Sonic the Hedgehog 2: Release date, cast, plot and trailer for the sequel

A final trailer recently dropped, giving fans a look at the return of Doctor Robotnik (Jim Carrey), the introduction of villainous Knuckles (Idris Elba) as well as a glimpse of James Marsden and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey). Check out the trailers further down this page...

Fans will also be pleased to hear that Sonic the Hedgehog 2 won’t be Sonic’s last outing on the big screen.

Paramount recently confirmed that a third offering is officially in development, while a spin-off series starring Knuckles is also in the pipeline.

But for now, read on for everything we know about the Sonic the Hedgehog 2 movie.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 release date

The film is slated for release on Friday 1st April 2022, a week earlier than had initially been announced.

Production on the sequel began in March 2021, with returning director Jeff Fowler confirming the news on Twitter, posting a snap of his director's chair alongside the caption: "Lights, camera, hedgehog. Production on Sonic the Hedgehog 2 starts TODAY!"

Filming wrapped in May 2021 on the sequel, with Fowler once again confirming the news on Twitter.

• Read more: Sonic the Hedgehog review - ‘Enjoyable and entertaining’

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 trailer

In February 2022, Paramount released a Super Bowl trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 2, giving fans a glimpse at Sonic and Knuckles' rivalry, the return of James Marsden’s Tom Wachoswki and Dr Robotnik’s giant mech suit. Watch below:

The movie's first trailer was unveiled at The Game Awards in December 2021. The footage shows Dr Robotnik landing back on earth in an egg-shaped spaceship alongside fan favourite character Knuckles (Idris Elba).

The trailer shows Dr Robotnik landing back on earth in an egg-shaped spaceship alongside Knuckles, as they hatch a plan to steal Sonic’s powers, while an epic new poster (below) shows Sonic riding atop Tails' plane. Watch below:

Earlier, in February 2021, Sony released a very brief title announcement, which also revealed the release date for the film. Check it out below:

An action-packed final trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was then released at the beginning of 2022, giving fans a look at the return of Doctor Robotnik (Jim Carrey), the newest anthropomorphic villain Knuckles (Idris Elba) and another look at Tom Wachoswki (James Marsden) and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey).

Towards the end of the trailer, Knuckles mocks Sonic by taunting: “You’re unskilled. Untrained. Unworthy!”

Sonic responds: “You forgot one. Unstoppable.” Watch for yourself below:

What's more, to tease the trailer’s release, Paramount Pictures previously released a trailer set to Sonic speed, which was simply too fast to watch, getting us hyped at the expense of that creepy original Sonic movie design.

Sonic’s voice actor Ben Schwartz shared the teaser on Twitter, alongside a still of himself wearing hedgehog shoes, the original movie design, Idris Elba with ‘Knuckles’ gloves and a ‘Sanic’ meme drawing.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 cast

The good news for fans of the first film is that the major stars are all returning, with Ben Schwartz back to voice the titular hedgehog.

Schwartz had always been open about wanting to return, and in February 2021 he teased during an interview with ComicBook.com that he'd already read the script, describing it as "awesome."

James Marsden and Tika Sumpter are also both confirmed to be reprising their roles as Tom and Maddie Wachowski, while Jim Carrey – who was reportedly the first to suggest a sequel – will once again take on the role of big bad Dr Robotnik.

Colleen O’Shaughnessey will voice Tails, and Adam Pally and Natasha Rothwell will also be returning as Wade Whipple and Rachel respectively.

Meanwhile, in some major casting news, it was announced that Idris Elba will be joining the Sonic the Hedgehog 2 cast, lending his voice to Knuckles – the hot-headed red Echidna who serves as the guardian of the Master Emerald. The Luther star announced the news on Twitter himself, writing "knock, knock..." alongside an image of, appropriately, Knuckles' knuckles.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 plot

An official plot synopsis has now been unveiled for the sequel, which reads: "After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove that he has what it takes to be a true hero.

"His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns with a new partner, Knuckles, in search of a mystical emerald that has the power to destroy civilisations.

"Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands."

The appearance of Tails is not especially surprising – he did briefly appear in the post-credits scene at the end of the first movie, and the title font for the sequel also heavily hinted at his involvement this time around.

The plot follows on from the events at the end of the first film, which saw Dr Robotnik sent through a portal to a mushroom planet, where he is now living – still in possession of Sonic's quill.

In the post-credits scene Robotnik declares that he hopes to be "home by Christmas" – and we imagine that his journey back to Green Hills might well form part of the follow-up.

Will there be a Sonic the Hedgehog 3 film?

Good news for fans – a third film is already in development at Paramount, even before the second has arrived in cinemas.

The news was confirmed by the studio in February 2022, alongside the announcement that a spin-off TV series focusing on Knuckles will be arriving on streaming platform Paramount Plus

Haruki Satomi, the CEO of Sega Corporation, said in a statement: "We are delighted to announce that the third Sonic theatrical film and the first live action Sonic series for Paramount Plus are being actively developed.

"We've got a remarkable partnership with Paramount, and we are excited to continue expanding the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise with them.

"2022 is shaping up to be a significant year for the franchise with the second film being released this April, as well as Sonic Frontiers, the highly-anticipated video game title, coming this holiday. Sonic has been beloved by fans across the world for over 30 years and we look forward to continuing to bring memorable moments and experiences to them for many years to come."

No further details have been revealed about the third film so far – unsurprising given we don't know how the second one ends yet – but we'll post any updates here as and when they arrive.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is currently scheduled to be released in cinemas on 1st April 2022. If you’re looking for something to watch, check out our TV Guide or check out our Movies hub for all the latest news and features.

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