Paramount Pictures faced severe backlash after an early trailer for *Sonic the Hedgehog* debuted in 2019. Fans criticized the character’s design, with many calling it “Ugly Sonic.” The studio took swift action, investing approximately $5 million to redesign the character, moving the film’s release to February 2020. The decision worked: the *Sonic* franchise has since grossed nearly $1.2 billion at the global box office.
A Risk That Paid Off
A less-than-three-minute preview revealed design choices that disappointed devoted fans. Sonic’s overly realistic features, including human-like teeth, seemed out of sync with his classic video game origins. Facing overwhelming negativity, Paramount chose to delay the release and overhaul the character’s appearance.
The revised version was a hit, and the film’s success led to multiple sequels. The second installment earned $403 million worldwide, while the third surpassed that with $485 million in global earnings. The fourth movie is slated for a 2027 release.
Expanding the Franchise
Beyond theatrical releases, Paramount capitalized on *Sonic’s* popularity by launching a spin-off series featuring Knuckles on its streaming platform, Paramount+. With over 11 million global viewing hours in its first 28 days, the show reinforced Sonic’s cross-platform appeal.
Merchandising has also played a vital role, turning a once modest $70 million licensing business into a $1 billion retail powerhouse. Sega and Paramount continue to collaborate closely, ensuring that fans have a say in character introductions and storyline expansions.
The Future of Sonic
Paramount aims to maintain momentum by gradually introducing key characters—a strategy that has resonated with audiences. Keanu Reeves’ casting as Shadow in the third film was directly influenced by fan feedback, highlighting the impact of audience engagement.
As the franchise moves forward, both Paramount and Sega remain focused on strategic growth. The next movie will introduce another fan-favorite character, ensuring the franchise maintains its momentum without overwhelming audiences.
By embracing fan criticism early on, Paramount successfully transformed what could have been a major flop into a long-term blockbuster franchise.
