Film producer Adi Shankar released a statement in response to Jim Carrey’s comments on the decision to redesign Sonic based on fan complaints.
During the Television Critics Association press tour, Jim Carrey expressed his concerns regarding the decision to redesign the titular hero of Sonic the Hedgehog based on the fan outcry that followed the release of the film’s official trailer. Though Jim Carrey was noted that he decision could either be a “good thing or a bad thing,” he was unsure if fans should have so much input on a film while its in the midst of production.
In response, Adi Shankar released a statement to ScreenRant in which he counters Jim Carrey’s argument on the Sonic redesign. In the statement, Adi Shankar, who has produced several projects based on beloved properties, including Power/Rangers and Netflix’s Castlevania, argued that the filmmakers adapted Sonic “incorrectly” and that audiences weren’t “in on the creation” because the character has a long history:
Dear Jim,
The audience isn’t “in on the creation” of the film you acted in. Sonic the Hedgehog was already created, decades ago. This film you lended your talents to adapted him incorrectly. It’s this perspective that Hollywood is entitled to dismantle iconography as it sees fit and reassemble it in ways that often bear little resemblance to the source that has led to the friction between gamers and the film industry.
Best,
Adi
Do you agree with Adi Shankar’s take on the decision to redesign Sonic or are you more in line with Jim Carrey’s opinion? Let us know in the comments section below!
Here is the official synopsis for Sonic the Hedgehog:
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG is a live-action adventure comedy based on the global blockbuster video game franchise from Sega that centres on the infamously brash bright blue hedgehog. The film follows the (mis)adventures of Sonic as he navigates the complexities of life on Earth with his newfound – human – best friend Tom Wachowski (James Marsden). Sonic and Tom join forces to try and stop the villainous Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) from capturing Sonic and using his immense powers for world domination.
Directed by Jeff Fowler from a script written by Patrick Casey, Josh Miller, and Oren Uziel, Sonic the Hedgehog features the voice talent of Ben Schwartz as the titular character and stars James Marsden as sheriff Tom Wachowski, Jim Carrey as Dr. Ivo Robotnik, Neal McDonough as US Army Major Bennington, Tika Sumpter as Mrs. Wachowski, Lee Majdoub as Stone, and Frank C. Turner as Crazy Carl. Adam Pally, Natasha Rothwell, Debs Howard, and Elfina Luk also star in undisclosed roles.
Sonic the Hedgehog opens in theaters on February 14, 2020.
Source: ScreenRant
