Summary
- Sonic the Hedgehog's cinematic universe proves video game movies can succeed when done right, showcasing consistent success and audience engagement.
- The Knuckles spinoff series and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 are poised to continue the franchise's upward momentum, building a comprehensive cinematic universe for fans.
- Paramount's quick turnarounds, dedication to source material, and inclusion of fan service set a successful blueprint for video game adaptations to follow.
Video game movies have a bad reputation, but the success of Sonic the Hedgehog's cinematic universe proves it shouldn't be so difficult to get these adaptations right. While releases like Sonic the Hedgehog, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and Five Nights at Freddy's are proving that video game adaptations are getting better, there is still a lot to improve upon. Films like 2022's Uncharted and 2023's Gran Turismo offer disappointing takes on beloved games, and even some of the movies that aren't total flops — like Detective Pikachu and Super Mario Bros. — are failing to capitalize on their franchise potential.
By contrast, the original Sonic the Hedgehog movie proved a box office success back in 2020, even if its $302 million worldwide gross doesn't seem all that impressive by other genres' standards (via Knuckles spinoff series on the horizon, Sonic is doing what other video game movies haven't.
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The Reaction To Knuckles Continues Sonic The Hedgehog’s Live-Action Franchise Success
The Show's Super Bowl Trailer Broke Records For Paramount
After two successful films, the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise isn't slowing down — and the reaction to Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Given how closely related to the films the television series is, fans are understandably excited about its release.
The Knuckles trailer seems to have increased that excitement, as it broke viewership records for Paramount+ in the 24 hours after its Super Bowl release (via Collider). The comments beneath the video on Twitter are also overwhelmingly positive, suggesting many subscribers are planning to tune in for the spinoff. This bodes well for Knuckles, which promises to continue the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise's success. If it proves a compelling watch, it could also boost interest in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, continuing the cycle even further.
Knuckles premieres on Paramount+ on April 26, 2024.
Why The Sonic The Hedgehog Movie Franchise Is Working So Well
Paramount Is Creating Upward Momentum For The Franchise
When it comes to building a franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog is succeeding where many other video game adaptations have failed. It's not just the positive reviews and profitability that are helping it stand out. Sonic the Hedgehog is creating a truly consistent cinematic universe, something even the $1 billion Super Mario Bros. Movie hasn't moved to accomplish. The movies and spinoff feature a continuous narrative, and none of the characters are forgotten. These projects also feature plenty of Easter eggs and references from the Sonic games, and they go out of their way to provide fan service.
When it comes to building a franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog is succeeding where many other video game adaptations have failed.
In addition to delivering projects that are clearly made for diehard Sonic fans, Paramount is ensuring that its Sonic the Hedgehog movies and show are turned around in a timely fashion. With Sonic the Hedgehog 3 releasing in December 2024, all three films will have come out in the span of four years — and that's with the COVID-19 production pauses and 2023 Hollywood strikes. This may not seem like a huge deal, but it creates a consistent experience that keeps the franchise at the front of audiences' minds. Other blockbusters and franchises could learn from this approach, capitalizing on the same upward momentum.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is currently slated to hit theaters on December 20, 2024.
What Other Video Game Adaptations Can Learn From Sonic The Hedgehog’s Success
Quick Turnarounds & Dedication To The Source Material Go A Long Way
With Sonic the Hedgehog quickly becoming its own cinematic universe, other video game adaptations can learn from its success. Sonic's speedy release plan would benefit other video game franchises, but studios don't seem to be jumping on this approach. Despite The Super Mario Bros. Movie grossing more than $1 billion in 2023, Illumination has made no moves to green-light a sequel or spinoff of the animated hit. Likewise, a Detective Pikachu sequel has failed to come to fruition despite years ing since the original's 2019 release. And even Uncharted 2, which is reportedly in development, is taking years to come out.
These breaks between sequels cause moviegoers to lose interest, especially those who are more casual fans of these franchises. Studios can learn from Paramount's success with Sonic by turning around their sequels much faster. That's not all they can take away from the adaptations. Other video game movies should also cater to longtime fans first and foremost, something Sonic the Hedgehog does well. That approach locks in loyal viewers, all of whom contribute to the sequels' and spinoffs' upward trajectory.
Source: The Numbers, Collider
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
- Release Date
- December 20, 2024
- Runtime
- 110 minutes
- Director
- Jeff Fowler
Cast
Sonic (voice)
Dr. Robotnik / Gerald Robotnik
WHERE TO WATCH
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 reunites Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as they face a formidable new adversary, Shadow. With Shadow's unprecedented powers posing a significant threat, Team Sonic seeks an unexpected alliance to thwart his plans and safeguard the planet.
- Writers
- Josh Miller, Patrick Casey, John Whittington
- Franchise(s)
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Studio(s)
- Sega Sammy Group, Original Film, Marza Animation Planet, Blur Studio
- Distributor(s)
- Paramount Pictures
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