On February 13, 2020, just before the corona pandemic shut down cinemas, a blue hedgehog named Sonic stormed onto the screen. Video gamers have known the character since the early 1990s, and Sonic has been controlled in over 350 games since then. On the other hand, there is one film that will celebrate its free TV premiere on January 22, 2022 (8:15 p.m., Sat.1) and initially seemed to have had anything but a good start with the fans.
The fastest hedgehog on earth: That’s what it’s all about
Because it is no longer safe for the hedgehog Sonic (voiced by YouTuber Julien Bam, 33) on his home world, he lands on earth. Due to his incredible speed, it is not difficult for him to live in hiding from humanity at first. But the loneliness gnaws at him more and more.
Eventually, through carelessness, the evil genius Dr. Robotnik takes notice of him and seeks to misuse the alien hedgehog’s powers for his sinister purposes. Sonic finds shelter with the small-town policeman Tom Wachowski, who, after some initial difficulties, develops into the hedgehog’s first friend on earth.
From flop to hit
Sonic the Hedgehog is a prime example of how it can pay off for a film studio to listen to fan base feedback. Because when the first trailer for the strip appeared, the fans immediately went on the barricades given the look of the traditional video game character shown in it. Film studio Paramount reacted to the criticism, then revised the design and postponed the theatrical release – with success.
As a thank you for the critical ability, “Sonic” blossomed into a surprise hit, the film grossed 320 million US dollars at the worldwide box office. So it’s no wonder that the film, which threatened to become a massive flop, even got a sequel afterwards.
“Sonic the Hedgehog 2” is scheduled to hit the cinemas at the end of March this year, and it again features “Westworld” star James Marsden (48) as policeman Tom and comedy great Jim Carrey (60) as Sonic’s crazy nemesis Dr. to see Robotnik. At least in the English original, Idris Elba (49) will also be heard: He speaks in the sequel to Sonic’s hedgehog colleague Knuckles.