Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Lands Idris Elba as Knuckles

3 years ago

We officially have our Knuckles. As reported by Variety, Idris Elba has been cast as the video game character in next year’s Sonic the Hedgehog 2. It had already been revealed that that red-skinned hedgehog would appear in the film. However, it hadn’t been revealed who would voice him. Now, we know it to be Elba.

Per the report, Elba, who was most recently seen as Bloodsport in The Suicide Squad, has been tapped to voice Knuckles. The character was introduced to the Sonic universe in 1994. Filming on the sequel has been underway for months and it is scheduled to hit theaters in April of next year. Elba confirmed the casting news personally on Twitter. Have a look.

Knock, knock….#SonicMovie2 #Knuckles pic.twitter.com/N1PW5XaCEd

— Idris Elba (@idriselba) August 10, 2021

Elba has been one of the most popular stars working in Hollywood over the last handful of years. Some of his best-known credits include Luther, Pacific Rim and his role as Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As mentioned, he is now suiting up as Bloodsport in the DCEU. Though it has yet to be confirmed if he will reprise the role beyond The Suicide Squad.

Here is the synopsis for the first Sonic the Hedgehog.

“The world needed a hero, we got a hedgehog. Powered with incredible speed, Sonic The Hedgehog (voiced by Ben Schwartz), aka The Blue Blur, embraces his new home on Earth. That is, until he accidentally knocks out the power grid and sparks the attention of super-uncool evil genius Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey). Now it’s super-villain vs. super-sonic in an all-out race across the globe to stop Robotnik from using Sonic’s unique power for world domination. Sonic teams up with The Donut Lord, aka Sheriff Tom Wachowski (James Marsden), to save the planet in this live-action adventure comedy that’s fun for the whole family.”

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 adds yet another big franchise to the actor’s roster. It’s also a big get for the studio, as this adds another A-list star to the ensemble. The original cast is set to return, including James Marsden and Tika Sumpter. Jim Carrey is also expected to reprise his role as Dr. Robotnik. Ben Schwartz will be back to voice Sonic.

Released in 2020 just weeks ahead of the pandemic taking hold in the U.S., Sonic the Hedgehog was a sizable hit. It earned solid reviews on its way to $319.7 million at the global box office. And that was with a stunted release, as theaters began closing around the world due to COVID. Paramount was quick to get a sequel moving, bringing back the original creative team. Jeff Fowler will once again direct, with Deadpool’s Tim Miller producing.