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<p>[quote_left]You think your world is safe, but your time is about to run out. The chaos... has only just begun.||[[Doctor Eggman]][cite_web title="Sonic the Hedgehog 4 | Title Reveal (2027 Movie) - Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Kristen Bell" url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRHnJKdcRwI" website="YouTube" access-date="March 20, 2026"][/quote_left]</p>

<p><strong><em>Sonic the Hedgehog 4</em></strong> is an upcoming American action-adventure comedy film based on the <em>[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]</em> video game series. It is the fourth film in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)|<em>Sonic the Hedgehog</em> film series]], the sequel to <em>[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]</em>, and the fifth installment in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog Cinematic Universe]]. The film is directed by [[Jeff Fowler]] and produced by [[Neal H. Moritz]], [[Toby Ascher]], and [[Toru Nakahara]].[cite_web title="Sonic the Hedgehog 4" url="https://www.uip.dk/en/taxonomy/term/3519" website="United International Pictures" access-date="January 1, 2026" archive-date="January 1, 2026" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20260102043142/https://www.uip.dk/en/taxonomy/term/3519"]</p>

<p>[[Jim Carrey]], [[Ben Schwartz]], [[Idris Elba]], [[Keanu Reeves]], [[James Marsden]], [[Tika Sumpter]], [[Colleen O'Shaughnessey]], and [[Lee Majdoub]] reprise their roles from previous installments. [[Kristen Bell]] joins the voice cast as [[Amy Rose]], while [[Ben Kingsley]], [[Matt Berry]], [[Nick Offerman]], and [[Richard Ayoade]] appear in undisclosed roles.[cite_web last="Jackson" first="Angelique" date="March 19, 2026" title="<em>Sonic the Hedgehog 4</em> Full Cast Revealed: Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba Returning Alongside Newcomers Ben Kingsley, Nick Offerman and More" url="https://variety.com/2026/film/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-cast-keanu-reeves-idris-elba-1236692974/" website="Variety" publisher="Penske Media Corporation" access-date="March 19, 2026" archive-date="March 19, 2026" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20260319134349/https://variety.com/2026/film/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-cast-keanu-reeves-idris-elba-1236692974/" language="en-US"]</p>

<p>A project titled <em>Sonic 4</em> appeared in <em>Production Weekly</em> in April 2024, with [[Paramount Pictures]] formally reported to be developing the fourth film that December.[cite_web title="Production Weekly – Issue 1397 – Thursday, April 11, 2024 / 212 Listings – 46 Pages" url="https://www.productionweekly.com/production-weekly-issue-1397-thursday-april-11-2024-212-listings-46-pages/"][cite_web date="December 19, 2024" title="<em>Sonic the Hedgehog 4</em> in the Works for 2027 Release (EXCLUSIVE)" url="https://variety.com/2024/film/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-release-date-2027-1236254778/" website="Variety" access-date="December 19, 2024"] Principal photography began on March 2, 2026 and concluded on May 15, with voice recording beginning later that month.[cite_web last="Yin-Poole" first="Wesley" date="March 2, 2026" title="<em>Sonic the Hedgehog 4</em> Movie Teaser Image Offers First Look at Amy’s Hammer" url="https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-movie-teaser-image-offers-first-look-at-amys-hammer" website="IGN" publisher="Ziff Davis" access-date="March 2, 2026" archive-date="March 2, 2026" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20260302182819/https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-movie-teaser-image-offers-first-look-at-amys-hammer" language="en-US"][cite_web last="Garner" first="Glenn" date="May 15, 2026" title="<em>Sonic the Hedgehog 4</em> Wraps Production, Director Teases Metal Sonic & 'The Best Sonic Movie Yet'" url="https://deadline.com/2026/05/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-wraps-production-1236906984/" website="Deadline Hollywood" publisher="Penske Media Corporation" access-date="May 17, 2026" archive-date="May 16, 2026" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20260516022023/https://deadline.com/2026/05/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-wraps-production-1236906984/" language="en-US"]</p>

<p>The film will draw elements from <em>[[Sonic CD]]</em> (1993), which introduced both Amy and [[Metal Sonic]], although Fowler has stated that its story will not be a direct adaptation of the game.[cite_web last="McWhertor" first="Michael" date="January 20, 2025" title="<em>Sonic the Hedgehog 3</em> director teases plans for Metal Sonic, Amy Rose in <em>Sonic 4</em>" url="https://www.polygon.com/movies/510831/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-digital-release-voice-actor-metal-sonic-amy-rose" website="Polygon" publisher="Vox Media" access-date="January 27, 2025" archive-date="January 30, 2025" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20250130165948/https://www.polygon.com/movies/510831/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-digital-release-voice-actor-metal-sonic-amy-rose/" language="en-US"] <em>Sonic the Hedgehog 4</em> is scheduled to be released by Paramount Pictures in the United States on March 19, 2027.[cite_web last="Kim" first="Matt" date="January 21, 2025" title="<em>Sonic the Hedgehog 4</em> Release Date Announced" url="https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-release-date-announced" website="IGN" publisher="Ziff Davis" access-date="January 22, 2025" archive-date="January 21, 2025" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20250121224359/https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-release-date-announced" language="en-US"]</p>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Synopsis</h2>

<p>[[Sonic the Hedgehog]] is joined by a new hero, [[Amy Rose]], as he faces a new technological enemy, [[Metal Sonic]].[cite_web title="Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Detailed Record View" url="https://publicrecords.copyright.gov/detailed-record/siebel_PRE000014330" website="U.S. Copyright Office Public Records System" date="May 13, 2026"]</p>

<p>[[Metal Sonic]] will appear in the film, although it has not been confirmed whether the character will be voiced or remain non-speaking.[ref name="MetalSonicVoice"][cite_web last="McWhertor" first="Michael" date="January 20, 2025" title="Sonic the Hedgehog 3 director teases plans for Metal Sonic, Amy Rose in Sonic 4" url="https://www.polygon.com/movies/510831/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-digital-release-voice-actor-metal-sonic-amy-rose" website="Polygon" publisher="Vox Media" access-date="January 27, 2025" archive-date="January 30, 2025" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20250130165948/https://www.polygon.com/movies/510831/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-digital-release-voice-actor-metal-sonic-amy-rose/"][/ref]<br><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20250130165948/https://www.polygon.com/movies/510831/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-digital-release-voice-actor-metal-sonic-amy-rose/%22%5D%5B/ref%5D"></a></p>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Voice cast</h3>

<li>[[Ben Schwartz]] as [[Sonic the Hedgehog]], an anthropomorphic blue hedgehog capable of running at supersonic speeds.[ref name="BellCast"][cite_web last="Kroll" first="Justin" date="February 18, 2026" title="Kristen Bell Joins ‘Sonic The Hedgehog 4’ At Paramount" url="https://deadline.com/2026/02/kristen-bell-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-amy-rose-1236728488/" website="Deadline Hollywood"][/ref]</li>

</ul>

<p>[[Kristen Bell]] as [[Amy Rose]], an anthropomorphic pink hedgehog who wields the [[Piko Piko Hammer]].[ref name="BellCast"/][ref name="BellTHR"][cite_web last="Kit" first="Borys" date="February 18, 2026" title="‘Sonic 4’: Kristen Bell to Voice Amy Rose (Exclusive)" url="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sonic-4-kristen-bell-voice-amy-rose-1236508342/" website="The Hollywood Reporter" access-date="February 18, 2026"][/ref]</p>

<p>[[Idris Elba]] as [[Knuckles the Echidna]], a powerful anthropomorphic red echidna warrior whose abilities include super strength and the Flames of Disaster, which allow him to ignite his fists.[ref name="Sonic4Cast"][cite_web last="Jackson" first="Angelique" date="March 19, 2026" title="Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Full Cast Revealed: Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba Returning Alongside Newcomers Ben Kingsley, Nick Offerman and More" url="https://variety.com/2026/film/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-cast-keanu-reeves-idris-elba-1236692974/" website="Variety" publisher="Penske Media Corporation" access-date="March 19, 2026" archive-date="March 19, 2026" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20260319134349/https://variety.com/2026/film/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-cast-keanu-reeves-idris-elba-1236692974/" language="en-US"][/ref]</p>

<p>[[Keanu Reeves]] as [[Shadow the Hedgehog]], a black-and-red anthropomorphic hedgehog created as part of [[Project Shadow]] who possesses abilities similar to Sonic's.[ref name="Sonic4Cast"/] [[Colleen O'Shaughnessey]] as [[Miles "Tails" Prower]], an intelligent anthropomorphic fox who can fly using his two tails and specializes in creating and operating gadgets.[ref name="Sonic4Cast"/] [[Ben Kingsley]] as an undisclosed character.[ref name="Sonic4Cast"/] [[Nick Offerman]] as an undisclosed character.[ref name="Sonic4Cast"/]</p>

<p>Kingsley and Offerman's roles have been confirmed to be voice roles, though their characters have not been announced.[ref name="Sonic4Cast"/]</p>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Live-action cast</h3>

<li>[[Jim Carrey]] as [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik]], a mad scientist and Sonic's arch-enemy.[ref name="Sonic4Cast"/]</li>

<li>[[James Marsden]] as [[Tom Wachowski]], the sheriff of Green Hills and adoptive father of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles.[ref name="Sonic4Cast"/]</li>

<li>[[Tika Sumpter]] as [[Maddie Wachowski]], Tom's wife, a veterinarian, and the adoptive mother of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles.[ref name="Sonic4Cast"/]</li>

<li>[[Lee Majdoub]] as [[Stone|Agent Stone]], Robotnik's devoted assistant.[ref name="Sonic4Cast"/]</li>

<li>[[Matt Berry]] as an undisclosed character.[ref name="Sonic4Cast"/]</li>

<li>[[Richard Ayoade]] as an undisclosed character.[ref name="Sonic4Cast"/]</li>

</ul>

<p>Berry and Ayoade's roles have been identified as live-action characters, but no further details about either character have been announced.[ref name="Sonic4Cast"/]</p>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Appearances</h2>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Locations</h3>

<li>[[Earth]]

<li>[[North America]]

<li>[[California]]

<li>[[San Francisco]][cite_tweet user="The Sonic Collector’s Scoop (@TheSonicScoop)" date="August 19, 2026" title="The Sonic Collector’s Scoop (@TheSonicScoop) on X" url="https://x.com/TheSonicScoop/status/2090207232797376940"]</li>

</ul>

</li>

</ul>

</li>

</ul>

</li>

</ul>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Items</h3>

<li>[[Metal Sonics]]

<li>[[Metal Sonic]][cite_web last="McWhertor" first="Michael" date="January 20, 2025" title="Sonic the Hedgehog 3 director teases plans for Metal Sonic, Amy Rose in Sonic 4" url="https://www.polygon.com/movies/510831/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-digital-release-voice-actor-metal-sonic-amy-rose" website="Polygon" publisher="Vox Media"]</li>

</ul>

</li>

<li>[[Piko Piko Hammer]][cite_tweet user="Jeff Fowler (@fowltown)" date="March 2, 2026" title="Jeff Fowler (@fowltown) on X" url="https://x.com/fowltown/status/2028516385756742055"]</li>

<li>[[Chaos Emeralds]]</li>

</ul>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sentient species</h3>

<li>[[Hedgehogs]]</li>

<li>[[Echidnas]][cite_web title="Sonic the Hedgehog 4" url="https://web.archive.org/web/20260102043142/https://www.uip.dk/en/taxonomy/term/3519" website="United International Pictures" access-date="January 1, 2026" archive-date="January 1, 2026" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20260102043142/https://www.uip.dk/en/taxonomy/term/3519"]</li>

<li>[[Foxes]][cite_web date="March 19, 2026" title="‘Sonic the Hedgehog 4’ Full Cast Revealed: Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba Returning Alongside Newcomers Ben Kingsley, Nick Offerman and More" url="https://variety.com/2026/film/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-cast-keanu-reeves-idris-elba-1236692974/" website="Variety"]</li>

<li>[[Humans]][cite_web title="Sonic the Hedgehog 4" url="https://web.archive.org/web/20260102043142/https://www.uip.dk/en/taxonomy/term/3519" website="United International Pictures" access-date="January 1, 2026" archive-date="January 1, 2026" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20260102043142/https://www.uip.dk/en/taxonomy/term/3519"]</li>

</ul>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Organizations</h3>

<li>[[Team Sonic]][cite_web date="March 19, 2026" title="‘Sonic the Hedgehog 4’ Full Cast Revealed: Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba Returning Alongside Newcomers Ben Kingsley, Nick Offerman and More" url="https://variety.com/2026/film/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-cast-keanu-reeves-idris-elba-1236692974/" website="Variety"]</li>

</ul>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Production</h2>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Development</h3>

<p>A project titled <em>Sonic 4</em> was listed by <em>Production Weekly</em> on April 10, 2024, indicating that a fourth film was in early development.[cite_web title="Production Weekly – Issue 1397 – Thursday, April 11, 2024 / 212 Listings – 46 Pages" url="https://www.productionweekly.com/production-weekly-issue-1397-thursday-april-11-2024-212-listings-46-pages/"] In September, producer [[Toby Ascher]] confirmed that further installments in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)|<em>Sonic the Hedgehog</em> film series]] were planned, while director [[Jeff Fowler]] and Ascher said they saw a "rich universe of stories to tell" and did not intend to slow down.[cite_web last="Deschamps" first="Marc" date="September 24, 2024" title="Sonic 3 Producer Teases More Movies: &quot;I Don't See Us Slowing Down&quot;" url="https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-producer-more-movies/" website="ComicBook.com" publisher="Savage Ventures" access-date="September 24, 2024" archive-date="September 24, 2024" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20240924170254/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-producer-more-movies/" language="en-US"][cite_video title="Sonic the Hedgehog 3 - Jeff Fowler & Toby Ascher Interview" url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvlCTYxLmJs" website="YouTube"]</p>

<p>In November 2024, Fowler revealed that <em>[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]</em> would use its credits sequence to introduce characters intended to help set up a potential fourth film. He also discussed continuing to expand the series with new characters and stories while finding ways for each sequel to grow beyond its predecessor.[cite_magazine last="Romano" first="Nick" date="November 13, 2024" title="How Sonic 3 went bigger with Shadow's origin story and 2 Jim Carreys: 'Everything is pumped up' (exclusive)" url="https://ew.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-shadow-origin-story-2-jim-carreys-everything-pumped-up-exclusive-8740769/" magazine="Entertainment Weekly" publisher="Dotdash Meredith" access-date="November 13, 2024" archive-date="November 13, 2024" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20241113152402/https://ew.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-shadow-origin-story-2-jim-carreys-everything-pumped-up-exclusive-8740769/" language="en-US"] The resulting mid-credits scene introduced [[Amy Rose]] and an army of [[Metal Sonic]] units, with Amy rescuing Sonic from them.[cite_web last="Sandwell" first="Ian" date="December 21, 2024" title="Sonic the Hedgehog 3 credit scenes explained: How many are there?" url="https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a63223269/sonic-hedgehog-3-post-credit-scenes-explained/" website="Digital Spy" publisher="Hearst Communications" access-date="December 26, 2024" archive-date="December 21, 2024" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20241221101209/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a63223269/sonic-hedgehog-3-post-credit-scenes-explained/" language="en-GB"]</p>

<p>Writers [[Patrick Casey]] and [[Josh Miller]] later revealed that Amy had been considered for a larger role in <em>Sonic the Hedgehog 3</em>, but was ultimately held back so that the film could concentrate on [[Shadow the Hedgehog]].[cite_web last="Murray" first="Emily" date="December 23, 2024" title="Sonic 3 writers say that Amy Rose nearly appeared in the movie rather than just the post-credits, revealing that they have a &quot;great plan&quot; for her future" url="https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/family-movies/sonic-3-writers-say-that-amy-rose-nearly-appeared-in-the-movie-rather-than-just-the-post-credits-revealing-that-they-have-a-great-plan-for-her-future/" website="GamesRadar+" publisher="Future plc" access-date="January 18, 2025" archive-date="January 10, 2025" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20250110103120/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/family-movies/sonic-3-writers-say-that-amy-rose-nearly-appeared-in-the-movie-rather-than-just-the-post-credits-revealing-that-they-have-a-great-plan-for-her-future/" language="en-UK"] On December 19, 2024, [[Paramount Pictures]] was reported to have greenlit the fourth film for a 2027 release.[cite_web last="Lang" first="Brent" date="December 19, 2024" title="Sonic the Hedgehog 4 in the Works for 2027 Release (EXCLUSIVE)" url="https://variety.com/2024/film/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-release-date-2027-1236254778/" website="Variety" publisher="Penske Media Corporation" access-date="December 19, 2024" archive-date="December 21, 2024" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20241221020427/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-release-date-2027-1236254778/" language="en-US"] Fowler returned as director, with [[Neal H. Moritz]], Ascher, and [[Toru Nakahara]] returning as producers.[cite_web last="Rubin" first="Rebecca" date="February 18, 2026" title="Kristen Bell Joins 'Sonic the Hedgehog 4' as Amy Rose" url="https://variety.com/2026/film/news/kristen-bell-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-amy-rose-1236666613/" website="Variety" publisher="Penske Media Corporation" access-date="February 18, 2026"][cite_web last="Kroll" first="Justin" date="February 18, 2026" title="Kristen Bell Joins ‘Sonic The Hedgehog 4’ At Paramount" url="https://deadline.com/2026/02/kristen-bell-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-amy-rose-1236728488/" website="Deadline Hollywood"]</p>

<p>Casey and Miller also expressed interest in eventually taking Sonic beyond [[Earth]] and exploring the other worlds established to exist within the film continuity.[cite_web last="Brooks" first="Nicholas" date="December 12, 2024" title="'We Can Solve That Problem': Sonic 3 Writers Look Back at Sonic 1's Issues" url="https://www.cbr.com/josh-miller-patrick-casey-interview-sonic-the-hedgehog/" website="Comic Book Resources" publisher="Valnet" access-date="January 18, 2025" archive-date="December 29, 2024" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20241229025908/https://www.cbr.com/josh-miller-patrick-casey-interview-sonic-the-hedgehog/" language="en"][cite_web last="Blevins" first="Adam" date="January 2, 2025" title="&quot;We Know There Are Other Worlds&quot;: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Could Be Headed for Outer Space" url="https://collider.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-space-plot-details-josh-miller-pat-casey/" website="Collider" publisher="Valnet" access-date="January 18, 2025" archive-date="July 6, 2025" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20250706193110/https://collider.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-space-plot-details-josh-miller-pat-casey/" language="en"]</p>

<p>In January 2025, concept artwork created by Tacit Sign Studio for <em>Sonic the Hedgehog 3</em> was published online, including unused or substantially altered scenes involving Amy and Metal Sonic. The material led to speculation that the fourth film could draw from <em>[[Sonic CD]]</em>, the 1993 game in which both characters debuted.[cite_web last="Shepard" first="Kenneth" date="January 21, 2025" title="New Sonic 3 Concept Art May Clear Up That Confusing Post-Credits Scene" url="https://kotaku.com/new-sonic-3-concept-art-may-clear-up-that-confusing-pos-1851743775" website="Kotaku" access-date="January 24, 2025"][cite_web last="Nightingale" first="Ed" date="January 20, 2025" title="Sonic the Hedgehog 3 film concept art reveals cut content and secret characters" url="https://www.eurogamer.net/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-film-concept-art-reveals-cut-content-and-secret-characters" website="Eurogamer" publisher="Ziff Davis" access-date="January 24, 2025"] Miller declined to discuss whether ideas depicted in the artwork could be used in future films. Fowler, however, acknowledged the <em>Sonic CD</em> connection, explaining that Amy and Metal Sonic were introduced together to "honor that chronology", while stressing that <em>Sonic the Hedgehog 4</em> would not simply adapt the game's storyline.[cite_web last="McWhertor" first="Michael" date="January 20, 2025" title="Sonic the Hedgehog 3 director teases plans for Metal Sonic, Amy Rose in Sonic 4" url="https://www.polygon.com/movies/510831/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-digital-release-voice-actor-metal-sonic-amy-rose" website="Polygon" publisher="Vox Media" access-date="January 27, 2025" archive-date="January 30, 2025" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20250130165948/https://www.polygon.com/movies/510831/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-digital-release-voice-actor-metal-sonic-amy-rose/" language="en-US"]</p>

<p>Development was reported to be moving forward by February 2025, and on January 21 Paramount set the film's United States theatrical release for March 19, 2027.[cite_web title="“Sonic the Hedgehog 4” Announced for Spring 2027 Release, Development Begins February 2025" url="https://productionlist.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-announces-production-dates/" website="Production List"][cite_web date="January 21, 2025" title="‘Sonic 4’ Sets March 2027 Release Date" url="https://variety.com/2025/film/news/sonic-4-release-date-march-2027-1236280697/" website="Variety"] In November 2025, Moritz presented early material from the film during a meeting with [[IMAX]], where the possibility of a large-format release was discussed.[cite_news title="Why Everyone in Hollywood Wants Their Movie in IMAX" url="https://www.wsj.com/business/media/imax-movie-release-trend-6f4587a2" publication="The Wall Street Journal"] An IMAX release was subsequently included in the company's April 2026 investor presentation.[cite_document title="IMAX Investor Presentation April 2026" url="https://imaxcorporation.gcs-web.com/static-files/e4026629-611f-48cc-96c4-eda3a5245f39" publisher="IMAX" date="April 2026"]</p>

<p>The film used the production codename <em>Palmtree Panic</em>, named after [[Palmtree Panic]] from <em>Sonic CD</em>.[cite_web title="The production codename for Sonic Movie 4 has been revealed as &quot;Palmtree Panic&quot;" url="https://www.threads.com/@tailschannel/post/DX27HRJjF2d/the-production-codename-for-sonic-movie-has-been-revealed-as-palmtree-panic-via?hl=en" website="Threads" publisher="Tails' Channel" date="May 2, 2026" access-date="June 3, 2026"]</p>

<p>=== Casting ===</p>

<p>Before the cast was formally announced, several returning performers expressed interest in another installment. [[Idris Elba]] said in December 2024 that he would be interested in reprising [[Knuckles the Echidna]], while he and [[Keanu Reeves]] also discussed the possibility of a Knuckles and [[Shadow the Hedgehog]] spin-off.[cite_web last="Cavanaugh" first="Patrick" date="December 10, 2024" title="Keanu Reeves & Idris Elba Want Shadow & Knuckles TV Spinoff (and Even Pitch a Title)" url="https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-knuckles-spinoff-shadow-team-up-keanu-reeves-idris-elba/" website="ComicBook.com" publisher="Savage Ventures" access-date="December 13, 2024"] [[Jim Carrey]], who had previously discussed retiring from acting, clarified later that month that he regarded himself as taking a break and remained open to returning as [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Ivo Robotnik]].[cite_video title="ジム・キャリー、引退宣言の真相は… 映画『ソニック × シャドウ TOKYO MISSION』単独インタビュー" url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O4Z5rzbRXk" website="YouTube"][cite_web last="Lewis" first="Claire" date="January 3, 2025" title="Jim Carrey Says He's Down To Return For Sonic 4" url="https://www.gamespot.com/articles/jim-carrey-says-hes-down-to-return-for-sonic-4/1100-6528618/" website="GameSpot" publisher="Fandom" access-date="January 19, 2025"]</p>

<p>Fowler said in January 2025 that Metal Sonic's traditionally non-speaking role did not necessarily rule out casting a voice actor for the film. He expected whether the character should speak to become part of the scripting discussions.[cite_web last="McWhertor" first="Michael" date="January 20, 2025" title="Sonic the Hedgehog 3 director teases plans for Metal Sonic, Amy Rose in Sonic 4" url="https://www.polygon.com/movies/510831/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-digital-release-voice-actor-metal-sonic-amy-rose" website="Polygon" publisher="Vox Media" access-date="January 27, 2025" archive-date="January 30, 2025" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20250130165948/https://www.polygon.com/movies/510831/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-digital-release-voice-actor-metal-sonic-amy-rose/" language="en-US"]</p>

<p>In February 2025, [[Natasha Rothwell]] expressed interest in reprising [[Rachel Handel]], although her return had not been confirmed.[cite_web title="Sonic 4 Return Addressed By Human Character After Surprising Smaller Role In Sonic 3: &quot;I've Been In All Of Them&quot;" url="https://screenrant.com/sonic-4-return-chances-natasha-rothwell-response/" website="Screen Rant"] In January 2026, a listing from Danish distributor [[United International Pictures]] confirmed Fowler's return and identified [[Ben Schwartz]], Elba, and [[James Marsden]] among the returning cast.[cite_web title="Sonic the Hedgehog 4" url="https://www.uip.dk/en/taxonomy/term/3519" website="United International Pictures" access-date="January 1, 2026" archive-date="January 1, 2026" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20260102043142/https://www.uip.dk/en/taxonomy/term/3519"]</p>

<p>On February 18, 2026, [[Kristen Bell]] was announced as the voice of Amy Rose, with Schwartz confirmed to return as Sonic.[cite_web last="Kit" first="Borys" date="February 18, 2026" title="‘Sonic 4’: Kristen Bell to Voice Amy Rose (Exclusive)" url="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sonic-4-kristen-bell-voice-amy-rose-1236508342/" website="The Hollywood Reporter" access-date="February 18, 2026"][cite_web last="Rubin" first="Rebecca" date="February 18, 2026" title="Kristen Bell Joins 'Sonic the Hedgehog 4' as Amy Rose" url="https://variety.com/2026/film/news/kristen-bell-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-amy-rose-1236666613/" website="Variety" publisher="Penske Media Corporation" access-date="February 18, 2026"] In March, [[Ben Kingsley]] was reported to have joined the project in a significant undisclosed role. [[Tika Sumpter]] also confirmed her return as [[Maddie Wachowski]] on March 13.[cite_web title="Sonic City ⋆ Sonic News, Media & Community ⋆ on Facebook" url="https://www.facebook.com/soniccityfb/photos/tika-sumpter-has-shared-a-new-photo-of-her-actors-chair-on-instagram-storiesremi/860483713710381/" website="Facebook" publisher="Sonic City" date="March 14, 2026" access-date="March 15, 2026"]</p>

<p>The film's title and principal cast were formally announced on March 19, 2026. Alongside Schwartz, Bell, Elba, Marsden, and Sumpter, the announcement confirmed the returns of Carrey as Robotnik, Reeves as Shadow, [[Colleen O'Shaughnessey]] as [[Miles "Tails" Prower]], and [[Lee Majdoub]] as [[Stone|Agent Stone]]. Kingsley, [[Nick Offerman]], [[Matt Berry]], and [[Richard Ayoade]] were announced as newcomers in undisclosed roles, with Kingsley and Offerman identified as members of the voice cast and Berry and Ayoade in live-action roles.[cite_web last="Jackson" first="Angelique" date="March 19, 2026" title="‘Sonic the Hedgehog 4’ Full Cast Revealed: Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba Returning Alongside Newcomers Ben Kingsley, Nick Offerman and More" url="https://variety.com/2026/film/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-cast-keanu-reeves-idris-elba-1236692974/" website="Variety" publisher="Penske Media Corporation" access-date="March 19, 2026" archive-date="March 19, 2026" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20260319134349/https://variety.com/2026/film/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-cast-keanu-reeves-idris-elba-1236692974/" language="en-US"]</p>

<p>=== Filming and voice recording ~~===~~</p>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Filming and voice recording</h3>

<p>[[Principal photography]] began on March 2, 2026. Fowler announced the start of filming with a photograph of himself holding Amy's [[Piko Piko Hammer]].[cite_web last="Yin-Poole" first="Wesley" date="March 2, 2026" title="Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Movie Teaser Image Offers First Look at Amy’s Hammer" url="https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-movie-teaser-image-offers-first-look-at-amys-hammer" website="IGN" publisher="Ziff Davis" access-date="March 2, 2026" archive-date="March 2, 2026" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20260302182819/https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-movie-teaser-image-offers-first-look-at-amys-hammer" language="en-US"] Filming took place at [[Shinfield Studios]] in [[Berkshire]], England.[cite_web last="Johnson" first="Helen" date="February 5, 2026" title="Industry update 2026 and what productions are starting up" url="https://www.filmbase.uk/industry-update-2026" website="FilmBase" access-date="March 10, 2026" archive-date="February 22, 2026" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20260222043806/https://www.filmbase.uk/industry-update-2026" language="en"] [[Brandon Trost]] served as cinematographer.[cite_web last="Garner" first="Glenn" date="May 15, 2026" title="Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Wraps Production, Director Teases Metal Sonic & 'The Best Sonic Movie Yet'" url="https://deadline.com/2026/05/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-wraps-production-1236906984/" website="Deadline Hollywood" publisher="Penske Media Corporation" access-date="May 17, 2026" archive-date="May 16, 2026" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20260516022023/https://deadline.com/2026/05/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-wraps-production-1236906984/" language="en-US"]</p>

<p>Principal photography wrapped on May 15, 2026. Fowler marked the occasion by sharing an image of himself beside a Metal Sonic prop.[cite_web last="McPherson" first="Chris" date="May 15, 2026" title="New 'Sonic the Hedgehog 4' First Look Officially Reveals the Sci-Fi Franchise's Scariest Villain Yet" url="https://collider.com/jim-carrey-sci-fi-sequel-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-first-look-metal-sonic/" website="Collider" access-date="May 15, 2026" language="en"][cite_tweet user="Jeff Fowler (@fowltown)" date="May 15, 2026" title="Jeff Fowler (@fowltown) on X" url="https://x.com/i/status/2055389893572849675"] That day, O'Shaughnessey said during a convention appearance that voice recording was expected to begin soon. Schwartz confirmed on May 27 that recording had started, posting a photograph from a recording booth with Fowler and editor [[Al LeVine]].[cite_web last="Watson" first="Fay" date="May 28, 2026" title="Sonic the Hedgehog star says voice recording has officially begun in an exciting Sonic 4 production update" url="https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/animation-movies/sonic-the-hedgehog-star-says-voice-recording-has-officially-begun-in-an-exciting-sonic-4-production-update/" website="GamesRadar+" publisher="Future plc" access-date="May 30, 2026" archive-date="May 29, 2026" archive-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20260529160523/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/animation-movies/sonic-the-hedgehog-star-says-voice-recording-has-officially-begun-in-an-exciting-sonic-4-production-update/" language="en"][cite_web title="Ben Schwartz (@rejectedjokes) on Instagram - May 27, 2026" url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DY16_TFpzQp/?hl=en" website="Instagram" date="May 27, 2026"]</p>

<p>On June 3, Bell shared a photograph from a recording studio as she prepared to record dialogue for Amy.[cite_web title="In the booth for @sonicmovie 🙌 #AmyRose is coming to life!" url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZIUSjpFKhh/" website="Instagram" author="Kristen Bell" date="June 3, 2026" access-date="June 7, 2026"]</p>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">References</h2>

<p>[reflist]</p>