Sonic the Hedgehog sequel is coming

Having run rings around the box office competition, video game movie Sonic the Hedgehog is getting a sequel, confirms Variety.

The movie was one of the few releases this year that managed to assert itself prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Featuring Jim Carrey as Sonic's feared nemesis Dr. Robotnik, the Sonic movie went on to gross more than $300 million worldwide, making it one of the most successful video game adaptations.

Although its total gross was less than 2019's Pokemon: Detective Pikachu ($440 million worldwide), Sonic's opening weekend was the biggest ever for a video game movie. The success was all the more profound given the film's production troubles: Sonic himself had to be completely redesigned following outrage from fans, which ultimately pushed the release date back to February 2020.

Variety confirms the return of director Jeff Fowler (whom we interviewed here), plus screenwriters Pat Casey and Josh Miller. There's no official word yet about the involvement of Sonic voice actor Ben Schwartz or live-action co-stars Carrey, James Marsden and Tika Sumpter.

The first film had some post-credits surprises that delighted Sega fans. The first was the reveal of Carrey in the traditional Robotnik garb, plus the distinctive facial hair. And at the same time, we were also introduced to a famous companion from the games: Tails, who will surely be helping out in the sequel.

The start date of production has yet to be confirmed, so there's obviously no release date to speak of. Stay tuned to the blog for more news and tweet us your reactions @Cineworld.