Sonic the Hedgehog China release delayed amid Coronavirus outbreak

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Paramount is putting the brakes on China's February 28 release of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, due to concerns related to the coronavirus outbreak.

As China continues to monitor the situation, cinemas across the country have ceased operations due to the possibility of infected viewers contaminating theaters as well as patrons. Paramount released an official statement about their decision, stating, “Due to the current coronavirus situation, the China release date of the film ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ will be postponed, and we will re-announce the new release date at a later time.”

“Sonic will only be slowing down his pace temporarily, and we look forward to bringing him zooming onto the big screen in China once it is appropriate to do so,” Paramount added. “As the whole country and world unite together to fight the outbreak of coronavirus, we would like to express our gratitude and respect to all the medical staff, the rescue personnel, and people in service who provide us with much-needed assistance and support during this time.”

As the numbers stand, upward of 77,150 cases of coronavirus have been reported throughout China, with the death toll currently at a staggering 2,592, China’s National Health Commission said Monday.

To date, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG has raced toward a worldwide gross of $202.9 million, so far. It's to be expected that Sega's Blue Bomber will continue to gather rings (money) on a global scale on its way toward proving that video game adaptations are bankable after all.

Here's the official synopsis for SONIC THE HEDGEHOG:

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG is a live-action adventure comedy based on the global blockbuster videogame franchise from Sega that centers on the infamously brash bright blue hedgehog. The film follows the (mis)adventures of Sonic as he navigates the complexities of life on Earth with his newfound – human – best friend Tom Wachowski (James Marsden). Sonic and Tom join forces to try and stop the villainous Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) from capturing Sonic and using his immense powers for world domination. The film also stars Tika Sumpter and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic.