Sonic CD: New title for Sonic 4
Fans should sit up and take notice here
The blue hedgehog will be racing across the big screen again in 2027 – and there seems to be a lot going on behind the scenes. As the well-known Hollywood insider Daniel Richtman reports, Paramount Pictures is apparently considering releasing "Sonic 4" under the title "Sonic CD".
Fans of the games are likely to prick up their ears at this point. "Sonic CD" was originally released for the Sega Mega CD, an add-on CD drive for the Mega Drive console. The game is still considered one of the most innovative 2D platformers in the series. The plot takes Sonic to the mysterious "Little Planet", which appears above the earth once a year. But the peace is disturbed when Dr. Robotnik puts the planet in chains and wants to steal its energy source, the so-called Time Stones, in order to manipulate time.
According to Richtman, the movie plot will also include a time travel story, which can of course be interpreted as a reference to the new title. In addition, some characters will be introduced who also made their debut in Sonic CD: Sonic's girlfriend Amy Rose, who made a small appearance at the end of "Sonic 3". We could also get to see Metal Sonic, as he plays a central role in the original. Whether "Sonic 4" will really refer to the game remains to be seen. The makers are keeping a low profile so far. The film is scheduled to be released on March 19, 2027.
Review: The three "Sonic the Hedgehog" films to date
Before the next cinematic adventure of Sega's cult hedgehog starts, it's worth taking a look back at the three previous films that have made "Sonic the Hedgehog" one of the most successful video game franchises in Hollywood. Since its debut in 2020, Sonic has not only delighted old fans, but also won over a new audience.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2020): A false start with a happy ending
The first "Sonic" film was anything but a sure-fire success at first. After the disastrously received first trailer in 2019, in which the design of the blue hedgehog was met with widespread disapproval, Paramount reacted and postponed the cinema release in order to completely revamp Sonic. The result was impressive: With the new design and a sympathetic story, the movie became a surprise success.
The plot tells the story of how Sonic, a lightning-fast alien, finds refuge on Earth and makes friends with small-town policeman Tom Wachowski (James Marsden). Together they face off against the crazed scientist Dr. Robotnik, played by Jim Carrey. The film grossed over 300 million dollars worldwide and became the most successful video game adaptation in the USA to date – a successful start for the franchise.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022): More action, more characters
Two years later, Paramount followed up with "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" – bigger, more action-packed and even closer to the popular games. Sonic gets support from his loyal friend Tails, while the red-spiked warrior Knuckles appears as a new antagonist. Dr. Robotnik returns and hunts down the legendary Master Emerald to gain infinite power. The combination of humor, fast-paced chases and spectacular effects won over fans and critics alike. With box office takings of over 400 million dollars worldwide, "Sonic 2" surpassed its predecessor and cemented Sonic's place in the cinematic universe.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024): Shadow takes to the stage
The third part, which was released in cinemas in December 2024, took the series to a new level. In "Sonic the Hedgehog 3", Sonic meets Shadow for the first time, the dark antagonist who is considered the genetically created "ultimate life form". Shadow is not only faster and stronger than Sonic, but also morally more ambivalent – which made the movie much more serious and emotional than its predecessors.
Familiar faces also return: Tails, Knuckles and Amy Rose, who plays a larger role for the first time, support Sonic in his fight against Dr. Robotnik, who is once again played by Jim Carrey. The action scenes, the soundtrack and the successful portrayal of Shadow, which many fans consider to be the highlight of the film series to date, were particularly praised. "Sonic 3" was another box office success and ended the first major trilogy on a spectacular high.
Conclusion: from internet meme to movie hero
What began with ridicule in 2019 has developed into one of the most successful video game adaptations in film history. With humor, heart and a clear sense of fan service, Paramount has managed to make Sonic an integral part of pop culture. After three successful films, over a billion dollars in box office takings worldwide and a steadily growing fan base, the franchise is now looking forward to the fourth installment with great expectations.
