Sonic in the initial live-action film. | Image: Paramount
A third live-action Sonic the Hedgehog movie is on the way, and itโs set for release on December 20th, 2024, the filmโs official Twitter account has confirmed.
Thereโs no word yet on whether Ben Schwartz will return in the titular role, or whether director Jeff Fowler, or writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller will be back either. This release date, though, puts it directly up against James Cameronโs second Avatar sequel, currently being produced under the working title Avatar 3. Itโs the blue CGI character showdown weโve all been waiting for.
Development on the third Sonic film was first announced in February, alongside the news that Paramount and Sega were also working on a live-action series featuring Idris Elbaโs Knuckles for streaming service Paramount Plus. It seems safe to assume, then, that Elba will return for Sonicโs third live-action outing.
Running faster, flying higher, and punching harder. #SonicMovie3 hits theatres on December 20, 2024. pic.twitter.com/DcFGbaKUao
โ Sonic the Hedgehog (@SonicMovie) August 9, 2022
Whatโs less certain, as Polygon points out, is whether Jim Carrey will return as Doctor Robotnik. The actor said that he was โfairly seriousโ about retiring from acting in an interview with Access Hollywood. โI have enough. Iโve done enough. I am enough,โ Carrey said at the time. The filmโs producers subsequently confirmed that they wouldnโt recast Robotnik if Carrey does retire.
Aside from the widespread mockery that the initial design for Sonic generated, the franchiseโs two live action films have been wildly successful at the box office. Between them, theyโve grossed over $700 million internationally, making them two of the most successful film video game adaptations ever made.
The highest grossing individual video game adaptation, however, remains Duncan Jonesโ Warcraft, which was released in 2016 and has since grossed almost $440 million worldwide (buoyed largely by a rapturous reception in China).