A few weeks ago, in our exclusive interview with Tom Kalinske, we spoke about how SEGA had considered creating a Sonic the Hedgehog movie during the Genesis era of the early ’90s.
Ultimately, in part to Nintendo’s failure with the Super Mario Bros. movie, they decided to pass, but apparently now is the right time.
SEGA’s Marza Animation Planet will work with Sony and producer Neal Moritz to make a CG/live-action feature movie, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Evan Susser and Van Robichaux, former members of the Upright Citizens Brigade, are writing the screenplay, which will focus on Sonic, Dr. Eggman and several other notable characters in the franchise.
“There are limitless stories to tell with a character like Sonic the Hedgehog and a built-in international fan base,” Columbia Pictures president of production Hannah Minghella said. “Along with our wonderful creative partners at Marza, we’re looking to capture everything that generations of fans know and love about Sonic while also growing his audience wider than ever before.”
Marza CEO Masanao Maeda said, “Sonic has had dozens of adventures on the console and the small screen, and we’re thrilled that he’s now coming to the big screen. Sony Pictures has had great success with hybrid animated and live-action features, and we’re confident that this collaboration will bring a fresh take to Sonic, while still capturing everything that the fans love about him.”
