The highly anticipated Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is set to begin pre-production on February 28, 2025, according to the Film & Television Industry Alliance (FTIA). Following the success of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the fourth installment in the Sonic Cinematic Universe is aiming for a Spring 2027 release.
Co-producer Tyson Hesse recently shared a lighthearted comment on a podcast about the unusual production history of the franchise. “I have no idea how a normal film production looks,” he joked. “Sonic 1 had the redesign, 2 had COVID, and 3 had the actors’ strike. Maybe 4 will finally be normal and produced near instantly.”
The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has enjoyed a steady rise in popularity since its debut film in 2020. The most recent installment, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, faced significant production challenges, including disruptions caused by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Despite these hurdles, filming was completed by March 2024, with animation done in Surrey, England, and live-action scenes shot in London.
Drawing inspiration from Sonic Adventure 2 (2001) and Shadow the Hedgehog (2005), Sonic the Hedgehog 3 introduced Shadow, a fan-favorite character. Keanu Reeves played the role, praised for bringing elements of his John Wick persona into Shadow’s stoic and intense demeanor. The film premiered on December 10, 2024, at the Empire Leicester Square in London and grossed $351.9 million worldwide against a $122 million budget. Its success has cemented the franchise’s viability and set the stage for a larger cinematic universe.
While details about the plot of Sonic the Hedgehog 4 remain under wraps, the film is expected to continue the story arcs from its predecessor, potentially delving deeper into Shadow’s character and further expanding the Sonic universe. The series’ mix of humor, action, and nostalgia has consistently resonated with fans, and the filmmakers are likely to build on that formula.
With pre-production beginning next month, fans eagerly await casting updates, plot hints, and behind-the-scenes developments. If the production timeline stays on track, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 could be the first installment in the series to enjoy a smooth and uneventful production.
