, Biz (April 30, 2019). "Riff Raff reveals role in new Sonic the Hedgehog movie". SOHH. Retrieved May 2, 2019.
  37. ^ Schmidt, JK (December 7, 2018). "'Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie Footage Revealed at CCXP". Comic Book. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
  38. ^ Chalk, Andy (December 10, 2018). "The first Sonic the Hedgehog live action movie poster is creepy as hell". PC Gamer. Retrieved December 12, 2018. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  39. ^ Barder, Ollie (December 13, 2018). "The Original Creators Behind 'Sonic The Hedgehog' React To The New Live-Action Movie Reveal". Forbes. Retrieved December 13, 2018. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  40. ^ Kelly, Tiffany (December 13, 2018). "People are making memes out of these 'leaked' 'Sonic the Hedgehog' posters". The Daily Dot. Retrieved December 15, 2018. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  41. ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (December 15, 2018). "That nightmarish Sonic movie poster is real". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Retrieved December 20, 2018. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  42. ^ Auty, Dan (December 19, 2018). "Sonic The Hedgehog Movie Twitter Trolls Fans About Those Legs". GameSpot. Retrieved March 8, 2019. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  43. ^ Jackson, Gita (March 5, 2019). "The Internet, And Sonic's Creator, React To Sonic's Movie Design". Kotaku. Retrieved March 8, 2019.
  44. ^ Peters, Megan (April 4, 2019). "'Sonic the Hedgehog' Footage Released at CinemaCon". ComicBook.com. Retrieved April 30, 2019.
  45. ^ a b c Jackson, Gita (April 30, 2019). "The Internet Is Having A Hard Time With The Sonic The Hedgehog Trailer". Kotaku. Retrieved April 30, 2019.
  46. ^ Molina, Brett (April 30, 2019). "The 'Sonic the Hedgehog' movie trailer is here, and fans have some issues with it". USA Today. Retrieved April 30, 2019.
  47. ^ a b Stuart, Keith. "The Sonic the Hedgehog movie trailer is a 200mph slap in the face". The Guardian. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  48. ^ Shokeye, Kyle (April 30, 2019). "Fans Are Wondering Why "Gangsta's Paradise" Was Used in 'Sonic' Movie Trailer". Complex. Retrieved April 30, 2019.
  49. ^ Shaffer, Claire (April 30, 2019). "The 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Trailer Is Here". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 30, 2019.
  50. ^ Keane, Sean (April 30, 2019). "Sonic the Hedgehog trailer reveals blue blur and Jim Carrey's Dr. Robotnik". CNET. Retrieved April 30, 2019.
  51. ^ Garza, Ryan (May 1, 2019). "Live action Sonic the Hedgehog movie trailer releases". KRIS-TV. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  52. ^ Couch, Aaron (February 21, 2018). "'Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie Sets 2019 Release Date". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  53. ^ D’Alessandro, Anthony (August 29, 2018). "'Top Gun: Maverick' Flies To Summer 2020 With 'A Quiet Place' Sequel & More: Paramount Release Date Changes". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 29, 2018.
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