Key to keeping the movie franchise on track with Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is director Jeff Fowler, a devoted fan of the games whose relationship with Sonic began at age 13 when Fowler played his first of what would be many of the Sonic games. “I knew immediately that Sonic would change video games forever,” he notes. “His attitude is unique and refreshing.”
For Fowler, who directed the film from a screenplay by Pat Casey & Josh Miller and John Whittington, story by Pat Casey & Josh Miller, based on the SEGA Video Game, “The acclaim and love for Sonic the Hedgehog from around the world was more than rewarding. “It was the greatest feeling imaginable,” Fowler remembers. “It was an unforgettable experience to see audiences fall in love with the characters, and to have the film be such a great time for families and fans.”
Of course, that meant the new film had to be bigger – “in so many ways,” Fowler continues. “The action is bigger, as is the humour and heart. And audiences will connect with Sonic in an even bigger way. He’s such a relatable figure in his search for friendship while trying to understand his purpose. What is he supposed to be doing with his incredible powers? But as with all heroes, Sonic doesn’t choose his moment; the moment chooses him.”
Fowler is also looking for audiences to invest in the journeys of the characters new to the film franchise. “You want the audience to fall in love with Tails and Knuckles the same way they fell for Sonic in the first film,” he says.
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 builds upon the fun and heart of the first film, based on the global blockbuster videogame franchise from Sega, which centres on the infamously brash and bright blue hedgehog from another world, taking audiences of all ages around the globe on an adventure where nothing less than the fate of the world is at stake. The film is rich with spectacle, comedy, action, adventure and exotic locations – everything you love about Sonic and his universe.
The first film’s worldwide success was the culmination of a long journey, for which the filmmakers are grateful. “Sonic The Hedgehog 1kept everything fans loved about the games, while adding unexpected dimensions,” says producer Neal H. Moritz. “The film franchise is a combination of what we love in movies – incredible action, comedy, and a lot of heart that comes with Sonic’s continuing friendships with his human pals, and a new character introduced in this sequel.”
The reaction to the original film, from hardcore fans to those new to Sonic, was gratifying. “Ultimately, it’s all about Sonic being such a great character, who’s endearing, who audiences root for, and who takes them on a journey,” Moritz continues. “It was a great experience for us as filmmakers, and as movie lovers. Now, we’re even more excited to expand that world, adding new characters, bigger worlds, a new, incredible journey, and more action and adventure. There are so many places we can go with Sonic.”
According to producer Toby Ascher, the first film was just the beginning of something much bigger. “We’re creating a Sonic cinematic universe, so we knew we were going to add characters, like Tails and Knuckles; new to the films but beloved by gamers all over the world,” he points out.
For Jim Carrey, the role of Dr. Robotnik provided the opportunity to return to his legendary film comedy roots and, he says, “hit that absurd energy that people really love. Playing Robotnik, I just let the floodgates open!”
The floodgates remain open – perhaps even wider – for Robotnik’s return in the sequel. The chrome-domed, mega-mustached madman with an I.Q. measuring over 300 is bigger, badder, and funnier, and still getting around in his patented flying ship, the Eggmobile.
And he has a score to settle with Sonic, who bested Robotnik at the end of the first film, leaving the madcap maniac stranded on a mushroom planet, light years away from Earth. In Sonic The Hedgehog 2, we see that Robotnik has spent months alone on the planet. “And if he was crazy in the first movie, he’s absolutely insane in this one, which fits Jim Carrey’s style of acting perfectly,” says Ascher.
Carrey agrees, noting that returning to Robotnik was a chance to go even bigger with a character who, in the first film, was already an ultimate uber villain. “He just gets bigger and bigger, and more and more of an egomaniac,” he confirms. “He’s also become increasingly frustrated about being bested by puny minds, like Sonic’s. Now, vengeance is job one for Robotnik,” Carrey continues. “Number two, of course, is world domination and the enslavement of humanity. With the help of the Master Emerald, Robotnik wants to transcend his totally dysfunctional, if brilliant mind, and become a demi-god.”
Robotnik’s newly enhanced moustache, which has achieved magisterial proportions, is, says Carrey, “yet another manifestation of Robotnik’s ego. You know, the bigger the ego, the bigger the chip on his shoulder, the bigger resentment of Sonic – and the bigger the moustache! The ‘stache gives him power, like Samson’s hair. It becomes a manifestation of his megalomania.”
Jim Carrey embraces the idea of audiences, and families, coming together in the cinema to watch the film. “I know it sounds a little corny, but their enjoyment of Robotnik and of my performance means a lot to me. I love being that for audiences. I’m really grateful for all of it.”
Jeff Fowler concludes that he wants to please everyone who’s become invested in these characters, through the games or the film. “We love creating great journeys for our characters – and for the audience.”
