One of the world’s biggest gaming icons is finally getting the feature movie treatment. The Sonic the Hedgehog video game series is set to become a CG-animated/live-action movie. The movie will be the first in an expected film franchise, with the plan being to release one new movie each year.
The movie comes from Sony and producer Neal H. Moritz who are teaming up with Japan-based animation film production company Marza Animation Planet to capture the same tone and spirit of the games and will feature infamous characters from the franchise, and that includes the evil Dr. Eggman. Screenwriters Evan Susser and Van Robichaux (Upright Citizens Brigade) will draft the screenplay.
Here's what Sony Pictures production president Hannah Minghella had to say:
"There are limitless stories to tell with a character like Sonic the Hedgehog, and a built-in international fan base. Along with our wonderful creative partners at Marza, we’re looking to capture everything that generations of fans know and love about Sonic while also growing his audience wider than ever before."
Marza Animation Planet CEO Masanao Maeda added:
"Sonic has had dozens of adventures on the console and the small screen, and we’re thrilled that he’s now coming to the big screen. Sony Pictures has had great success with hybrid animated and live-action features, and we’re confident that this collaboration will bring a fresh take to Sonic, while still capturing everything that the fans love about him."
Since I first played a Sonic game over 20 years ago (takes a stiff drink) the franchise has grown to include dozens of other characters and worlds. I remember Tails and Knuckles – that's pretty much it. I didn't play a Sonic game after Sega Genesis but I put enough hours into those great games that I could appreciate a feature movie.
What say you gamers? Did you keep up with Sonic after all these years?
Here is the level that cost me a controller; the trick is to toss it at your couch, not your cement floor.