Did the world ask for a sequel to 2020’s “Sonic The Hedgehog?” All things considered in the world arena, probably not. However, before COVID-19 shut down the globe last March, Jeff Fowler‘s directorial debut raked in nearly $320 million on a $90 million budget. In studio logic, that’s grounds for a follow-up–even if audiences really, really don’t need it.
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Still, the main rule of the sequels is to up the ante of its predecessor. With any luck, “Sonic The Hedgehog 2” does that in almost every way. Fowler has already done so with additional characters: the new film introduces Tails, Sonic’s sidekick from the videogames, and his rival and sometimes friend, Knuckles the echidna.
Here’s the film’s official synopsis:
After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is ready for more freedom, and Tom and Maddie agree to leave him home while they go on vacation. But, no sooner are they gone, when Dr. Robotnik comes back, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search for an emerald that has the power to both build and destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.
James Marsden, Ben Schwartz, Tika Sumpter, Adam Pally, Natasha Rothwell, and Lee Majdoub return to reprise their roles from the 2020 film. Jim Carrey also returns as Dr. Robotnik, now operating under the pseudonym Dr. Eggman. Colleen O’Shaughnessey joins the cast as Miles “Tails” Prowler, Sonic’s twin-tailed fox protege, and Idris Elba voices Knuckles.
What will the further cinematic adventures of Sonic & friends have in store for audiences next year? Hopefully, something with a little more pep than the 2020 film. A Super Sonic, perhaps? Audiences find out on April 2 when the movie hits theaters courtesy of Paramount. Check out the trailer below.