As we first reported on Toonado.com, an unexpected first look at Sonic the Hedgehog 4 has been revealed, showcasing the villainous Metal Sonic and the titular character's beloved love interest, Amy Rose. Both of them were introduced in Sonic the Hedgehog 3's post-credits scene.
We also have shots of Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Shadow. As expected, they all look very much the same as when we last saw them. While there was speculation about these being AI fakes, Paramount Pictures has started hitting accounts on social media with copyright takedowns.
Whether this will prompt the studio to release something official remains to be seen. It's a little early for a trailer, but with less than a year until Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is released in theaters, we can't dismiss the possibility.
Released in 2020, Sonic the Hedgehog grossed $319 million worldwide. The movie's controversial redesign of Sonic very nearly derailed the project. However, Paramount delayed its release date to basically redo the character and bring him more in line with the games.
In 2022, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 grossed $405 million worldwide, while the third chapter made $492 million globally in 2024. That makes this a $1 billion franchise for Paramount, so this fourth chapter is expected to pull out all the stops.
Fowler previously revealed that Metal Sonic and Amy Rose will be the main focus of Sonic the Hedgehog 4. "I mean, in every bit the same way that I think in Sonic 2, when you see Shadow come up in the Cryotube, you know that he’s going to be a big deal and we’re going to make that the focus of the next story, so absolutely."
"We’re putting them in there for a reason, and we’re not doing it just to have an end credit teaser because we know fans love to see it," he added. "We’re putting it in there because we’re really excited about working with those characters."
Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Ben Kingsley (Wonder Man) and Nick Offerman (The Last of Us) will star in Sonic the Hedgehog 4. Richard Ayoade (The IT Crowd) and Matt Berry (What We Do in the Shadows) also boarded the movie's cast, along with returning stars Ben Schwartz, Jim Carrey, Idris Elba, Keanu Reeves, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, and Lee Majdoub.
They play Sonic, Dr. Robotnik, Knuckles, Shadow, Tom, Maddie, Tails, and Agent Stone.
Kristen Bell (Frozen) is voicing Amy Rose in Sonic the Hedgehog 4, which was confirmed by Paramount shortly after production started. Unfortunately, there's still no word on who Kingsley, Offerman, Ayoade, and Berry will play.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 races into theaters on March 19, 2027.