Video-game film adaptations have often been unsuccessful, but Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) was able to win over the hearts of many. The film’s first trailer revealed a “realistic” computer-animated design for Sonic which was met with an overwhelmingly negative response. But Paramount delayed the film to redesign the title character, which prompted hardcore Sonic fans and casual moviegoers to give the film a chance. The film had an irresistible charm, great humor, solid action sequences, and an excellent cast. Sonic the Hedgehog was not Citizen Kane, but it was a lovely family adventure film.
A third film and a Paramount+ spinoff series have already been announced to be in development. Iconic characters, Knuckles and Tails, have joined Sonic in the spotlight for Sonic The Hedgehog 2, but there are still many unused characters with massive potential. The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has over three decades of games to pull from. Here are some of the characters we want to see in the ever-expanding live-action franchise.
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7 Shadow the Hedgehog
Sega
A fellow hedgehog and rival to Sonic, Shadow was an edgier version of the franchise’s main character. That was further evidenced by Shadow holding a gun in the cover art for his own video-game, Shadow the Hedgehog (2005). He was the creation of Professor Gerald Robotnik, the grandfather of Sonic’s archenemy, Doctor Eggman. Unlike Sonic who was a straightforward hero, Shadow occupied the role of an antihero with a dark past. After Shadow’s best friend Maria was murdered, he dedicated his life to protecting the world on his own terms. According to a Giant Freakin Robot exclusive, Jason Momoa is reportedly being eyed to play the part in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
6 Amy Rose
The Sonic universe’s Amy Rose was known for her trademark Piko Piko Hammer. It could be viewed as a metaphor for her strong, passionate personality. Amy has always been a very joyful and cheery character whose inclusion could inject the Sonic film franchise with lots of fun energy. Despite being friendly, the character also had a bit of a fiery temper. In many of the Sonic games, Amy was portrayed to have a major crush on the blue hedgehog to the point of obsession. Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) even included a line where Amy Rose claimed if she had to “choose between the world and Sonic,” she would choose Sonic.
5 Big the Cat
Big the Cat lived up to his name as he was a giant purple cat! But despite being a cat, he was more like a lovable humongous teddy bear. He was calm, laid-back, and cared deeply for his friends. Many of the characters in the Sonic franchise have been the adventurous type. Big on the other hand, was not an adrenaline junkie. He lived in a peaceful jungle and spent most of his time on his favorite hobby which was fishing. This gentle giant was so different from the likes of Robotnik, Sonic, and Knuckles. Big has been a fan-favorite for many years and deserves to be part of the movies.
4 Espio the Chameleon
Espio the Chameleon has been one of the most mysterious characters in the Sonic franchise, and that has been both a part of his personality and his appeal. He was a master of stealth, even having the ability to become invisible by changing the color of his skin. This ability was accessible to players in the game, Sonic Heroes. As a member of the Chaotix Detective Agency, Espio worked with his friends, Vector the Crocodile, and Charmy Bee. Both Vector and Charmy Bee were also great characters that can be introduced in the movies through first introducing Espio. If the Sonic the Hedgehog movies head in a more mystery or spy-related direction, Espio is an ideal character for the filmmakers to use.
3 Rouge the Bat
A bat, a spy, and a treasure hunter, Rouge was the ultimate jewel thief. She was obsessed with getting her hands on the Chaos Emeralds and the Master Emerald. While she was not a villain, she certainly was not as heroic as Sonic and his gang. In some ways, Rouge the Bat could be viewed as the Sonic-universe’s equivalent of Black Cat in the Spider-Man universe. Both Rouge the Bat and Black Cat were thieves, capable fighters, and femme fatales. Rouge was confident and cunning; if there was something she wanted, she made sure she went after it. Throughout the franchise, Rouge has both helped Sonic and worked with the bad guys. In the world of Sonic the Hedgehog that normally had clear-cut heroes and villains, Rouge deviated from any particular category.
2 Blaze the Cat
First introduced in the Nintendo DS game, Sonic Rush, Blaze the Cat was a princess from an alternate universe. Blaze was a princess of the Sol Empire and was also tasked with protecting the Sol Emeralds. Her elemental abilities were unique in that she had the ability to control fire. She was so dedicated to her duty that she did not have any close friends until she met Sonic. This friendship would be amazing to see adapted for a movie set in the Sonic the Hedgehog universe. Additionally, the introduction of Blaze the Cat can be used to introduce the concept of alternate dimensions. It would be exciting to explore in a potential film.
1 Metal Sonic
Doctor Eggman, played by Jim Carrey in the live-action movies, was obviously Sonic’s greatest villain, but the secondary antagonist of the series was none other than Metal Sonic. Time and time again, Robotnik was defeated by Sonic, so the evil scientist came up with the brilliant idea of creating a metallic robot. This robot was intended to be essentially Sonic in robot-form, but under the control of Doctor Eggman. Robotnik’s creation proved to be just as fast as Sonic, but much less friendly. Its red eyes stared directly into people’s souls. Metal Sonic would be the perfect addition to the Sonic film franchise when dramatically upping the stakes. The real Sonic would face a challenge unlike any he had ever faced before.
