Sony Pictures will release a Sonic the Hedgehog movie in 2018.
Sega Chief Executive Hajime Saito told The World Folio that Sega is currently working with Sony on the film, which will be a live-action and animation hybrid.
"Like with this CG animation production, we would like to expand our business into other entertainment areas beyond what we are currently involved," Saito said.
We reported on the possibility of a Sonic movie in 2014, but this is our first major update since then.
The film is expected to be written by Evan Susser and Van Robichaux (Fist Fight). No director has been attached yet. Sony hopes this will revitalize the iconic video game hero, as well as the franchise's other characters, such as Dr. Eggman. Marza Animation Planet, the animation studio that has worked on several Sonic games like Sonic Unleashed and Sonic Colors, will collaborate with Sony Pictures on the film.
“There are limitless stories to tell with a character like Sonic the Hedgehog, and a built-in international fan base,” Columbia Pictures President of Production Hannah Minghella said at the time. “Along with our wonderful creative partners at Marza, we’re looking to capture everything that generations of fans know and love about Sonic while also growing his audience wider than ever before.”