Sequels these days sometimes take years to come out as studios struggle to develop follow-ups to successes, but as he has his entire life, Sonic is going fast. Sonic the Hedgehog, the film, only came out last year, but the sequel, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, is already in production as of yesterday — and that’s despite a year off for the entire industry thanks to COVID-19. Returning director Jeff Fowler shared the news via Twitter while showing off the title treatment that teases Tails’ involvement in the film on the back of a chair.
Lights, camera, hedgehog. Production on Sonic the Hedgehog 2 starts TODAY! #SonicMovie2 pic.twitter.com/UsIgtZqn3s
— Jeff Fowler (@fowltown) March 16, 2021
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 production is most likely beginning filming in Vancouver and will see nearly every actor in the first film return. Per Collider, Ben Schwartz is reprising his role as the voice of Sonic with Jim Carrey returning as Dr. Robotnik, James Marsden as Tom Wachowski, and Tika Sumpter as Maddie Wachowski. Colleen Villard, who voiced Tails in the teaser at the end of Sonic the Hedgehog, has not been confirmed for the film yet but could continue on in the role. We don’t know much about the plot, but it should pick up where the first film left off with Dr. Robotnik trapped on another planet and Tails looking for Sonic.
The first film just made it out before the entire film industry shut down and thus was one of the few major hits to come out of 2020, grossing $314 million worldwide. It was also surprisingly enjoyable, especially after the entire film needed to be redone thanks to Sonic’s original horrific design setting the internet on fire. While it wasn’t any kind of art, it was just self-aware enough to be a blast to watch.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is set to release April 8, 2022. That year Sonic will also be starring in his own Netflix animated series.
