News

Streamers across the entertainment space are working overtime to up their subscriber numbers and keep those paying customers tuned in. For Paramount+ data chief Domenic Dimeglio, the debut of an original series is just as vital to drawing eyes to the streamer as the arrival of a Paramount Pictures movie fresh out of theaters or a newly licensed title, with the streamer attempting to “maximize the power of the Paramount Global ecosystem.”

“We all really collaborate to maximize the potential of any sort of release, whether it’s a big theatrical release, an important premiere on CBS or linear overall, or something coming to Paramount+,” Dimeglio, who also serves as the streamer’s EVP and CMO, told TheWrap.

After launching in March 2021, Paramount+ grew its subscriber base by 5.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 10 million in the fiscal year, reaching 77.5 million subscribers while also increasing its revenue by 16% in...

Exclusive: Maurice Compte, Danay Garcia and Cary Elwes (Saw) have joined the series regular cast of Peacock’s upcoming South Florida-set crime thriller M.I.A. from Ozark co-creator Bill Dubuque.

Compte, Garcia and Elwes join the previously announced series leads Shannon Gisela, who plays ‘Etta Tiger Jonze,’ Brittany Adebumola, who plays ‘Lovely’ and Dylan Jackson, who plays ‘Stanley.’ The new trios’ character names are under wraps.

Running drugs is a family affair for Etta Tiger Jonze (Gisela) in M.I.A. But when the family business is threatened, she is thrust into a life she never expected, forcing her to use her wits to survive as she navigates Miami’s criminal underground.

Mia is the airport code for Miami. The SoFla area consists of Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties.

Dubuque will write Episode 101 and executive produce alongside showrunner Karen Campbell...

These days, it's not easy to keep track of all the different streaming services you may be subscribed to. It can take hours to sift through the libraries on Netflix, Prime Video, or Hulu in search of the best movies you can watch for free. Take, for instance, Paramount+. Since it was launched in its current form in 2021, Paramount+ has been a home for original programming like "Halo" and "Knuckles," as well as content from CBS, Nickelodeon, and Showtime. 

When opening up the platform's Movies section, it's overwhelming to see the spectrum of films and genres to search through. You could watch classics like "The Godfather" or "Forrest Gump," both of which are currently on Paramount+, but what about films you might not easily find on the front page? From the most iconic films of all time to more recent indie hits, these 15 films will guarantee you a great movie night,...

‘Sonic’ franchise is currently on a roll with several successful installments. ‘Sonic 3’ turned out to be a massive hit among the audiences and has enjoyed a positive critical reception by critics.

There was high praise for Jim Carrey’s and Keanu Reeves’s performances, especially Reeves’ portrayal of Shadow. Before ‘Sonic 3’ fans could enjoy ‘Knuckles’ a spinoff show focusing on Idris Elba’s character from the movie franchise. The ‘Knuckles’ series received mixed to positive reviews with praise for its visuals, performances, and humor, though some felt it lacked broader appeal.

Critics highlighted Idris Elba and Adam Pally’s chemistry, action, and lighthearted tone, but others criticized its pacing, writing, and use of human characters.

Now industry insider Daniel Richtman reports that this success might lead to more spinoffs. ‘Sonic 3’ performed well enough for Paramount to consider expanding the franchise with more spin-offs. One potential project could focus on Shadow the Hedgehog.

Sonic the Hedgehog is racing onto Peacock. The 2020 movie, often considered the best video game adaptation of all time, will be added to the streaming service next month.

Beginning March 1, Peacock subscribers will be able to stream Paramount Pictures' Sonic the Hedgehog, starring Ben Schwartz as the voice of the titular blue hedgehog. Directed by Jeff Fowler, Sonic the Hedgehog is a new take on the beloved video game franchise, following the blue speedster as he teams up with a local sheriff (played by James Marsden) to stop the mad scientist Dr. Ivo Robotnik, who is brought to life by fan-favorite comedic actor Jim Carrey.

RelatedSonic the Hedgehog 3 Sets Streaming Premiere Date

After making bank at the box office, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is heading to streaming.

While video game adaptations very rarely succeed at the box office, Sonic the Hedgehog surprised both critics and movie-goers, setting the biggest opening...

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

The latest installment in the Sonic the Hedgehog series earned the strongest reviews of the franchise so far and outran its predecessors at the box office. The threequel stars Ben Schwartz as Sonic, Idris Elba as Knuckles, Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails, Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik, James Marsden as Tom Wachowski, and Keanu Reeves as Shadow.

Where to Watch Sonic the Hedgehog 3

After opening in theaters on Dec.

Jim Carrey as Ivo Robotnik and Sonic (Ben Schwartz) in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 from Paramount Pictures and Sega of America, Inc. Photo Credit Paramount Pictures and Sega of America Copyright © 2024 Par. Pics & Sega Get ready to rev your engines, Sonic fans! Paramount+ has just announced that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will be available to stream starting February 18th! This exciting news comes hot on the heels of the film’s incredibly successful theatrical run, which saw it zoom to the top of the box office and solidify its place as a pop culture phenomenon. Can’t wait until February 18th? Paramount+ has you covered! Catch up on all the Sonic action with their dedicated Sonic the Hedgehog collection. Relive the adventures of the first two films, and dive into the retro animated series and the record-breaking Knuckles original event series. The combined viewership of Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2...

Matt Damon goes Greek for The Odyssey

Matt Damon is looking epic. Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan revealed a first-look image from his upcoming adaptatation of Homer‘s The Odyssey, which will feature Damon in the lead role of Odysseus. The star-studded ensemble also includes Oscar winners Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron, as well as Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Tom Holland, Mia Goth, John Leguizamo, Jon Bernthal, and Benny Safdie.

According to Universal, Nolan’s follow-up to Oppenheimer, which he wrote and will coproduce with wife Emma Thomas, will be a “mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new Imax film technology. The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to Imax film screens for the first time.” It is slated to open on July 17, 2026.

Matt Damon is Odysseus. A film by Christopher Nolan, #TheOdysseyMovie is in theaters July 17, 2026. pic.twitter.com/7a5YbfqVfG

— odysseymovie (@odysseymovie) February 17, 2025

https://platform.

Today, Paramount+ announced that Paramount Pictures and Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the third feature film installment in the beloved, ever-expanding Sonic the Hedgehog Cinematic Universe, will be available to stream on Paramount+ starting February 18 in the U.S. and Canada.

Fans of the storied video game franchise can catch up on the events leading up to the threequel by checking out the first two films in the trilogy via the Paramount+ Sonic the Hedgehog collection, which also features a retro animated series following the mischievous blue hero and the record-breaking Paramount+ original event series Knuckles.

Following the third film’s release, the combined viewership of the first two films skyrocketed an impressive 185 percent. Paramount Pictures recently announced that the next installment, Sonic the Hedgehog 4, will hit theaters on March 19, 2027.

Upon its theatrical debut, the third installment raced to the top of the North American box office, followed...

After its theatrical run, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” will officially be available to stream on Paramount+ starting Feb. 18.

After racing to the top of the North American box-office and earning the franchise’s largest international opening to date, the film has raked in more than $473 million, and helped the franchise score $1.2 billion at the global box office. It’s now the highest-grossing feature in the series.

If you didn’t catch “Sonic 3” at the movies, the third installment continues its story after the six-episode “Knuckles” series. Per Paramount, the film “follows Sonic, Knuckles and Tails on their most epic adventure yet. The team reunites to face a new, formidable foe, Shadow, a mysterious hedgehog with powers unlike anything they’ve ever seen. Together, team Sonic must secure an unexpected alliance if they hope to stop Shadow and save the planet they now call home.”

“Sonic 3” stars Jim Carrey,...

Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us, and to celebrate, “Love Hurts” is now in theaters. And you’re definitely familiar with its cast.

The film centers on realtor Marvin Gable, who loves his job and very ordinary life. But when he suddenly gets an unexpectedly valentine from his crazy ex-girlfriend, he gets ripped back into his old life — one of violence and crime.

We won’t get into spoilers, we’re just running down the basics of the “Love Hurts” cast and where you’ve seen them before.

“Love Hurts” (Credit: Allen Fraser/Universal Pictures) Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan)

“Love Hurts” marks Ke Huy Quan’s first-ever leading role, as realtor Marvin Gable. It also marks his first film role since his Oscar-winning turn in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Of course, you might also recognize him from “The Goonies” or “Indiana Jones.”

Ariana DeBose as Rose Carlisle...

‘Sonic’ franchise is currently on a roll with several successful installments. ‘Sonic 3’ turned out to be a massive hit among the audiences and has enjoyed a positive critical reception by critics.

There was high praise for Jim Carrey’s and Keanu Reeves’s performances, especially Reeves’ portrayal of Shadow. Before ‘Sonic 3’ fans could enjoy ‘Knuckles’ a spinoff show focusing on Idris Elba’s character from the movie franchise. The ‘Knuckles’ series received mixed to positive reviews with praise for its visuals, performances, and humor, though some felt it lacked broader appeal.

Critics highlighted Idris Elba and Adam Pally’s chemistry, action, and lighthearted tone, but others criticized its pacing, writing, and use of human characters.

Now ‘Sonic 4’ has already been announced, but why not expand the franchise even further with more solo projects dedicated to supporting characters?

Colleen O’Shaughnessey expressed excitement about the idea of a ‘Tails’ spin-off,...

Shortly before Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was released, it was confirmed that a fourth movie would open in Spring 2027. Now, it's been confirmed that Sonic the Hedgehog 4 will drop on March 19 of that year.

This isn't surprising, particularly as the third movie, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, has already become the franchise's highest-grossing instalment with $218 million domestically and $422 million worldwide. The threequel has already hit digital platforms, which is a shame in some ways as there was surely still money to be made at the box office.

Still, the studio has to be happy with this result as the franchise continues getting bigger; Sonic the Hedgehog grossed $319 million globally in 2020 and the sequel, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, topped that with $405 million. As a result, the series has now collectively passed $1 billion.

According to Paramount Pictures, the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has driven over $180 million in global consumer spending from home entertainment rentals and digital purchases.

The day before Sonic the Hedgehog 3 opened in theaters, Paramount Pictures announced that Sonic the Hedgehog 4 would debut in 2027. At the time, no specific release date was given, but following the third entry's impressive box office run and now being available on digital, the studio is planting a flag for a release date. Despite Sonic the Hedgehog 3 having done very well over the Christmas and New Year holidays, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is racing into the spring season.

Deadline reports that Paramount Pictures has set Sonic the Hedgehog 4 for a Mar. 19, 2027 release date. This puts it one week before Easter weekend, which was a similar release schedule that Sonic the Hedgehog 2 did, by opening one week before Easter in 2022. While 2027 feels like a long wait for fans, it is shorter than the two-and-a-half-year gap between Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Currently,...

The fourth movie in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise is set to speed into theaters on March 19, 2027.

Paramount Pictures, which announced the news Tuesday, had long been eyeing a spring 2027 release for Sonic the Hedgehog 4, the latest installment in the film series that is based on the popular Sega video game.

The news comes just days after Sonic the Hedgehog 3 became the top-grossing title in the franchise, with more than $422 million in ticket sales at the global box office. That’s a great feat for the threequel, which added Keanu Reeves in the role of Shadow.

Not only that, Paramount revealed Tuesday that Sonic 3 has generated more than $180 million in global consumer spending from home entertainment rentals and purchases. Studios generally refrain from divulging home entertainment numbers.

In a separate milestone, the Sonic franchise has surpassed $1 billion in box office to date.

There’s no word yet...

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 has a release date!

The fourth installment in the hit movie adaptation of the video game series is set to arrive in theaters on March 19, 2027, via Variety.

The studio announced the movie prior to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 hitting theaters. When it finally did in December, it became the highest-grossing entry of the franchise, bringing in $218 million domestically and $422 million globally to date.

Keep reading to find out more…

The original movie earned $148 million domestically and $319 million globally, setting a record at the time for the highest-grossing video game adaptation in North America.

The 2022 sequel brought in $190 million domestically $405 million globally. Altogether, the movies passed the $1 billion mark at the global box office.

Jeff Fowler has directed all three films, with Ben Schwartz providing the voice of Sonic. Jim Carrey plays the hedgehog’s main antagonist Dr. Robotnik, while Idris Elba and Colleen O’Shaughnessey voice the pals of Sonic,...

“Sonic the Hedgehog 4” is sprinting to theaters in the spring of 2027.

The fourth installment in Paramount’s family-friendly franchise will be released on March 19, 2027. It’s currently the only title on that date, though that’s sure to change over the next two years.

Paramount announced the fourquel in the Sega video game-inspired series even before the third “Sonic” adventure hit the big screen. It’s a decision that turned out to be prescient given that “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” which debuted in December, is officially the property’s highest-grossing entry with $218 million domestically and $422 million globally to date. “Sonic 3″ builds on the commercial success of its predecessors; the original 2020 “Sonic the Hedgehog” became a surprise winner, earning $148 million domestically and $319 million globally and setting a then-record for the highest-grossing video game adaptation in North America. And the 2022 sequel “Sonic the Hedgehog 2″ was bigger than the first, powering to $190 million domestically and $405 million globally.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 wasted no time teasing the next installment of the franchise during its post-credits scenes, officially introducing Metal Sonic and longtime fan-favorite Amy on the big screen. And thanks to a bountiful box office run thus far, Sonic 4 is well on its way. However, several major aspects of the fourth film are up in the air, especially Jim Carrey's potential return as Dr. Robotnik aka Eggman. While fans anxiously anticipate another follow-up in the Sonic franchise, new concept art may have just revealed what the next film will be about, and who will be featured in it.

New concept art from the home release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (via SAAC_News) reveals a presumably alternate version of the post-credits scene. This iteration features Eggman and Metal Sonic ruling over an alternate/future timeline, with Amy encountering Sonic much in the same way she does in the final cut.

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

While shows like "Arcane" and "The Last of Us" get most of the praise when it comes to ending the video game adaptation curse, the "Sonic the Hedgehog" movies have quietly (at least when it comes to critical acclaim) given us the most successful translation of video games to feature films three times in a row. These live-action/animation hybrids have come a long way from terrorizing the internet with that terrible, no good, very bad initial design for Sonic (somehow only one of many controversies the "Sonic" franchise has faced), going so far as to deliver a billion-dollar box office property with the third entry.

"Sonic the Hedgehog 3" is a phenomenal family-friendly film that not only gives kids their own "Fast and Furious" franchise (to paraphrase Bj Colangelo's review for /Film), but also one of the best...

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 finally explored Shadow the Hedgehog's story in the live-action Sonic the Hedgehog cinematic universe, but the character's backstory was already subtly referenced in the Knuckles spinoff show. Before Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was released, Knuckles the Echidna got the spotlight in his own spinoff show on Paramount+, with it following Knuckles as he trains Wade Whipple to face his father in a bowling tournament. While the Knuckles series is mostly a self-contained comedy, the show did set up a major reveal from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 in a big way.

Shadow the Hedgehog was teased at the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, with him appearing in the film's post-credits scene and being set up for Sonic the Hedgehog 3. However, another project set in the Sonic the Hedgehog cinematic universe was released between these films: Knuckles. Although Sonic and Tails do appear in Knuckles, the...

Knuckles (Idris Elba) in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 from Paramount Pictures and Sega of America, Inc. © 2024 Par. Pics & Sega Beloved actor Idris Elba brought his voice to life as Knuckles in the action-packed Sonic the Hedgehog 3. While some may think voicing an animated character is a simple task, Elba learned early on that the process is far from easy. His prior work with skilled animators on Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and his upcoming Knuckles spinoff film gave him deeper insight into the artistry required to create such vibrant characters. He spoke about the challenges he faced as a voice actor and how the process demands both creativity and precision. Elba also highlighted the incredible dynamic among the cast, which includes Ben Schwartz as Sonic and the franchise’s newest addition, Keanu Reeves, portraying Shadow. (Click on the media bar to hear Idris Elba.) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads...

Star Wars fans had wondered if we might see Baylan Skoll in the galaxy far, far away again despite actor Ray Stevenson's passing, and we now have confirmation that the character will return for the upcoming second season of Ahsoka.

First reported by Jeff Sneider and later confirmed by THR, Scottish actor Rory McCann, best known for playing The Hound on HBO’s Game of Thrones, is set to take over as Skoll in season 2 of the Disney+ Star Wars series.

Stevenson, who sadly died back in May of 2023 just before his 58th birthday, played the villainous(?) former Jedi in the series, and the finale featured his last scene as the character, as we see the powerful Force-wielder standing on the ruins of a mountain-sized sculpture of the Mortis gods.

Skoll didn't have a big part to play in the events of the concluding episode, but Stevenson would undoubtedly...

Rory McCann is set to join the world of Star Wars!

The 55-year-old Game of Thrones actor has been cast in the upcoming second season of Ahsoka, THR reports.

Rory will be stepping in and filling the shoes of the late Ray Stevenson, who passed away in May 2023, before the first season premiered.

Keep reading to find out more…

According to THR, Rory will take over the role of former Jedi Baylan Skoll on the Disney+ series.

News of a second season was revealed in January 2024 with creator and showrunner Dave Filoni returning.

There is currently no word on when Ahsoka season two will start filming, or when it will premiere. We will keep you updated on the latest!

Find out how many households tuned in to season one, and how it compares with other Star Wars shows…

In addition to his role on Game of Thrones, Rory has appeared...

Baylan Skoll’s mysterious odyssey will continue in Ahsoka Season 2, now that Scottish Game of Thrones alum Rory McCann has been tapped to fill the role originated by the late Irish actor Ray Stevenson, who died in May 2023.

The recasting was first reported by The Insneider; TVLine has reached out to Disney+ for official confirmation.

More from TVLineSkeleton Crew Recap: Lightsaber Action, Clue to Supervisor's Identity (?) Tee Up Next Week's Season FinaleGender-Swapped Holes Series Ordered to Pilot at Disney+TVLine Items: Gypsy Rose Premiere Date, A Real Pain on Hulu and More Ray Stevenson in ‘Ahsoka’ Season 1Courtesy of Disney...

According to a new report, the next actor who will play Baylan Skoll in Star Wars: Ahsoka has been revealed. The role was previously played by actor Ray Stevenson in what turned out to be one of his last performances.'

Movie insider Jeff Sneider of The InSneider has reported that the role of Baylan Skoll is set to be taken over by actor Rory McCann. As McCann and Stevenson were friends, the casting reportedly comes with the "blessing of Stevenson's widow." Game of Thrones fans will know McCann well, as he can be easily recognized from his role as the fan favorite character Sandor "The Hound" Clegane. He also recently appeared in Gladiator II after appearing in other films like XXX: Return of Xander Cage, Clash of the Titans, and Jumanji: The Next Level. Aside from Game of Thrones, McCann also has roles in the TV shows The Book Group,...

It’s a beautifully rare thing when a movie franchise can manage to continue with one fantastic entry after another and never put a foot wrong. It’s sadly far too common for a film series to start off great and then decline in quality over the years as audiences are subjected to new installments in a franchise that should have called it quits long ago. That’s why it's important to lavish praise upon series that have done things right and kept viewers continually excited for each new top-quality release.

Many of the greatest movie franchises of all time are still ongoing and have managed to maintain their appeal over the years. From classic horror releases that have stayed relevant for decades to once-dormant franchises that have triumphantly returned, it’s a truly impressive achievement on the part of actors, directors, and writers that all these series have yet...

As the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise surpasses a major box office milestone, star Ben Schwartz thanks loyal fans for their continuous support. Schwartz first took on the role of Sega's beloved video game mascot in 2020's Sonic the Hedgehog, Paramount's celebrated adaptation of the video game franchise. He reprised the role for two further movie sequels and the spin-off series Knuckles. In the recently released Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Schwarz's blue hedgehog takes on a vengeful new foe in the form of Shadow the Hedgehog, with Keanu Reeves providing the voice of the anti-hero.

With Sonic the Hedgehog 3 still outrunning other movies at the box office, Schwartz took to Twitter/X to celebrate the franchise surpassing the $1 billion mark. In the joyous post, Schwartz celebrated the fandom's continued support throughout the entire franchise, thanking them and stating that Sonic the Hedgehog wouldn't be where it is without them.

Sonic the Hedgehog is a billion-dollar franchise. Ben Schwartz, who voices the titular blue blur, recently reacted to the impressive box office milestone by reminding fans of what they could have had.

"Over One Billion Dollars?!?!? We truly have the best fans in the universe. None of this happens without you. So thank you thank you thank you," Schwartz wrote in a post on the social media platform X. "Remember the first trailer? We have all come a long way," the actor continued, referencing the original movie's first trailer, which received an overwhelmingly negative response from fans due to the redesigned appearance of Sonic (later dubbed "Ugly Sonic"). The backlash prompted Paramount to delay the movie so that they could redesign Sonic. Schwartz concluded his post by promising fans that the Sonic franchise has "so much more to go."

Related Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Reportedly Speeding Its Way to Digital Soon...

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

The box office got off to a relatively quiet start in 2025. "Mufasa: The Lion King" topped the charts in its third weekend of release, triumphing over "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," as the two have been duking it out for supremacy ever since they hit theaters in mid-December. Setting aside the bizarre conspiracy theory that recently emerged over this box office battle, "Mufasa" won the day. However, it's Paramount Pictures that now gets to celebrate as the "Sonic" franchise passed a major milestone.

With "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" adding another $21.2 million in its third weekend of release, in addition to posting strong numbers overseas, its running total stands at $336.2 million worldwide as of this writing. Combined with the grosses from both 2020's "Sonic the Hedgehog" ($319.7 million worldwide) and 2022's "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" ($405.1 million worldwide), the films have now collectively earned $1.06 billion worldwide.

Today, Jan. 5, 2025, marks a historical moment for not just the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise but for video game movies writ large. Thanks to the success of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the whole film franchise based on the Sega video game has now surpassed $1 billion in total box office receipts worldwide, making it the fourth-highest-grossing video game movie franchise. Its profit per film, though, makes it more successful than two of the top three film franchises based on video games — the Resident Evil franchise and the Pokémon franchise.

Only the movies based on the Super Mario Bros. video games have grossed the most, thanks to the staggering success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Released in February 2020 and April 2022, respectively, Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 earned a combined $725.2 million globally and generated $181 million in consumer spending from home entertainment rentals and purchases. Last April, the spinoff series Knuckles debuted on Paramount+,...

Adam Pally is among those in Hollywood remembering late director Jeff Baena, who died Friday by suicide at the age of 47.

Baena was a writer-director who helmed such indie films as Life After Beth, The Little Hours, Horse Girl and Spin Me Round, often working with wife Aubrey Plaza. The pair married in 2020 after being together for 10 years.

Pally and others who knew Baena have taken to social media over the weekend to share their memories of him, after the news of his death broke early Saturday morning.

On Instagram Sunday, Pally wrote, “Jeff Baena was a sweet, Jewish boy from Miami. He was a collaborator, a mentor, the scrappiest basketball player with the ugliest jump shot you ever saw.”

The actor, who starred alongside Plaza in Baena’s films Joshy, The Little Hours and Life After Beth, called Baena a “talented director with impeccable taste and vision.”

“He was a connector of people,...

Paramount Pictures today announced that its Sonic the Hedgehog films, based on the Sega video game, have surpassed $1 billion in total box office receipts worldwide. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 continues to draw audiences to theatres globally.

Recently, the studio announced that development is underway for a fourth installment of the Sonic the Hedgehog films.

Released in February 2020 and April 2022, respectively, Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 earned a combined $725.2 million globally and generated $181 million in consumer spending from home entertainment rentals and purchases.

Last April, the spinoff series Knuckles debuted on Paramount+, earning over 11 million total global hours in its first 28 days of streaming, making it the #1 Kids & Family series ever in terms of hours on the platform.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was released theatrically last month to an “A” CinemaScore and boasts a franchise-best Certified Fresh 86% Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score (tying it for #1 as the best-reviewed video...

Amid the continued success of its third installment, Paramount Pictures’ Sonic the Hedgehog feature franchise has zoomed past $1B at the worldwide box office. Based on the Sega video game, the first two pictures were released in February 2020 and April 2022, respectively, grossing a combined $725.2M globally. The threequel, which released domestically on December 20 and expanded overseas beginning December 25, has grossed over $312M to date, bringing the running franchise total to more than $1.037B.

Each of the films has been directed by Jeff Fowler. The first two movies generated $181M in consumer spending from home entertainment rentals and purchases. Last April, spinoff series Knuckles debuted on Paramount +, earning over 11M total global hours in its first 28 days of streaming, making it the No. 1 Kids & Family series ever in terms of hours on the platform.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 nabbed an “A” CinemaScore and has a franchise-best 86% Certified Fresh Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score,...

The Sonic the Hedgehog movie series has been nothing short of a joyride for fans and newcomers alike. Directed by Jeff Fowler, these films managed to bring the beloved video game character to life in a way that’s both nostalgic and exciting.

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 | Credit: Paramount Pictures

While the first movie was a fun introduction, the sequel cranked things up by jumping deeper into Sonic’s world and introducing fan-favorite characters. After the smashing success of the third installment, the blue blur is speeding back to theaters with Sonic the Hedgehog 4! Let’s break down everything we know about the fourth installment so far.

When can we expect Sonic the Hedgehog 4? Sonic The Hedgehog 3 | Credit: Paramount Pictures

The wait isn’t over yet, but here’s the good news: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is officially happening, and it’s set to hit theaters in...

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was one of the last major tentpole releases of 2024. The movie, which debuted in theaters on December 20, is the third feature-length installment in the live-action multimedia franchise adapting the iconic video game franchise, which also includes the Paramount+ spinoff series Knuckles. The new movie was directed by Jeff Fowler, who has directed all three installments, and co-written by franchise stalwarts Pat Casey and Josh Miller alongside John Whittington, who joined the duo from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 onward.

The live-action Sonic the Hedgehog 3 cast features a multitude of returning stars, including Jim Carrey as Dr. Ivo Robotnik (in addition to now doubling as his character's grandfather Professor Gerald Robotnik), James Marsden as Tom Wachowski, Tika Sumpter as Maddie Wachowski, Lee Majdoub as Agent Stone, Natasha Rothwell as Rachel, and Adam Pally as Wade Whipple, joined by newcomers Krysten Ritter and Jorma Taccone. The voice cast...

After a widely successful theatrical run, the third Sonic the Hedgehog film now has a digital release date. Per Comic Book, Vudu posted to its Reddit account that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will be released on digital platforms on Jan. 21. To date, the movie, starring Jim Carrey, James Marsden, Keanu Reeves, and Ben Schwartz, has made over $210 million at the worldwide box office since its Dec. 20, 2024, release.

The digital release date has yet to be confirmed by Paramount, and it’s not known when the movie will join its two predecessors on the Paramount+ streaming platform. However, Paramount, in the past, has added its movies to Paramount+ about 30 days after they are released in theaters, so it’s possible that the movie could drop on the streamer on Jan. 21 as well. It’s also not known when Sonic 3 will be released on physical media, but a DVD as well as...

The second Sonic the Hedgehog movie mirrored the video games by introducing Tails into the storyline. Sonic 4 could give Tails a new ability, the one Sega Genesis players have always taken for granted.

Writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller played the Sonic games long before they were involved in the movie adaptations. "I guess it was fortuitous in a way for us to, if we're going to do any video game thing to wind up on Sonic, we're both of the Sega Genesis era and I would say Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is probably the game I played the most growing up." Miller told IGN. That game established the identity of the franchise, which was already unique to the Super Mario Bros. games since Sonic the Hedgehog 1. The sequel showcased the Sega Genesis' power by giving Sonic the Spin Dash; his ever-present sidekick Tails was also a pleasant surprise.

Related Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles,...

Idris Elba has a series of successful projects and 2022's Beast is among them. The lion horror is now available for streaming and it's already becoming a hit.

Beast has just premiered on Netflix and, during its first week, has already entered the top 10, clawing its way to the ninth spot for the week between Dec. 23 and 30 on the global charts. The movie received 5.9 million views on the streaming service and reached the Top 10 in 21 countries in its debut week. The survival horror comes from Baltasar Kormákur, with a script by Ryan Engle, based on a story by Jaime Primak Sullivan.

Related Chris Hemsworth & Tom Holland's 10-Year-Old Sea Story Arrives on Netflix

Netflix subscribers can now stream an overlooked historical drama movie starring Tom Holland and Chris Hemsworth.

Aside from Idris, who plays the recently widowed Dr. Samuels, Beast also starred Iyana Halley, Leah Sava Jeffries, Brett Favre, and Sharlo Copley.

Writers Josh Miller and Pat Casey have been with the Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise since the series' early days. "I think we started working on the first movie in, like, late 2017, so it's been almost 10 years on this franchise for us, which is wild," Casey told MovieWeb in a recent interview alongside Miller. A lot has changed since that first teaser trailer in April 2019, featuring what the internet calls "Ugly Sonic." After a delay to incorporate a new redesign, the Sonic film series went from an ugly meme to a beloved trilogy. Now, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is one of the biggest movies of the holiday season, earning the best reviews in the franchise's history, showing how far the series has come.

"The first movie was sort of a little movie that could. No one really seemed to take us seriously," explained Casey. "When the first design came out,...

Spoilers Alert: This article contains potential spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog 3.Sonic the Hedgehog 3 displayed the similarities between Sonic and Shadow, but the question is, are they actually related? Shadow the Hedgehog serves as the main rival in the third Sonic movie, working alongside Gerald and Ivo Robotnik and battling against Sonic, Tails and Knuckles after emerging from animated paralysis after 50 years. Cited by many critics as the best entry in the Sonic live-action franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has received a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has grossed more than $65 million at the box office.

Throughout the Sonic franchise, Shadow and Sonic are shown to be very similar in many ways. Both are exceptionally powerful hedgehogs and are skilled at speed, strength and agility. It's been debated among viewers whether Sonic or Shadow is the more powerful of the two. The hedgehogs face off against each other...

Warning: Contains Spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog 3!

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the first project in the live-action Sonic the Hedgehog series since the Knuckles spinoff show, but the third film proves a harsh reality about the red echidna's series. Knuckles is one of the most popular characters in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, with the announcement that he would be getting his own spinoff series being incredibly exciting news for fans. However, the Knuckles series didn't quite live up to the dreams of many viewers, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has proven how truly unimportant the show was.

Knuckles the Echidna was first introduced in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and while it was known that Idris Elba's brawler would return in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, he had one project in between the two films: Knuckles. The Knuckles spinoff show teamed the titular echidna up with police officer Wade Whipple,...

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog 3!Jim Carrey's performance in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a high point in a long career of great performances, and this has been the case throughout the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Each of the movies sees him playing the character of Doctor Ivo Robotnik, also known as Doctor Eggman, as he attempts to thwart Sonic and friends and take over the world. There are also a fair number of Easter eggs in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, something that the character of Robotnik often leans into.

On the whole, Carrey's acting performance as the franchise's main villain is punctuated by an endless energy and physical comedy that works well for the character. Carrey has a certain over-the-top style he brings to his roles, and this lends itself perfectly to Doctor Robotnik. Now that a fourth Sonic the Hedgehog movie has been confirmed,...

There is a great deal of context surrounding the $60 million No. 1 opening weekend of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and its place in the overall franchise. The 2024 movie, which was directed by Jeff Fowler, stars Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Krysten Ritter, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Idris Elba, and Keanu Reeves. It is the third feature-length installment in the live-action franchise adapting the video game franchise of the same name, which launched in 2020 and also includes the Paramount+ spinoff series Knuckles, focusing on the adventures of the titular echidna voiced by Elba.

The Sonic the Hedgehog 3 release kicked off the weekend before Christmas in 2024. Also opening that weekend was Mufasa: The Lion King, Disney's photorealistic CG-animated prequel to their 2019 smash hit remake of the traditionally animated 1994 classic The Lion King. The 2019 movie grossed $1.662 million, which is more money than both of the previous Sonic movies earned worldwide,...

Warning! Spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 ahead!

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 included a handful of moments to set up Sonic the Hedgehog 4. Overall, the future of this live-action franchise looks bright, as the 2024 movie effectively carried Team Sonic's story forward. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 had a happy and satisfying ending, but the two post-credit scenes planted the seeds of another sequel, both teasing that some assumed deceased characters are still alive and setting up new allies and villains alike. Add in the subtle references of more stories to tell in Sonic 3, and there is certainly a lot to look forward to in another sequel.

The most recent live-action Sonic the Hedgehog movie hit theaters on December 20, 2024, joining the previous two feature films and the Paramount+ spinoff series, Knuckles. Almost immediately after Sonic the Hedgehog 3's release, Paramount announced that a fourth movie is already in the works,...

Update: 2024/12/22 08:05 Est By Brennan Klein

Sonic 3 Falls Far Short Of Original Franchise-Best $72 Million+ Debut Projections, Still Handily Beats Mufasa

This article was originally written Saturday Am and has been updated Sunday Am with up-to-date box office projections (in bold), a full chart, and further analysis.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has taken the lead over Mufasa: The Lion King at the pre-Christmas domestic box office. Both movies are follow-ups to successful franchises, with the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 release marking the third live-action feature-length installment in the video game adaptation franchise that also includes the Paramount+ spinoff show Knuckles. Meanwhile, the Disney photorealistic CG musical Mufasa is a prequel to their 2019 remake The Lion King, which grossed $1.66 billion, making it the highest-grossing animated movie of all time until that record was overtaken by Inside Out 2 in 2024.

Per Variety, as of Sunday morning, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is projected to take No.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is powering to the top of box office charts while “Mufasa: The Lion King” is getting trampled in its first weekend of release.

Paramount’s third “Sonic” adventure has opened at No. 1 with $62 million from 3,761 North American theaters. Bolstered by positive reviews and strong audience scores, the film beat initial expectations of $55 million to $60 million and looks to remain a holiday hit through the new year. “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” was tracking for a trilogy-low start but instead opened above the original 2020 “Sonic the Hedgehog” ($58 million) and just below the 2022 sequel (a series-best $72 million).

Disney’s “The Lion King” prequel “Mufasa” was trotting behind in second place with $35 million from 4,100 cinemas, falling way behind pre-release expectations of $50 million. It’s a terrible start for a tentpole that cost above $200 million to produce and roughly $100 million to promote across the global. Despite mixed reviews, the film has several potential saving graces,...

Jeff Fowler has directed all three “Sonic the Hedgehog” films, but his association with the video game franchise pre-dates the spikey haired speedster’s big screen debut. Like any self-respecting child of the 1990’s, he grew up playing “Sonic.” “I loved his attitude and that swagger that he had,” Fowler says. “It was impossible not to fall in love with the guy.”

That interest led to an early gig working on the 2005 video game “Shadow the Hedgehog,” a third-person shooter spinoff that focused on a black hedgehog who exists as a darker, moodier, yin to Sonic’s yang. “Whereas Sonic is this motor-mouthed kid who is excited and joyous and optimistic, Shadow is the other side to the coin,” Fowler says. “He’s been through some real hardships and that’s caused his life to spin out in this radically different direction.”

Things are coming full circle with “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,...

Paramount’s Sonic the Hedgehog 3 could prove the most successful movie in the franchise, with an estimated opening weekend box office take of $70.5 million, reports The Wrap. The threequel earned $25.7 million on its first day. Its competitor, Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, is pacing to make $35 million on its opening weekend having earned just $13.3 million on its opening day.

The latest movie in the Sega video game franchise also boasts critical and audience acclaim, with an 85% critic score and a 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Sonic 3 also has an A-rating on CinemaScore. Early numbers from PostTrak this weekend suggest that 34% of those going to theaters to see Sonic 3 are families.

Mufasa, with its $35 million projected start, is falling well short of its projected $50 million opening. The Lion King prequel film had a budget of about $200 million.

Related Mufasa: The Lion King Review: Disney’s Nostalgic Prequel Is Fit...

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 director Jeff Fowler has revealed the “yin and yang” that Keanu Reeves brings to the sequel. Reeves has joined the third Sonic movie to voice anti-hero Shadow the Hedgehog.

Fowler told Deadline that he needed an actor of Reeves’s caliber to take on such an important character in the Sonic franchise – especially because the dark and brooding Shadow is such a contrast to Ben Schwartz’s energetic hero Sonic. “The tone of the film opened up to tell a different type of story and we needed an actor who could really handle that,” the director said. “Whereas Ben is about motormouth fun and manic energy, Shadow is the exact opposite. Sonic is saying 100 words a minute while Shadow might say five words in an hour. He’s a much more closed book, more mysterious, brooding. It’s this kind of yin and yang with Shadow and Sonic.

Metal Sonic Post-Credits Scene Debut (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is finally here, and the speedster’s live-action world just got much more enjoyable. Picking up right where the second film left off, we’ve got Robotnik, Shadow, and a fresh batch of troublemakers.

This film doesn’t just keep the adrenaline pumping; it dives deep into the video game’s lore, setting the stage for even bigger things. And we knew this was coming, but now, after all the build-up, Metal Sonic has officially made his grand entrance. Get ready, Sonic fans; things are about to get metal.

Metal Sonic Introduced In Post-Credits Scene In Sonic The Hedgehog 3

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 keeps the post-credits scene tradition alive; this time, it’s metal. After Sonic’s wild race with Tails and Knuckles takes him to New York, the blue blur feels like someone’s watching him.