The Blue Blur returns to the silver screen
Paramount Pictures has quickly realized that it is on to a good thing and to strike while the iron is most assuredly hot — as such, the studio has announced that the second sequel in the hugely successful Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise will premiere December 2024, a little over two years on from the release of the most recent entry, Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
“Running faster, flying higher, and punching harder,” teased the studio on the official Sonic Twitter. “#SonicMovie3 hits theatres on December 20, 2024.”
Running faster, flying higher, and punching harder. #SonicMovie3 hits theatres on December 20, 2024. pic.twitter.com/DcFGbaKUao
— Sonic the Hedgehog (@SonicMovie) August 9, 2022
No further details pertaining to plot, cast, or crew were announced, though it would be very unsurprising to see Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, and Colleen O’Shaughnessey return to their respective roles of Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails. Given the success of the previous movies, one would also expect Paramount to roll out the bucks to resecure director Jeff Fowler for the new sequel.
The original Sonic the Hedgehog movie was launched to praise from critics and fans in February 2020, one of the last major releases before the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic began wreaking havoc on the global film industry. Following a tumultuous production period beset by the notorious “Ugly Sonic” reveal, the finished film was a massive success, earning a huge $319 million global box office.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 premiered in April of this year and, while critical praise was a little cooler on the movie itself, the box office was not, with the film pulling in $402 million. When you factor in that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has been given a prime holiday spot for its release date, it’s easy to see that Paramount has massive faith in the franchise, and clearly expects the third movie to perform better still. As for Ugly Sonic… well, he’s doing surprisingly well, all things considered.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 premieres in theaters December 20, 2024.