Ever since it was confirmed in 2014, many fans had speculated about what the CGI and live-action movie starring SEGA's mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog, would be like. Now, through an exclusive article from IGN featuring an interview with the production team, we have received more details about Hollywood's interpretation of the series, including the first poster for the film, which reveals the character's design.
Something some fans may notice immediately is that Sonic has fur. In an interview with IGN, executive producer Tim Miller had the following to say about the character's new design: "That was always Stage 1 of adapting the character to the real world and considering what a real animal would be like. It would be weird, and he would look like he was always naked, if it were any other way. That was always how it was for us, and we never thought differently. It is part of what integrates him into the real world, making him a real creature."
Another noticeable change to the character would be his new shoes. Although they remain red, they look more like ordinary sneakers such as those made by Nike. "We had several variations of the shoes he wears, and we are trying to pay tribute to that while giving him footwear that we believe Sonic would wear today," said film producer Neal H. Moritz.
"I do not think SEGA was happy with the decision about the eyes, but that is the kind of thing you need to take in stride and move forward with." - Tim Miller (Deadpool), executive producer.
Another element the team decided to change was the eyes, seeking an interpretation consistent with the character while avoiding the "one eye with two pupils" approach. “I do not think SEGA was happy with the decision about the eyes, but that is the kind of thing you need to take in stride and move forward with. 'It is going to look strange if you do not do it this way.' But everything prompts a discussion, and that is the goal: to change only what is necessary to remain true to everything else," Miller said about the changes made to the eyes.
Details about the plot were also confirmed by the article, with Miller saying that a considerable portion of the film will take place on Sonic's planet, giving us a chance to see beloved characters such as Tails and Knuckles. Moritz also stated that "the audience can expect some Easter eggs. We are not going to reveal any of them, but it will be very exciting for Sonic fans."
Sonic the Hedgehog will be about Sonic (Ben Schwartz), a hedgehog from another planet who ends up on Earth through an unknown accident. There, he meets Tom Wachowski (James Marsden), the sheriff of the town of Green Hills, who will help him recover his magic rings before Dr. Eggman (Jim Carrey) can obtain them.
Sonic the Hedgehog will premiere in theaters on November 8, 2019.
