Idris Elba to Be Knighted, Making Sonic’s Knuckles a Character Voiced by a Real-Life Sir

The UK’s New Year Honours List has been revealed, confirming that Idris Elba is set to receive a knighthood. The recognition places Elba among a small and prestigious group of actors whose careers have left a lasting mark on both film and video games, giving Sonic the Hedgehog fans and gamers alike a reason to celebrate.

The New Year Honours List is a long-running British tradition that recognizes individuals awarded honors by the reigning monarch, currently King Charles. These honors are granted for achievements ranging from charity work to cultural contributions, and Elba’s extensive body of work across film, television, and games has earned him one of the highest distinctions available. Once formally invested, he will be known as Sir Idris Elba.

For Sonic fans, that distinction comes with a fun implication. Elba has voiced Knuckles the Echidna since the character’s live-action debut in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. His casting instantly caught attention when he teased the role with a single image of Knuckles’ clenched fist. With Elba now receiving a knighthood, future credits, including the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 4, will technically list him as Sir Idris Elba. That makes Knuckles one of the very few video game characters portrayed by a real-life knight.

Knuckles already holds a special place in the franchise as the first Sonic character to receive a live-action spin-off series, with Knuckles further cementing Elba’s connection to the Sonic universe.

Elba’s gaming presence goes well beyond Sonic. He played Solomon Reed in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, a major character in the expansion’s story. If he returns for a future Cyberpunk sequel, his new title would follow him there as well. His gaming credits also include appearances in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and NBA 2K20, making his resume in games just as varied as his film career.

With this honor, Elba joins a small club of knighted actors with memorable video game roles. Patrick Stewart is a standout example for many players thanks to his role as Emperor Uriel Septim VII in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Gary Oldman also earned a place in gaming history through his role as Ignitus in The Legend of Spyro series.

Now, with Idris Elba joining that list, the overlap between gaming culture and British honors grows a little stronger. And for Sonic fans, it adds one more great piece of trivia to Knuckles’ legacy.

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