Paramount+ has announced the development of a live-action series titled “Knuckles,” a spinoff from the highly successful Sonic The Hedgehog franchise. Idris Elba will reprise his role as the beloved character, Knuckles the Echidna, from the 2022 film Sonic The Hedgehog 2.
Set to begin pre-production on April 17, the series will be filmed in London and will follow Knuckles on a journey of self-discovery as he trains Wade, played by Adam Pally, in the ways of the Echidna warrior.
A Talented Team of Filmmakers and Actors Assemble
The series assembles an outstanding team of accomplished filmmakers. Producer Neal H. Moritz, known for his work on the Fast & Furious franchise, brings his expertise in producing action-packed blockbusters to the table. Writer John Whittington, recognized for his witty and engaging storytelling in The LEGO Batman Movie, will undoubtedly infuse humor and heart into the script. The writing team is further strengthened by the creative partnership of Brian Schacter and James Madejski, who are known for their unique narrative approach and strong character development.
Directing the series will be a collaborative endeavor, involving Jeff Fowler, the visionary behind both Sonic The Hedgehog films. Fowler’s keen understanding of the source material and his ability to seamlessly merge live-action and CGI will be crucial in shaping the “Knuckles” series. Co-director Ged Wright, known for his innovative visual style, will also contribute to crafting memorable action sequences and striking visuals.
The cast, featuring Idris Elba and Adam Pally, is complemented by a diverse ensemble of accomplished actors, including Rory McCann, famous for his intense and powerful performances, and Tika Sumpter, known for her versatile acting range. With their unique talents, the cast members will bring depth and nuance to their respective roles. Elba’s previous work on the live-action trailer for the video game Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege showcases his long-standing interest in working in the space.
Under the discerning eyes of casting directors Janelle Scuderi and Tricia Wood, the selected actors form a dynamic group that promises an engaging and captivating experience for viewers of the upcoming “Knuckles” series. The combination of the filmmakers’ and actors’ distinct styles and expertise ensures that the live-action series will be a thrilling addition to the Sonic The Hedgehog universe.
The Sonic The Hedgehog Franchise: A Success Story
The live-action series “Knuckles” finds its roots in the immensely popular Sonic The Hedgehog video game franchise, which has captivated fans since its debut in 1991. This enduring fanbase fueled the franchise’s successful transition to the big screen with the 2020 film Sonic The Hedgehog, directed by Jeff Fowler. Critics and audiences alike celebrated the movie for its delightful mix of humor and heartwarming moments, leading to a remarkable gross of over $300 million worldwide.
Building on this success, Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (2022) not only received a warm reception from both critics and viewers, but also set a new benchmark in the entertainment industry. The sequel, featuring Idris Elba’s captivating portrayal of Knuckles, dethroned its predecessor to become the highest-grossing video game movie ever in the U.S. Elba’s memorable performance resonated with fans and played a pivotal role in paving the way for the “Knuckles” spinoff series. The continued accomplishments of the Sonic The Hedgehog films have solidified the franchise’s position as a powerhouse in the world of entertainment.
This remarkable track record sets the stage for the upcoming “Knuckles” live-action series, promising an engaging and exciting exploration of the iconic character. Fans of the franchise and newcomers alike can eagerly anticipate a thrilling addition to the ever-expanding Sonic The Hedgehog universe.
“Knuckles” Production Studios
Gower Avenue Films Ltd, located at the iconic Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, UK, is known for providing state-of-the-art facilities and services to the film and television industries. With a rich history of contributing to some of the most successful and beloved productions in cinema, Pinewood Studios has become synonymous with quality and excellence. Their involvement in the “Knuckles” series ensures that the production will have access to world-class resources, further raising the bar for the upcoming live-action spinoff.
Original Film, based in Los Angeles, California, is a prominent production company with a reputation for creating high-quality, commercially successful films and television series. Their diverse portfolio includes action-packed blockbusters and critically acclaimed dramas, showcasing their ability to cater to a wide range of audiences. Collaborating with Green Door Pictures, a London-based production company founded by Idris Elba, the two studios bring their unique expertise and passion for storytelling to the “Knuckles” series, elevating the project to new heights.
The involvement of Sega Of America, the company responsible for the beloved Sonic The Hedgehog video game franchise, ensures the series remains true to the essence of the original games. Paramount Television Studios, with its impressive track record of producing popular and critically acclaimed series, will undoubtedly be a driving force behind the success of the “Knuckles” live-action spinoff. This collaboration of esteemed production studios guarantees that the series will be a thrilling and engaging addition to the Sonic The Hedgehog universe.
Gower Avenue Films Ltd
Pinewood Studios, Pinewood Road
Iver Heath
Buckinghamshire
SL0 0NH
UK
Email: info@pinewoodgroup.com
Phone: +44 1753 651 700
Original Film
11466 San Vicente Boulevard
Los Angeles
CA
90049
Phone: 310-575-6950
Email: bruce@originalfilm.com
Green Door Pictures
10 Queen Street Place
London
EC4R 1AG
UK
Email: info@greendoorpictures.com
Sega Of America
250 Olive Avenue, Ste. 650
Burbank
CA
91502
Phone: 747-477-3705
Email: support@sega-support.com
Paramount Television Studios
5555 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles
CA
90038
Phone: 323-956-5000
Email: paramount_careers@paramount.com
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