Sonic the Hedgehog is a 2020 action-adventure comedy film directed by Jeff Fowler, based on the popular video game series published by Sega. The film features a voice performance by Ben Schwartz as Sonic, alongside a live-action cast that includes James Marsden as Tom Wachowski, Jim Carrey as the villainous Dr. Robotnik, and Tika Sumpter as Maddie Wachowski. Released on February 14, 2020, the film follows Sonic, a blue anthropomorphic hedgehog with supersonic speed, as he teams up with Tom to stop Dr. Robotnik from capturing him and using his powers for world domination.
The plot begins with Sonic living in secret on Earth after being sent there for his safety. He enjoys a solitary life but longs for friendship. After accidentally causing a power outage that attracts the attention of the U.S. government and Dr. Robotnik, Sonic finds himself on the run. Tom, the local sheriff, becomes his ally as they embark on a cross-country adventure to evade Robotnik's forces. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and ultimately confront Robotnik in a battle that showcases Sonic's incredible speed and abilities.
Upon its release, Sonic the Hedgehog received mixed reviews from critics but was generally well-received by audiences. It holds a rating of 63% on Rotten Tomatoes and has an IMDb score of 6.5/10. Critics praised Jim Carrey's energetic performance as Dr. Robotnik and the film's humor, while some noted that the plot was formulaic. The film's design changes to Sonic after initial backlash from fans regarding his appearance were also positively received.
Financially, Sonic the Hedgehog was a success, grossing approximately $320 million worldwide against an estimated budget of $85 million. It set records for the biggest opening weekend for a video game adaptation in North America and became the highest-grossing video game film in that market at the time.
Following its success, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was released in 2022, and a sequel titled Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is scheduled for December 2024. The film not only revitalized interest in the franchise but also laid the groundwork for future adaptations within this expanding cinematic universe.