Hot on the heels of announcing a new generation of live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja movies, Paramount has also confirmed that it’s producing the first spinoff feature film in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. 

Details about the new film are still under wraps, but Paramount has described the production (which also involves SEGA) as its first Sonic Universe Event Film. This has led many to speculate that the iconic Blue Blur might take a back seat for this movie, leaving room for another existing character to shine on the red carpet in 2028 instead. 

Sonic’s former rival Knuckles is more than likely off the table as a possibility, given that his own six-episode miniseries launched on Paramount+ last year. (It currently holds the record as the streamer’s most-watched kids & family series of all time, and generated more than four million hours of watch time in just its first three days.)

So if Knuckles is out, what other Sonic character is worthy of a feature-film push?

The sure shot

If Paramount wants both a year-ending blockbuster and a consumer products slam dunk, the first in line for a feature film would be Shadow the Hedgehog. Since his 2001 debut in the games, this cool anti-hero has become one of the franchise’s most beloved characters, as one of the only beings who can match Sonic’s speed. 

Following his post-credit cameo in the second Paramount film, Shadow made his mark as a new rival in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which brought in more than US$491 million at the global box office. By comparison, Knuckles’ debut in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 only elevated the film to a global box-office take of US$405 million, showing that Shadow already has more star power for Paramount and SEGA to leverage. 

In anticipation of the third live-action film, SEGA even declared 2024 the Year of Shadow, rolling out new consumer products featuring the black hedgehog with master toy partner Jakks Pacific, creating a pop-up restaurant, and partnering with the MotoGP motorsports championship to bring a Shadow-themed motorcycle on a global tour. 

Trusty sidekick

Sonic has been running around at the speed of sound for 34 years now, but always with his best friend Tails right there beside him. This two-tailed fox made his first gaming appearance in 1992, but has never stepped out from behind Sonic’s shadow to become the hero of his own story. Tails is known for his genius mind and knack for inventing, and toycos could have a field day designing vehicles and STEM products around him.  

The dark horse

Spoiler alert if you haven’t watched the third film’s post-credits scene, but Sonic’s leading lady Amy Rose is ready to play a pivotal role in Sonic the Hedgehog 4 when the film debuts in 2027. This pink hedgehog made her game debut in 1993 and has already gone through several iterations in her transition from a damsel in distress to Sonic’s self-proclaimed girlfriend. 

But Paramount appears to be introducing a brand-new version of Amy that can stand toe-to-toe with Sonic as an equal, with her fiery personality and trusty Piko Piko Hammer. If the fourth film doesn’t fully explore Amy’s backstory, this could be an opportunity for Paramount and SEGA to get more girls into the predominantly boy-led brand.