Sony has announced that producer Neal Moritz is working on a feature-length film adaptation of the billion dollar video game franchise.
Sonic The Hedgehog is one of the most popular gaming franchises to date and Sony is ready to move the speedy hedgehog to the film frontier. The studio is teaming with Marza Animation Planet, a CG animation company based in Japan.
The reason that’s vital is because they’re a division of the Sega Sammy Group, which will make hybrid CG-animated/live action feature out of the game’s material.
THR reports Evan Susser and Van Robichaux will be penning the screenplay, which will reportedly follow the Sonic’s normal journey around the world. The adaptation will also feature some of fans’ favorite characters, including the popular evil Dr. Eggman.
Columbia Pictures president of production says, “There are limitless stories to tell with a character like Sonic the Hedgehog and a built-in international fan base.” “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,” continues.
Marza CEO Masanao Maeda explains, “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.”
Sonic has a huge following in the U.S., and an even larger following in international markets. This film, as funny as it may seem, will most likely be a massive project. It has a following that spans decades, so expect to see more on this film as the script gets finalized.