Many Twitter users ridicule the appearance of the anthropomorphized hedgehog in the upcoming live-action movie, which looks different from his classic design.
- Dec 11, 2018
AceShowbiz - "Sonic the Hedgehog" movie doesn't get much love from internet users after revealing the design of its titular character in its first teaser poster. The anthropomorphized hedgehog is only featured in silhouette in the newly-released image, but it's enough to notice the distinct design from the character's usual appearance in the video game series.
Except for his iconic spiny head, the Sega mascot's body is altered to make him look more human. He is now covered in a thin layer of fluffy fur, sports realistic sneakers and has strangely-looking muscular legs. He also ditches his iconic white gloves.
The guys that brought you Deadpool & The Fast and the Furious are bringing SONIC THE HEDGEHOG to the big screen! #SonicMovie speeds into theatres Nov 2019.
— Paramount Pictures (@ParamountPics) December 10, 2018
Check out the new teaser poster, and click to read what they had to say about making the film: https://t.co/bdCPODHdVgpic.twitter.com/LMakeasL6y
Explaining the altered design, "Sonic the Hedgehog" executive producer Tim Miller says that the changes are necessary to match the live-action setting. "He's not going to feel like a Pixar character would because I don't think that's the right aesthetic to make it feel like part of our world," he tells IGN.
He reveals that there are more changes to come and Sega itself isn't particularly fond of the design of the eyes. "I don't think Sega was entirely happy with the eye decision, but these sorts of things you go, 'It's going to look weird if we don't do this,' " Miller shares. "But everything is a discussion, and that's kind of the goal, which is to only change what's necessary and stay true to the rest of it."
Despite the explanation, fans are clearly disappointed with the design of the hedgehog in the upcoming movie. One cynically tweets, "wow, the new design of Sonic is really faithful to the original games."
wow, the new design of Sonic is really faithful to the original games. pic.twitter.com/HjgUmFZ8pz
— Chinner (@Chinnerdomain) December 10, 2018
Someone else imagines how horrified the character would look like once Paramount Pictures unveils the full design.
look at what happens when you brighten sonic's face on the Sonic the Hedgehog poster pic.twitter.com/UV78cLMWj9
— Steve Zaragoza of The Valleyfolk (@stevezaragoza) December 10, 2018
Another compares it to Nintendo's brilliant idea for the upcoming Pokemon movie, "Pokemon Detective Pikachu".
NINTENDO: What if Pokemon but freakishly real and with human actors
— mcc (@mcclure111) December 10, 2018
US: Wonderful. Ridiculous. Perfect. We will see it a million times
SEGA: [suddenly crashing up out of of a nearby sewer grate, its skin sloughing off] WHAT IF SONIC… hhhhHHHH… HUMAN ARMS…
US: *screaming*
Another laments the hardship of being a Sonic fan. "Why is being a Sonic fan so, so difficult," the said Twitter user weighs in.
Why is being a Sonic fan so, so difficult https://t.co/UaFdaBz88g
— Ian Mutchler (jolly) (@TheFantasticIan) December 10, 2018
Someone else similarly adds, "Being a Sonic the Hedgehog fan is tough. It's a masterclass in masochism."
Being a Sonic the Hedgehog fan is tough. It’s a masterclass in masochism. No matter what Sega does to us, and they do a lot, we keep coming back for more. pic.twitter.com/CXsYP2F4Os
— Calvin (@calvinstowell) December 10, 2018
"Sonic the Hedgehog" movie has tapped Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic. James Marsden will play a human character named Tom Wachowski, the newly appointed sheriff of Green Hills who befriends Sonic and aids him in his quest to stop Dr. Robotnik. Tika Sumpter is cast as Tom's wife, while Jim Carrey is taking the role of Dr. Robotnik, who is described as a brilliant but insane scientist and inventor plotting world domination.
Jeff Fowler serves as director with the script written by Patrick Casey, Josh Miller and Oren Uziel. The movie is set for U.S. release on November 15, 2019.