This summer the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise marked its 35th anniversary, and in an interview with One More Game the head of Sonic Team, Takashi Iizuka, revealed that SEGA once considered shelving the series during a difficult stretch. According to Iizuka, company executives had lost faith in the mascot’s future and he had to push to keep new projects alive.
The turning point came after the release of the first Sonic the Hedgehog film in 2020. While critics gave it mixed-to-decent reviews, audiences responded far more positively; the movie went on to earn about $320 million worldwide and helped restore momentum behind the character. Iizuka described that success as pivotal: "The main milestone for me was the first movie. It was a great success and definitely changed the course of this franchise."
It’s scary to imagine what would have happened to the series if the ugly Sonic had been left in the movie.
Iizuka also recounted that SEGA had at one point wanted to eliminate Shadow — the black-quilled, gun-capable hedgehog — from the franchise. Shadow’s unexpected popularity forced management to reverse course, a development Iizuka welcomed because Shadow is his favorite character and he wants to expand the character’s role.
The third movie has already been released, and Shadow is becoming more and more popular. Previously, the public's favorites were Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, and that was always the case. But now Shadow has caught up to Sonic in popularity. And you know, personally for me… Shadow is my favorite character. I want to give him more space to develop. To give him a little more attention.
The character first appeared in Sonic Adventure 2, where the original ending actually kills Shadow. Developers had planned to leave him dead, but his strong fan reception led to his return in Sonic Heroes.
Production is underway on the fourth film in the "Sonic the Hedgehog" series, with a premiere scheduled for March 2027. Alongside Sonic, Tails and Knuckles, Keanu Reeves is expected to reprise the role of Shadow. The upcoming installment will also introduce Metal Sonic and feature Amy Rose, voiced by Kristen Bell.