Since its release in 2020, a sequel to the first Sonic the Hedgehog movie has been hotly anticipated and, with the unveiling of the full trailer last month alongside other announcements, the wait for it is almost over. Some of the details have been especially intriguing to fans of the first film, including the reveal that Knuckles and Tails will both feature.
Ahead of Sonic the Hedgehog 2's release this spring, fans may find a rundown of everything known so far about the cast, plot, and potential developments the movie could make helps get them even more excited for the movie.
Ben Schwartz Reprises The Role Of Sonic
The star who rose to prominence in the role of Jean-Ralphio Saperstein on best Ben Schwartz role according to IMDB. Though he was a surprise choice to play the role of the Blue Blur, his voice acting was one of the best parts of the first film.
In addition, James Marsden and Tika Sumpter reprise their roles as Tom and Maddie Wachowski, the couple whom Sonic befriends, and Jim Carrey returns as his flamboyant and now vengeful Doctor Eggman.
Knuckles Will Be Played By Idris Elba
Perhaps even more so than Schwartz's casting in the first movie, the announcement that the British actor would be providing the voice of Knuckles in the sequel was a surprising one. Elba is mainly known for playing complicated and memorable characters in gritty dramas such as Luther, so fans would be forgiven for thinking he's not exactly a natural fit for the determined echidna.
However, his dramatic appearance in the trailer put a lot of doubts at rest. Though Knuckles only spoke briefly, the power of his voice left fans in no doubt that Elba would be a success in the role. One thing we do know about the direction he has taken the character in is that Knuckles' voice will not be sexy.
Knuckles Is Not A Good Guy
Knuckles isn't known for being sympathetic to Sonic's cause throughout the franchise but it was still a surprise to see the character apparently helping Eggman in the trailer, seeming to take on the role of one of his henchmen. Knuckles also seems extremely strong, being able to hold back a fully charged Sonic going at full speed.
Sonic attacking him may have been a case of mistaken identity, mistaking the red-furred antihero for the red-coated villain, but when Eggman appears seconds later to introduce Knuckles, his allegiance becomes more obvious. The movie is even titled "Sonic VS Knuckles" in Japan, leaving little doubt over Knuckles' status as a villain in the sequel.
Jim Carrey's Eggman Will Finally Have His Moustache
Though Carrey's Doctor Eggman was an over-the-top delight in the first film, there were definitely still some things missing from this version of the nefarious scientist. One of these that some fans were happy to see was the inclusion of his iconic mustache. Seen at the very end of the first movie, the cartoonish facial hair only adds to the ridiculousness of the villain.
The trailer and promotional material for the sequel has confirmed that the mustache will be staying for this film, or, as Carrey puts it in the trailer "Papa's got a brand new 'stache."
The Movie Will Have To Explain Eggman's Return
There is no getting around Doctor Eggman's predicament at the conclusion of the first film. Robotnik was left stranded on an alien planet at the end of Sonic The Hedgehog with no choice but to improvise a means of getting back with nothing but a quill from Sonic and the remains of his hovercraft. Even if the sequel takes place quite a few years later, it will be hard to explain Eggman's return.
Whilst it would also have been difficult for them to leave Jim Carrey's character out of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, making him the apparent central antagonist again has left them with some explaining to do.
The Master Emerald Will Play A Part
The Master Emerald is an important item in the Sonic universe that traditionally acts as a counter to the Chaos Emeralds and allows the owner to control them. As such, it is an object that holds a lot of power which is likely the reason why it will be central to Eggman's schemes in the new film.
Though the film series has been picking and choosing which parts of Sonic lore to keep consistent and which to ignore in order to go its own way, the presence of the Master Emerald does have some interesting implications. It could potentially hint at the existence of Angel Island where the Emerald usually rests, and give the power for Sonic to become Super Sonic.
Sonic And Tails' Friendship Will Be Developed
Very soon after the successful release of the first Sonic the Hedgehog film, in which Tails was seen briefly arriving on earth to search for Sonic at the end, there was talk of developing the relationship between the two in the sequel, as director Jeff Fowler told Syfy Wire. After gauging audience reactions to Tails, there was good reason to have the two interact a lot in Sonic The Hedgehog 2.
With the release of the trailer, fans seem to be getting what they asked for, as the two are shown mid-action-scene interacting for the first time in this series. The potential friendship between the two is another reason to look forward to the sequel.
Sonic Will Be A Superhero
Whilst James Marsden's character makes it clear he doesn't believe Sonic is a superhero and tells him to stop trying to be Batman, it is clear that this iteration of Sonic is already headed in that direction. Superhero films have been at a peak in popularity for a while, and the genre is also versatile, as superhero movies can often blend genres better than other types of movies.
More evidence for Sonic becoming more overtly a superhero in the trailer include referring to himself as the "Blue Justice" and attempting to stop what appears to be a robbery. With his desire to do good as well as his super speed, Sonic is a good fit for the superhero role.
Tom Holkenborg Will Be Doing The Music
Also known by his stage name, Junkie XL, Holkenborg composed the score for the first Sonic The Hedgehog film as well as plenty of other action and superhero films. With Zack Snyder's Deadpool among his credits, Holkenborg is one of the best at epic action scores.
The trailer also gives a good indication of what audiences can expect from the music in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, with the soundtrack looking set to match the first film for scale. The Sonic games are full of great music, and now the films are too.
The Release Date
The sequel is expected to release in theatres first in Australia and Russia first on March 31st of this year before its US release just over a week later on the 8th of April. With the pandemic still a factor, and many blockbusters of recent years having their release dates postponed, there is still a chance the dates could change.
However, as the sequel only began development post-pandemic and with the release now very close, the film does seem set to release on time. Fans should feel free to continue to get excited over the next couple of months as the date draws closer.
