Hard to believe it from all of the fury that the Sonic the Hedgehog movie made with its initial design of the classic character, but the 2020 movie did something rare — be both a commercial and (moderate) critical success. Based on that and the addition of more popular Sonic characters, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is one of the more anticipated 2022 movies.
Sonic the Hedgehog is of course based on the popular video game franchise by SEGA that debuted in the 1990s about a super-fast hedgehog who collects rings and tries to defeat the evil Dr. Robotnik. In addition to the video games, the character has appeared in multiple animated TV shows, but 2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog was the first live-action movie featuring the character.
Here’s everything that we know about the sequel, the simply titled Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 release date
Paramount Pictures, the studio behind Sonic the Hedgehog, worked pretty quick to get Sonic the Hedgehog 2 ready to go after the first film’s success. Just a little more than two years after Sonic the Hedgehog debuted on Februrary 14, 2020, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will race into movie theaters on April 8 in the US.
The movie is actually going to play in some international markets the week before though, including releasing in the UK on April 1.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 reviews
Critics are making their thoughts known with their Sonic the Hedgehog 2 reviews. What to Watch's review singles out the new character of Knuckles, voiced by Idris Elba, as the MVP of the movie, while calling the rest of the movie safe but enjoyable family-fun, even if it is a bit too long.
Now for the overall critical consensus on Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The movie currently scores a 64% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 44 ("mixed") on Metacritic (as of April 4).
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 trailers
Sonic is back, and he has a few new friends/frenemies to hang with. It's the threat against Sonic and his friends though that get the spotlight in the latest trailer. Idris Elba's Knuckles and Jim Carey's Dr. Robotnik get more focus than ever, check it out below.
The first trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was released on Dec. 9, which you watch directly below.
The Sonic sequel also debuted a new trailer during Super Bowl LVI. Give that a look right here:
A new spot for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has come out, highlighting the quickster's alter ego, Blue Justice (trademark pending).
Paramount has also released a new clip from the movie that see Sonic and Knuckles facing off on the slopes:
Two more videos have been released, the first featuring the cast talking about what fans can expect in the movie, and the second being a brand new clip. Enjoy.
One more clip for you all, as Tom (James Marsden) is forced to interrupt Rachel's wedding:
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 plot
After Sonic's first adventure that saw him be revealed on Earth, become friends with Tom and face off and ultimately send Dr. Robotnik to another dimension, the blue speedster is back for another go around.
Here is the official synopsis for Sonic the Hedgehog 2:
"After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search of an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands."
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 cast
All of the principal cast from Sonic the Hedgehog are set to return for Sonic the Hedgehog 2. This includes Ben Schwartz (Parks & Rec) as the voice of Sonic, James Marsden (X-Men, Enchanted) as Tom, Tika Sumpter (Ride Along, Southside With You) as Tom’s girlfriend Maddie, Adam Pally (Happy Endings, The Mindy Project) as Tom’s deputy Wade, Lee Majdoub (The 100) as Agent Stone and Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik.
There are also two exciting additions to the cast in Colleen O’Shaughnessey (Spirited Away, Danny Phantom) and Idris Elba. O’Shaughnessey will be voicing Tails (she provided the voice in characters brief appearance in Sonic the Hedgehog) while Elba will be lending his voice to another popular character from the Sonic franchise, Knuckles.
It was also announced that Paramount Plus is developing an original series based on Knuckles, which Elba will continue to provide the voice for, per Variety.
Additional cast members include Natasha Rothwell and Shemar Moore.
Here are some of the first look pictures of Sonic the Hedgehog 2:
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 movie posters
Take a look at the movie posters that have been created for Sonic the Hedgehog 2:
How to watch Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is getting an exclusive play in movie theaters when it releases on April 8. However, as a Paramount film, we have a pretty good idea of where it will end up when it does become available for streaming.
In all likelihood, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will debut on the Paramount Plus streaming service when it heads to digital. There is no indication of the time frame, though Paramount gave special early runs for films like A Quiet Place Part II and Snake Eyes in 2021 on Paramount Plus.
Paramount Plus is also an option to watch Sonic the Hedgehog.
What to Watch will update this page as more information on Sonic the Hedgehog 2 becomes available.
