Sonic the Hedgehog might have been the video game film we didn’t deserve, but the video game film we needed, crushing the stigma that video game film adaptations are bad.
Its sequel has just been released in theatres worldwide, and it is speedily shaping up to be a box-office hit. As of 10 April, it has grossed over US$71 million in North America, as well as $141 million worldwide, making it the biggest opening weekend for a video game adaptation ever (via Rotten Tomatoes).
Already, it ranks as the second-best opening weekend in 2022, only behind The Batman ($258 million). None too shabby from the iconic blue marsupial.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 sees Ben Schwartz and Jim Carrey reprising their roles as Sonic and Dr. Robotnik respectively. Tails, as voiced by Colleen O’Shaughnessey, gets more screen time in this sequel; and Idris Elba debuts as the voice of Knuckles.
Reviews of the record-breaking film are mixed, but generally favourable. The overall consensus being that, if you were a fan of the first film, the second film would be sure to entertain you as well.
Its record-breaking opening has snatched the title away from its predecessor, and its success is a testament to the success of the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is no surprise that Paramount Pictures plans to ride this wave, having announced that a third film and a spin-off series centering on Knuckles are in the works. A Sonic cinematic universe is also underway.
Sonic the Hedgehog is definitely a trailblazer for the future of video game film adaptations. Speaking of future video game film adaptations, all eyes are on the upcoming Mario film starring Chris Pratt. Will it be able to follow SEGA in its footsteps, or will it end up just as a remake of the 1993 flop?
