During an interview with Variety, Sonic the Hedgehog producer Tim Miller commented on the decision to redesign the titular character following the fan backlash.
After the release of the first trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog, fans responded to the preview by harshly criticizing the design for the live-action version of the beloved video game character. The backlash prompted Paramount to announce the character would be resigned and push back the release date of Sonic Hedgehog to grant animators enough time to complete their work.
While the decision to listen to negative online feedback and alter a film relatively late in the production stage may be unprecedented, producer Tim Miller explained why changing the Sonic design was an important choice.
“Look, I was with fans and so was Jeff. When the s–t hit the fan, I went over there and said, ‘The most important thing to do, man, is say, ‘I f–ked up.’ He’d already sent a tweet out an hour before I got there. He’s a good man. It was exactly the right way to handle that. The fans have a voice in this too. There’s a right way to listen.”
After confirming that he has seen the new design for Sonic, Tim Miller expressed his confidence in the new look, saying, “I think the fans will be pleased.”
Do you think the Sonic team will perfect the design of the character the second time around? Share your thoguhts in the comments section below!
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: Variety
