'Sonic the Hedgehog' 3D animated series speeds over to Netflix

Iconic video game character Sonic the Hedgehog is blasting over from the big screen with a brand-new 3D animated series on Netflix.

The 30-year old anthropomorphic blue hedgehog and mascot for Sega will star in Sonic Prime, a kids-and-family series from Sega of America and WildBrain, set to premiere worldwide on Netflix in 2022. 

As reported by Variety, the 24-episode series will feature Sonic in an adventure where the fate of a strange new multiverse rests in his gloved hands. The series will also represent a “journey of self-discovery and redemption” for the speedy, blue spiny mammal.

Netflix confirmed the news via a Twitter post on Monday (Feb. 1). "Yes, it's true! SEGA’s legendary video game icon Sonic the Hedgehog will star in a new 3D animated series." 

Yes, it's true! SEGA’s legendary video game icon Sonic the Hedgehog will star in a new 3D animated series from @SEGA, @WildBrainStudio and @ManOfActionEnt premiering on Netflix in 2022. pic.twitter.com/ydJto8c8i8

— NX (@NXOnNetflix) February 1, 2021

Sonic the Hedgehog first made an appearance in 1991 as an original creation of Japanese multinational video game developer Sega to rival Nintendo's flagship character, Mario. Since his debut, Sonic games have tallied more than 1.14 billion units sold and downloaded, according to Sega of America. The Sonic brand is celebrating its 30th anniversary this 2021.

“Sonic is a beloved character and holds a special place in everyone’s heart including my own,” Dominique Bazay, Netflix’s director of original animation, said in a news release. “I spent many hours with the Blue Blur as a kid and it’s a privilege to be able to bring this character everyone knows and loves on a brand new adventure with Netflix—one that a generation of loyal fans and brand new fans around the world can enjoy.”

The Netflix animated series also builds on the momentum of Paramount Pictures’ live-action Sonic the Hedgehog film starring Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, James Marsden as Tom, and Jim Carrey as villain Dr. Robotnik. In 2020, the theatrical feature took the number one spot worldwide on opening weekend and remained on top globally for weeks while breaking domestic box office records.

Sega and Paramount have announced that a sequel to the feature is already in development.

The Sonic Prime series on Netflix will be aimed at kids aged six to 11, as well as “legacy Sonic fans of all ages.”

The series will be animated at WildBrain’s Vancouver studio, and Sega and WildBrain will jointly participate across production, distribution and licensing. Man of Action Entertainment, creators of Ben 10 and the characters and team in Disney’s Oscar-winning feature Big Hero 6, have been brought on board as showrunners and executive producers.

Get ready to speed into a new, animated chapter in the Sonic franchise with Sonic Prime in 2022.

(Images via Netflix, Paramount and Sega)