Studios are beginning to place their bets on the video game movie genre as 2016 looks to up the ante, in terms of quality adaptations. There will be a variety of offerings at the theaters this year ranging from Ratchet and Clank to Assassin’s Creed and Warcraft. It was only a matter of time until the big boys crashed the party and that is what Sega is looking to do with Sonic the Hedgehog. 

We first caught wind of a developing Sonic the Hedgehog movie in the summer of 2014. It was uncovered that they had intentions of building a franchise with movies being released regularly, featuring Sonic facing off against his nemesis Dr. Egghead. It seems that Sega has been quietly been continuing development on their game library and their prized character. Here is what Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. President and CEO Hajime Satomi recently said in a recent interview with Worldfolio:

“Sega Sammy Group is currently planning with Sony Pictures to create a live-action and animation hybrid ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ movie scheduled for release in 2018. Like with this CG animation production, we would like to expand our business into other entertainment areas beyond what we are currently involved.”

Sony is the studio bringing the movie to theaters with a combination of live-action and computer generated characters, presumably Sonic and his friends. It would seem wise for Sony to avoid the trappings of such movies as Alvin and the Chipmunks and The Smurfs, which are despised by their respective fanbases. However, the fact that both are hit franchises doesn’t give much hope that Sony will deviate from that proven formula. 

The brand recognition of Sonic the Hedgehog is enormous and might have a higher upside than both of the aforementioned properties. In addition, Sonic’s speed could allow for a much more kinetic feel, that could certainly separate itself from typical bland family films. However, we will have to wait and see. We will be sure to continue tracking the development of the film. 

What direction do you think that they should take for Sonic the Hedgehog? Let us know on , , , and Reddit! Make sure to share our stories on your favorite social media by clicking below.

Source: IGN