Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is officially off to the races. Paramount Pictures has announced that the third installment in the franchise has begun filming. The studio took to social media to reveal a behind-the-scenes photo from the production. It contains a clapboard with the film’s title and logo. It also contains a little tease for a major character who is set to join the series in the upcoming installment. Take a look.
Off and RUNNING. #SonicMovie3
Only in theatres December 20, 2024 pic.twitter.com/BUIlurNIC0— Sonic the Hedgehog (@SonicMovie) November 29, 2023
Fans will recognize that as Shadow the Hedgehog. This is one of the most significant characters from the games who hadn’t appeared in the movies. There was a brief appearance in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, but it’s clear that he’s going to be a big part of the third movie. Similarly, Knuckles was introduced in the previous sequel, played by Idris Elba. Paramount is also currently working on a Knuckles series for Paramount+. It has yet to be confirmed who will be voicing Shadow in the movie.
The cast has largely not been established at this point. Jeff Fowler is returning to the director’s chair, after helming the first two installments. It’s expected that James Marsden will return as Tom, with Ben Schwartz once again voicing Sonic. The big question is whether or not Jim Carrey will be back once again as Dr. Robotnik. The actor has since flirted with retirement. Producer Toby Ascher had this to say to IGN about it in April 2022.
“Jim Carrey is always a member of the Sonic family and he will always have a place in these movies and TV shows as long as he’d like to be around. We love Jim and he’s so special, and what he does with Robotnik is so incredible, we would love him as long as he would like to be there with us.”
Sonic the Hedgehog helped turn the tide for video game movies back in 2020. Against a $90 million budget, the film made more than $300 million at the box office against favorable reviews. And that was even with the pandemic cutting the film’s theatrical run short. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 did even better, taking in more than $400 million worldwide against a similar budget.
Here is the synopsis for Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
“After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search for an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.”
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is set to hit theaters on December 20, 2024.
What do you think? Are you excited for the sequel? Who would you like to play Shadow? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
