Paramount Pictures proudly announces that its Sonic the Hedgehog film series, inspired by the iconic SEGA video game, has reached an extraordinary milestone by surpassing $1 billion in global box office revenue. This achievement highlights the franchise’s enduring appeal and its ability to captivate audiences across generations. The latest instalment, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, continues to draw fans to cinemas worldwide, cementing Sonic’s place as a cultural icon.
A Blockbuster Franchise’s Record-Setting Journey
The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise began its journey with the release of Sonic the Hedgehog in February 2020, followed by its sequel, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, in April 2022. The two films together have grossed a remarkable $725.2 million worldwide. Beyond theatrical success, the franchise has also made its mark in home entertainment, generating $181 million in rentals and purchases.
The franchise expanded further with the launch of Knuckles, a spin-off series that premiered on Paramount+ in April 2023. The series achieved remarkable success, amassing over 11 million global viewing hours within its first 28 days of streaming. Its popularity propelled it to become the platform’s most-watched Kids & Family title by total hours viewed, demonstrating the continued demand for Sonic-related content across multiple platforms.
Unprecedented Success of Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3, released in cinemas last month, has already contributed $312 million to the franchise’s total earnings. The film opened to rave reviews, earning an “A” CinemaScore, an impressive 86% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 96% Verified Hot Popcornmeter score. This critical acclaim solidifies its position as one of the highest-rated video game film adaptations of all time.
The movie achieved the franchise’s largest domestic and international openings, outperforming Sonic the Hedgehog 2 by an astounding 83% in comparable markets. Additionally, it reached $100 million in international box office revenue faster than its predecessors, marking a significant milestone in its global success.
A Stellar Cast and Thrilling Adventure
The latest instalment features Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails teaming up to face their most formidable adversary yet: Shadow, a mysterious villain with unparalleled powers. The action-packed storyline highlights the team’s resilience as they forge an unlikely alliance to save the planet.
Directed by Jeff Fowler, who has helmed all three films, the movie boasts a star-studded cast, including Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Krysten Ritter, Idris Elba, and Keanu Reeves. This exceptional ensemble brings both humour and heart to the high-octane adventure, captivating fans and newcomers alike.
A Bright Future for Sonic
Paramount Pictures recently announced that development for a fourth instalment in the Sonic film series is underway. This next chapter promises to expand the Sonic Universe even further.
Neal H. Moritz and Toby Ascher, the producers behind the franchise, expressed their gratitude: “Fans around the world have embraced Sonic with open arms. Their passion inspires us to deliver even more exciting stories.”
Paramount Pictures President and CEO Brian Robbins added: “Sonic’s success demonstrates the limitless potential of this beloved character. We’re excited to continue thrilling audiences worldwide.”