Heads up, Sonic fans! Paramount Pictures is doubling down on the Sega icon. We already knew that Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is on the way, due in theaters in 2027. Now though, the studio has announced a new Sonic the Hedgehog spin-off movie. Arriving in theaters in 2028, the spin-off is currently shrouded in mystery. But it looks like a Sonic Cinematic Universe is in full swing. The big question; who is going to be the focus of this spin-off?
According to Variety, Paramount has dated an untitled “Sonic Universe Event Film” for December 22, 2028. That is notably more than a year and a half after Sonic 4 hits theaters. So it’s possible if not likely that the fourth entry in the franchise will help tee up this spin-off. As a result, details are sure to be kept under wraps for the time being. Paramount also set a release date for a new live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. It is due in theaters on November 17, 2028. This comes after the cancellation of the TMNT: The Last Ronin movie.
Circling back to Sonic, there are several options for a spin-off. The most likely candidate would be Shadow the Hedgehog. Shadow was introduced in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Voiced by Keanu Reeves, he had long been a fan-favorite in the games. He quickly became a favorite in the movies as well.
This would also follow Paramount’s previous pattern regarding this particular franchise. Idris Elba’s Knuckles got a spin-off series on Paramount+. It took place between Sonic 2 and Sonic 3. The studio feels confident enough to go with another movie this time around, rather than another streaming series. With good reason as the Sonic movies have made nearly $1.2 billion collectively at the box office, with each entry out-grossing its predecessor.
“We’re creating a Sonic cinematic universe,” producer Toby Ascher said ahead of the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 2. “We knew we were going to add characters, like Tails and Knuckles; new to the films but beloved by gamers all over the world.”
Aside from Shadow, there are plenty of other characters in the Sonic universe who could warrant a spin-off. There’s Sonic’s trusty buddy Tails, most notably. Sonic 3 also helped tee up the ball for Amy Rose, who first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog CD in 1993. Multiple Metal Sonics were also featured. The possibilities are many. All we can do now is speculate.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 hits theaters on March 19, 2027.
What do you think? Who do you want the spin-off to focus on? Are you excited for the fourth movie? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
