The vast majority of moviegoers were, against all instinct, pleasantly surprised by the first Sonic the Hedgehog film. What with its irreverent tone, appealing redesign of the Blue Blur, charming buddy duo chemistry as Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) played off James Marsden, and a suitably hammy performance from legend Jim Carrey, it somehow pulled together a collection of bonkers disparate parts to produce something within a bargepole’s distance of being an acceptable video game adaptation.
And yes, I do now have to make the distinction of ‘first film’, as its sequel is, true to the brand, very quickly inbound. Those box office numbers and accolades didn’t lie, and Paramount wasted no time franchising this bad boy. The follow-up adds Tails, Knuckles, and the Master Emerald; a clear indication that we’re doubling down on game content here. Can’t wait for the third one where Shadow appears, who will of course be played by The Rock.
‘More epic in its scale’
However, don’t take my word for it that the sequel will be awesome. Take it from Sonic himself. That’s right – as ScreenRant reports, Ben Schwartz (of DuckTales and SNL fame), who gave life to the iconic rodent in the inaugural movie, has assured fans it’ll be a blast. Schwartz returns to reprise his role, and is joined by fan-favourite game actor Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails, Bri’ish superstar Idris Elba as Knuckles, as well as returning Messrs. Marsden and Carrey.
“Though keeping his lips sealed on potential other game cameos in the film, the star did tease that the sequel is much more epic in its scale than the first movie and expressed his excitement for audiences to see the film and his co-stars,” states the report. Of course, most actors tend to encourage people to go see their films as, y’know, PR is in their contract, but this does ring a little more sincere since Schwartz is a self-proclaimed lifelong Sonic devotee.
The new cast
Here’s what Ben Schwartz had to say, in full:
“I can’t tell you anything, but I will say, I’ve watched it many times and it is huge. It is epic. In terms of size, compared to the first one, this is a movie, this is a film, this is a movie-film.” Gotta be good if it’s prompting the creation of new compound words.
Schwartz goes on: “This is what I’ll say, we’ve got Colleen O’Shaughnessey, who was from the video game and played Tails, she plays Tails, Idris Elba’s Knuckles, they’re both awesome in it and they look awesome. Jim Carrey is incredible in it. Incredible guest stars. Natasha Rothwell, who’s a powerhouse of a comedian, Adam Pally, who worked with [The Afterparty co-star] Sam [Richardson] and who’s worked with me before, is in it and incredibly funny in it.”
Well, if nothing else, Sonic 2 sounds like it’ll be funnier than the first. Carrey combined with those comedic heavy hitters? If I’m not rolling in the aisles, my sides in agonising pain, then I want my money back.
We won’t have to wait too long to find out, though. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 hits cinemas this April.
Will you be going to see it? Let us know!
Via, ScreenRant.
