Cast, story and everything we know

The beloved blue sprinter is ready to return in Sonic the Hedgehog 4and there are already plenty of updates about the next chapter in the video game movie franchise. Based on the titular character from the Sega gaming universe, the Sonic the Hedgehog The film series follows Sonic and his friends Tails and Knuckles as they try to stop the nefarious plans of Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey). In the latest adventure, Sonic and his gang face two generations of Robotniks and their newest ally, the ultra-powerful Shadow the Hedgehog (voiced by Keanu Reeves), who wants to destroy the entire world.

Upping the ante after two entertaining and well-received installments, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 received much critical praise (via Rotten tomatoes) and marks a more dramatic turn for the franchise. In addition to all this, the latest Sonic the film also introduced fan-favorite Shadow, as well as teasing even more exciting characters from the games in its ending. All of this adds up to a fourth installment, and work is already underway to bring the video game classic back to the big screen. While Sonic the Hedgehog 4 It may be a long way off, it's already going into production.

Latest news on Sonic The Hedgehog 4

Sonic 4 release window revealed

A few days before Sonic the Hedgehog 3 arrived in theaters, news broke that the release window of Sonic 4 was revealed. Helping to reconfirm earlier reports that a fourth film was in the works, it has now been announced that the next Sonic the Hedgehog 4 will hit theaters during spring 2027. This represents a wait of just over two years, but it actually follows the franchise's launch pattern. There has been a two-year gap between each sequel so far, starting with the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in 2022 (two years after the 2020 launch of the first Sonic film).

By scheduling the film for spring 2027, Paramount is throwing its hat in the ring with some very stiff competition. While everything is subject to change more than two years away, the next installment of Godzilla and Kong the franchise is also slated for spring 2027 (March 26 to be specific). Likewise, Marvel Avengers: Secret Wars It's also scheduled for May 7, 2027, so there are already some heavy hitters arriving at this time of year. However, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 has the opportunity to serve a different audiencetherefore, the aforementioned blockbusters may not be a threat.

Sonic The Hedgehog 4 is confirmed

The sequel has been confirmed in 2024

A few days before the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3Paramount made its franchise plans clear when it greenlit another film. Sonic the Hedgehog 4 not only is it confirmed, but it has already been given a tentative release window of spring 2027. Not only does this news suggest that the film was already in development before the announcement, but that Paramount likely has a larger master plan in mind that involves more Sonic the Hedgehog happy. With a production schedule almost identical to that of the previous sequels there's no reason to think that Sonic 4 it won't arrive in time.

Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Cast Details

Will Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Shadow return?

With each new installment of the Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise, the cast of lovable characters has expanded to increasingly include fan favorites from the games. This trend is expected to continue in Sonic the Hedgehog 4and Sonic 3The finale even introduced some newcomers who are sure to return. Other returns include those of Ben Schwartz as Sonic, Colleen O'Shaughnessey as Tails, and Idris Elba as Knucklesand the main trio became even stronger after the events of the third film.

The post-credits scene in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 revealed that Shadow survived the Eclipse Cannon, which means Keanu Reeves could be back. It is unknown whether Jim Carrey will return to play Dr. Ivo Robotnik in the next film, both because his character apparently did not survive, and because Carrey came out of retirement to star Sonic 3. Human characters Tom Wachowski (played by James Marsden) and Maddie Wachowski (Tika Sumpter) will also likely return to help their super-powered friends. Metal Sonic and Amy Rose will probably be back Sonic 4but their roles have not yet been cast.

The cast of Sonic the Hedgehog 4 will likely include:

Actor	Role of Sonic the Hedgehog
Ben Schwartz	Sonic
Colleen O'Shaughnessey	Tails
Idris Elba	Knuckles
Keanu Reeves	Shadow
James Marsden	Tom Wachowski
Tika Sumter	Maddie Wachowski
Unknown	Sonic Metal
Unknown	Amy Rosa

Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Story Details

A new villain and a new ally

The end of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was, unsurprisingly, inconclusive and, in addition to wrapping up some storylines, mainly served to establish the conflict at hand. Sonic 4. Ivo Robotnik and Shadow attacked the much more evil Dr. Gerald Robotnik and saved Earth from the Eclipse Canon. Unfortunately, it apparently cost them both their lives in the process. Although it was revealed that Shadow survived, Dr. Robotnik's fate remained inconclusive. This could have repercussions in the sequel, as Sonic and the team face the consequences of losing their longtime enemy-turned-ally.

However, they may not have much time to think about it as the mid-credits sequence introduced an army of robotic Sonicsand he was only saved by the intervention of Amy Rose and her hammer. The most logical approach to Sonic the Hedgehog 4 would be to have Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy Rose, and maybe even Shadow fighting the robotic copycats while trying to figure out who created them in the first place.

The introduction of Amy Rose could also introduce some conflict into the groupand the trio of Sonic, Tails and Knuckles may have their delicate balance disrupted by the arrival of a fourth member. Based on Amy Rose from the games, she could also develop a crush on Sonic, which could further complicate the world-saving dynamic. The Wachowskis will also fit into the mix in some way, and with Tom recovered from the events of Sonic 3he may be less eager to engage in Sonic the Hedgehog 4.