Sonic the Hedgehog franchise writers Josh Miller and Patrick Casey have expressed a keen interest in exploring more adventurous, non-Earth settings in potential future installments of the series. The original film, directed by Jeff Fowler, debuted in 2020, featuring Ben Schwartz as Sonic and Jim Carrey as the infamous Dr. Robotnik. Following the successful launch of the first movie, two sequels followed, both primarily set on Earth. The most recent release, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, premiered in December and has achieved remarkable financial success.
In a recent interview with CBR, Miller and Casey shared insights into the creative directions they might pursue for future Sonic films. They mentioned a desire to transport Sonic to new, imaginative realms inspired by various game locales. Particularly, they hinted at the possibility of incorporating the beloved Green Hill Zone into future narratives. Below are Casey’s comments regarding the idea of navigating Sonic’s adventures beyond Earth:
We almost included a sequence related to that in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, but there just wasn’t enough space. We recognize that there are fantastical worlds and zones in the franchise, and we want to explore that; we believe the audience would enjoy it as well.
For Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the storyline revolved around military themes, which inherently kept it Earth-bound. However, in the future, we might venture into more fantastic realms.
Implications of New Locations for Sonic the Hedgehog 4
Potential Video Game Settings to Feature
The commercial performance of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has been exceptional, grossing over $210 million worldwide. Following its success, Paramount has announced the development of Sonic the Hedgehog 4, set to release in 2027. While specific plot details remain undisclosed, it seems increasingly probable that Sonic will embark on new escapades in unexplored territories.
Without revealing spoilers, the conclusion of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 sets the stage for further adventures. The Sonic universe is rich with diverse locations or “zones,”many of which have yet to be depicted in the films. Possible settings include Sky High Zone, Aqua Lake Zone, Gimmick Mountain Zone, and Scrambled Egg Zone. Incorporating these zones into Sonic the Hedgehog 4 would not only enrich the narrative but also refresh the cinematic experience, even if it means sidelining characters such as Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter) to some extent.
Insights on the Potential New Locations in Sonic the Hedgehog 4
A Franchise in Capable Hands
Under the guidance of director Jeff Fowler and writers Miller and Casey, the Sonic franchise has continuously evolved with three engaging films. Their ability to weave through the lore of the games while introducing fresh narratives has only been affirmed by the 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes for Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Additionally, the film has earned a noteworthy audience score of 96%.
With over two years remaining until the debut of Sonic the Hedgehog 4, substantial plot revelations are unlikely to emerge until 2025. However, Miller and Casey’s hints certainly suggest that upcoming installments could feature thrilling new landscapes—an exciting prospect for fans around the globe.
Source: CBR