Buzz
Sonic 2 to Premiere Early on Hung Kings' Commemoration Day and Insights into the World's Gaming Icon!
After the resounding success of its 2020 debut, the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise - Sonic 2 - will officially return to the big screen this April. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (original title: Sonic The Hedgehog 2) will kick off early screenings on Hung Kings' Commemoration Day, spanning 3 days from April 09, 10, 11, with the nationwide release starting from April 15, 2022.
As a cultural phenomenon spanning three decades, Sonic the Hedgehog has gained widespread acclaim not only for its adorable appearance but also for the captivating gaming empire behind it - thrilling, engaging, and shaping the childhoods of millions worldwide. So, how did this famous blue hedgehog come into existence and revolutionize the box office with its first live-action film?
A gaming brand with global ambitions
Sonic the Hedgehog, a creation from Japan, was crafted by the leading video game company Sega in 1991. Despite being initially overlooked by Nintendo due to its small size and newcomer status, Sega's goal was to create a game that could become a global icon.
And indeed! The Sonic game quickly achieved success and introduced 3 more game installments. By the end of the 1990s, Sega confidently propelled Sonic into the 3D era, present on top gaming platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, and even Nintendo. As of the end of 2020, the Sonic game franchise has grossed approximately 6 billion USD worldwide, along with 1.14 billion purchases and downloads across free mobile gaming platforms. There's no doubt, Sonic the Hedgehog stands as one of the greatest gaming brands of all time.
The Legacy Continues to Flourish with a Series of Best-Selling Animations and Comics
With dizzying sales figures and a top-tier brand value in the gaming world, Sonic the Hedgehog undergoes further development by Sega, expanding into various forms including animation and comics. The first animated series, Sonic the Hedgehog Adventures, debuted in 1992, garnering immense popularity to the extent that many elements from the series were later incorporated into new game installments, such as Sonic's penchant for hotdogs. Most recently, an animated series titled Sonic Prime is in development by leading online streaming platform Netflix, slated for release in 2022.
Also in 1992, the first Sonic manga was serialized in Shogaku Yonensei - one of the renowned magazines in Japan at the time. Concurrently in the West, Hollywood embarked on producing its own comic series for Sonic, specifically through Archie Comics. Comprising a total of 290 issues, Sonic the Hedgehog by Archie Comics earned a Guinness World Record in 2008 for the 'Longest Running Comic Based on a Video Game,' while also being one of the longest-running American comic series sold outside the market.
It can be said that Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the most famous and iconic pop culture icons, especially in the realm of gaming characters. With over 1 billion USD in revenue from related business ventures, Sonic the Hedgehog cannot overlook its biggest milestone to date - expanding the cinematic universe onto the big screen.
Triumphant Success with the First Sonic the Hedgehog Movie Adaptation
In 2020, Sega officially embarked on its cinematic conquest with the project Sonic the Hedgehog - a film blending live-action with CGI characters. Initially, Sonic the Hedgehog faced much controversy with its unappealing Sonic design, deviating from the game. However, by actively listening to audience feedback, Paramount Pictures successfully turned the tables and regained the audience's trust for Sonic the Hedgehog.
Released on February 21, 2020, Sonic the Hedgehog set a North American box office record as the highest-grossing video game adaptation film with a $57 million opening weekend. Not only that, Sonic the Hedgehog also received a shining A grade from Cinemascore and a fresh 93% rating from Rotten Tomatoes audiences. The film revolves around the story of Sonic the hedgehog getting lost on Earth to escape his enemies.
In his new environment, he must face countless complexities of a new life, especially when among humans. With his superpowers, Sonic not only cannot hide but also attracts the attention of the military and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Meanwhile, the mad scientist Dr. Robotnik also sets his sights on capturing Sonic to obtain that extraordinary energy source. Sonic befriends Sheriff Tom and is helped by him to escape the pursuit of various groups trying to capture him.
Having grossed nearly $320 million globally, it became the highest-grossing superhero film of 2020. Therefore, Sega and Paramount confidently continued their momentum with Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (original title: Sonic The Hedgehog 2), set to release this April.
In this sequel, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (voiced by Ben Schwartz) will start alongside Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter) to build a new home in Green Hills. However, as soon as Tom and Maddie go to Hawaii to attend Rachel's wedding - Maddie's sister, Sonic faces many 'strangely familiar' threats, from the return of the main antagonist - Dr. Eggman (Jim Carrey) to the new adversary Knuckles the Hedgehog (voiced by Idris Elba).
However, Sonic's side this time also receives assistance from the adorable Tails (voiced by Colleen O'Shaughnessey) - a flying fox. This is undoubtedly a showdown that audiences, especially long-time Sonic fans, are eagerly anticipating and looking forward to.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is hitting theaters early from 09.04.2022 to 11.04.2022, with the official release on 15.04.2022.
