‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ Franchise Passes $1 Billion at Box Office

The Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise has crossed $1 billion at the global box office.

In movie theaters on December 20, 2024, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, a film based on the popular Sega video game franchise, was released. Since then, it has generated an impressive $336.5 million globally. This addition to the series has boosted the overall earnings of the franchise to a staggering $1.06 billion since Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and its 2020 precursor accumulated $405 million and $320 million in revenue respectively.

Reaching this significant achievement has solidified “Sonic the Hedgehog” as one of the highest-grossing video game movie adaptations in Hollywood, joining the ranks of other successful franchise movies such as “The Super Mario Bros. Movie”, “Pokemon”, and the “Resident Evil” films.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the resounding success of “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” has prompted Paramount Pictures to dive into the production of a fourth installment! The studio is gunning for a Spring 2027 release date, so mark your calendars, fellow cinephiles!

In “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” our title character, voiced by Ben Schwartz, joins forces with Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and his human ally Tom Wachowski, portrayed by James Marsden, to prevent Shadow the Hedgehog (Keanu Reeves) from causing global destruction.

In “Sonic the Hedgehog 3”, both Krysten Ritter and Idris Elba make an appearance, along with the reemergence of the villainous Dr. Ivo Robotnik, portrayed by Jim Carrey once more.

As a diehard film enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the time when our beloved 62-year-old acting legend swore off Hollywood. Yet, deep down, I always had this intuition that he’d be back – and boy was I right! The alluring concept of “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” was simply too irresistible for the man himself, Jeff Fowler, to pass up on.

According to the filmmaker, they told Variety: “Deep within me, I had a strong belief that if we presented an enjoyable idea and held out the perfect incentive, Jim would return. After all, he enjoys entertaining youthful spectators.

During promotions for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in 2022, Carrey expressed that his intentions to retire from acting were quite sincere, yet he acknowledged his decision to participate in the latest film was primarily due to financial reasons, as he had depleted his savings.

The actor from “The Mask” stated, “I returned to this world primarily because I have an opportunity to portray a genius, which is quite a challenge for me. Additionally, let’s be honest, I had some financial needs as I had made quite a few purchases.

The Most Anticipated Movies of 2025

Wolf Man

Title Release: January 17

In the past, Universal’s attempts at rebooting “The Wolf Man” (or “The Wolfman”) have been visually appealing but lacked excitement. Apologies to Rick Baker for his dedicated efforts. However, this new rendition boasts an advantage – Leigh Whannell, a gifted writer and director who demonstrated with his 2020 adaptation of “The Invisible Man” that he excels at updating classic Universal monsters with contemporary fears and narratives. This Wolf Man is portrayed by Christopher Abbott, who undergoes transformation following an encounter with a werewolf in the woods near his ancestral home. Given Whannell’s brilliance in “The Invisible Man”, it’s safe to assume that there’s more depth to this story than the simple premise might suggest.

Dog Man

If you have elementary school-aged children, you’re likely familiar with “Dog Man,” the beloved graphic novel series penned by Dav Pilkey, known for his work on “Captain Underpants.” These comics playfully mock science fiction and superhero genres while incorporating slapstick humor that appeals to both kids (and their childish fathers, like myself). Remarkably, the books are also filled with unexpected sweetness. Capturing the series’ unique tone might prove challenging, but judging by the film trailer, it seems they’ve done a fantastic job, as suggested by my two children (and their equally immature father).

Captain America: Brave New World

2025 promises to be a more action-packed year for Marvel compared to 2024, which saw only one release – “Deadpool & Wolverine”. In contrast, 2025 boasts three titles, including “Captain America: Brave New World”, marking the penultimate film in Phase Five of their cinematic universe. This movie is special because it introduces Anthony Mackie’s new Captain America, brings back several significant characters from “The Incredible Hulk” after a 15-year hiatus, including Betty Ross and The Leader. Moreover, it presents an opportunity to witness Harrison Ford transform into the enraged monster, the Red Hulk.

Mickey 17

Title Release: March 7th

Warner Bros. has adjusted the release date for Bong Joon-ho’s highly anticipated follow-up to “Parasite” several times. Originally slated for last year in March, it was then rescheduled for January, then April, and now it’s set for March of this year. Let’s hope this date sticks! I’m eagerly looking forward to witnessing how Bong utilizes his Best Picture Oscar win, working alongside Robert Pattinson as a man living in a dystopian future who consents to being cloned each time he dies, only to encounter one of his duplicates.

Black Bag

Title Date: March 14

Acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh, collaborating once more with screenwriter David Koepp following their projects in 2022’s “Kimi” and January’s “Presence”, brings us “Black Bag”. This intriguing film stars Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender as a couple of spies who are married, but their relationship faces tension when Blanchett’s character is falsely accused of treason. The vibe seems to be reminiscent of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”, but with a more polished and intense feel. We can’t wait!

Black Bag (March 14 release)
Director Steven Soderbergh teams up with David Koepp again for this movie, following their work on “Kimi” in 2022 and “Presence” in January. Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender star as a married spy couple whose relationship gets complicated when Blanchett’s character is accused of being a traitor. It looks like “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”, but with a more sophisticated, intense vibe. Sign us up!

Sinners

In the timeframe between “Creed” and “Black Panther,” Ryan Coogler has helmed some of the most outstanding franchise films this century has seen. It’s intriguing to see him venture into new territory, as he is reuniting with Michael B. Jordan for their fifth collaboration together in “Sinners.” Although the specifics of the plot are still under wraps, it’s been reported that Warner Bros. secured the project following a fierce studio bidding war, and it’s said to be a period horror film featuring vampires.

The Accountant 2

Title Announcement: The Return of “The Accountant” on April 25th

After nearly a decade, the beloved accountant-turned-hitman, who’s also our favorite Wednesday night TNT movie character, is making his grand comeback! Yes, you heard it right! The highly bingeable action thriller “The Accountant” from 2016 has finally received its sequel. Ben Affleck returns once more alongside director Gavin O’Connor and an ensemble cast including Jon Bernthal, J.K. Simmons, and Cynthia Addai-Robinson. The storyline? Details aren’t essential! Whatever it entails, we can assure you that it will be met with immense enthusiasm by the audience. (Get ready for some accountant humor galore!)

Lilo & Stitch

As a movie enthusiast, I must confess that Disney’s continuous string of live-action adaptations has left me somewhat jaded, particularly after some less-than-stellar productions in recent years. However, the upcoming remake of “Lilo & Stitch” could buck this trend. The story – a mischievous alien lands on Earth and befriends a solitary Hawaiian girl – appears more suitable for live action compared to, say, reimagining a Bard’s tragedy with a cast of jungle animals. Furthermore, Dean Fleischer Camp, the director behind the charming “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On,” is at the helm this time around. Here’s hoping he infuses the material with fresh ideas and originality. And let’s face it, who doesn’t adore Stitch? That fellow is quite the rascal!

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

Mission: Impossible – Release Date: May 23

Tom Cruise is back in action once more, this time aiming to rescue the world and potentially revitalize the summer movie scene. In the eighth installment of the Mission: Impossible series (originally billed as the second half of the seventh film), Ethan Hunt portrayed by Tom Cruise must avert a global disaster while executing awe-inspiring stunts. The title implies this could be the culmination of this successful franchise, considering Tom Cruise is now 62 years old. However, if it becomes another blockbuster hit, one can’t help but speculate that “The Final Reckoning” may not be as final as it seems!

Karate Kid: Legends

I’ve got to admit, the upcoming release on May 30th, “Karate Kid: Legends,” has me feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. You see, when a Karate Kid movie misses the mark, it can leave a painful impact. But when they nail it, they’re unforgettable.

This time around, they’ve revitalized the franchise by casting Ralph Macchio as the new Mr. Miyagi, and bringing back Jackie Chan to reprise his role from the 2010 Karate Kid remake. The question is, will “Karate Kid: Legends” reach the same heights as the original film or the early seasons of Cobra Kai? If they pour their heart into it for the love of the craft, there’s a chance it could be something special. From what I’ve seen in the trailer, the action looks promising indeed!

28 Years Later

Title Date: June 20th

The original creators of the movie “28 Days Later”, directors Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, are returning with a new installment titled “28 Years Later”. Although it’s coming slightly early (the first film hit theaters 23 years ago), given the current state of the world, it seems understandable. Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes are the main cast, but there are rumors that original franchise protagonist Cillian Murphy will make an appearance. Additionally, expect plenty of fast-moving zombies to scare the living daylights out of you once again! I can’t wait to be petrified all over again.

F1

Launch Date: June 27

I’m not very knowledgeable about Formula One racing. However, I am aware that this F1 movie was directed by Joseph Kosinski, who is known for his thrilling depictions of aerial combat as seen in the critically acclaimed film Top Gun: Maverick. This new racing movie, featuring Brad Pitt as a seasoned racer returning from retirement to guide an up-and-coming talent, has all the makings of a successful production.

Superman

Title Date: July 11

If you had doubts about director James Gunn, known for his work on “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Suicide Squad,” making an authentic “Superman” film, the latest trailer might have won you over. David Corenswet now takes on the role of Superman, facing off against a new Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) and yearning for a new Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan). While we’ve seen these characters in films before, this time around, there’s a new Krypto in the mix, and based on the trailer, that superdog looks set to steal the show!

The Fantastic Four: First Steps

In July, the world of superhero movies is set to become even more thrilling, with both Marvel and DC unveiling their latest adaptations. Two weeks following the release of Superman, Marvel will introduce the MCU’s Fantastic Four. This film stars Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the Thing. Interestingly, Marvel’s offering, titled First Steps, has a touch of nostalgia, as it delves into an alternate 1960s setting reminiscent of the one that marked the beginning of the Fantastic Four in Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s original comics.

Naked Gun

In my opinion, no comedy series is held in higher regard than “The Naked Gun,” the side-splitting police parodies from David Zucker and the ZAZ team, featuring Leslie Nielsen as clumsy detective Frank Drebin. The notion of a reboot without these original creators might seem ill-advised – until you learn that the helm for this new take has been taken by Akiva Schaffer from the Lonely Island (director of “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping”) and stars Liam Neeson as the fresh Drebin. This new development certainly makes it seem like a highly promising idea.

Wicked: For Good

Date of Release: November 21

Indeed, the second part of the Broadway show “Wicked” has songs that are not as strong as those in the first act. There isn’t a “Popular” or “Defying Gravity” to be found this time. However, given the success of the first movie, who wouldn’t want to see how the story unfolds for Elphaba, Glinda, and the Wizard of Oz?

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Title Date: December 19

Indeed, the much-anticipated return of ‘Avatar’ is here! The third installment in the potential series of five (or six, or ten, or even forty!) ‘Avatar’ movies will transport us to a fresh part of Pandora and introduce a new Na’vi clan, the “Ash People.” (Hopefully, Bruce Campbell will be the one to bring this character to life through motion capture.) As always, prepare for writer/director James Cameron to dazzle us with breathtaking visuals, heart-pounding action, intriguing characters, and, of course, over-the-top font designs!

Marty Supreme

The Safdie brothers, who previously impressed us with their 2019 comic thriller “Uncut Gems,” haven’t made a sequel yet. However, in 2025, each brother will unveil their own standalone project. Benny Safdie is set to make his directorial debut with “The Smashing Machine,” a biopic of MMA legend Mark Kerr featuring Dwayne Johnson. On the other hand, Josh Safdie has “Marty Supreme” in the pipeline, which tells the story of a ping pong champion portrayed by Timothée Chalamet. With two sports-themed films from the Safdies scheduled for release in 2025, we’re eager to see how this year will unfold!

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

The third installment of the Benoit Blanc mystery series will be streaming on Netflix later in the year, but predicting the exact release date would require detective skills on par with Sherlock Holmes. The stellar cast includes Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Josh O’Connor, Andrew Scott, Mila Kunis, and Glenn Close. At this moment, the core mystery remains a secret, though the title hints at a classic U2 song from their “Pop” album. Could we possibly witness a murder in a disco this time around?

Frankenstein

The anticipated release date for Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” on Netflix is still to be announced. Del Toro, known for his passion for the horror genre, has long desired to bring this classic tale to life. It was Netflix that finally made this dream a reality. Oscar Isaac portrays Dr. Frankenstein in this project, with Jacob Elordi of “Euphoria” and “Saltburn” fame playing the monster. This promises to be an exciting blend of horror and fun.

2025-01-14 03:52