Why The Sonic Movies Have Only Slightly Adapted Iconic Video Game Sequence Explained By Franchise Director: “We’ve Kind Of Flirted With It”

Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise director Jeff Fowler has opened up on the decision to only slightly adapt one of the most iconic video game sequences. The Sonic movie franchise began with 2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog, which starred James Marsden, Jim Carrey, and Ben Schwartz in the тιтular voice role. The film was a box office success, grossing over $320 million, and spawned two sequels, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and another sequel, Sonic the Hedgehog 4, is set for a 2027 release.

In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Fowler detailed the approach he took to recreating the video games’ iconic G.U.N. truck chase scene, in which Sonic is chased through the streets by an enormous truck sporting blades. He explained how he chose to flirt with the imagery without ever fully committing to it, but recognized the scene’s important and iconic nature. Check out his full comment below:

Yeah, it’s funny because the imagery, we’ve kind of flirted with it a little bit. Obviously in the first movie, when Sonic is being chased through San Francisco, but it’s obviously Robotnik chasing him, it’s not a giant G.U.N. truck, and then, of course, Sonic jumps out of the helicopter in this movie.

So, we’ve kind of flirted with it, but we’ve never just wholesale committed to it. And then, of course, we did the snowboard in Sonic 2 with the little piece of debris that he surfs around on. So, all the elements are there, just in a separate context. But anyway, no, it obviously is such an iconic sequence, so I don’t fault you for asking.

What Fowler’s Comments Mean For The Sonic Movies

The Games Should Be Regarded As Inspiration Only

It feels clear from Fowler’s comments that the director is using the games as inspiration, rather than a strict road map for an adaptation. This is a great approach to video game movies, as it allows for the best of both worlds. It’s a unique exploration of an established IP that still pays homage to the franchise. Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the most enduring video game characters of all time, and there’s every chance that fans would love to see a movie that essentially recreates the game, but this is clearly not what Fowler had in mind.

Tipping the hat to iconic moments and sequences, such as the G.U.N. truck scene, feels like a much better decision than trying to recreate them. It leaves more scope for getting creative this way, and it is easier to fit a fresh sequence into the movie’s narrative structure. This exemplifies Fowler as a filmmaker and a Sonic fan, who understands the differences between video games and movies, and how best to use the Sonic video game tropes in the movies.

Our Verdict On Fowler’s Decision To Overlook The Full Sequence

The Movies Need To Thrive Without Reliance On The Games


Sonic The Hedgehog is running with speed in the movie

Video game adaptations are tricky because many deviate from the stories that made the games so popular to try to thrive on their own, but it’s also important to respect the source material. Fowler’s decision to do a “soft” adaptation of the G.U.N. truck sequence suggests he recognizes the need for balance, but also wants the movies to develop their own iconic scenes. The success of the Sonic the Hedgehog movies suggests the director might be right in his approach, and bodes well for the franchise’s future.

Related Posts

“Who Is Dirty Harry?” Arnold Schwarzenegger Went Head-To-Head With Clint Eastwood At The Box Office & Lost

“Who Is Dirty Harry?” Arnold Schwarzenegger Went Head-To-Head With Clint Eastwood At The Box Office & Lost

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Red Heat and Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry sequel The ᴅᴇᴀᴅ Pool squared off in 1988, but Arnie proved to be the loser. Much has been…

The New Predator Movie Is Secretly An Alien Vs. Predator Reboot According To This Theory

The New Predator Movie Is Secretly An Alien Vs. Predator Reboot According To This Theory

The basic plot of Predator: Badlands is mostly revealed in the latest action-packed trailer, but an increasingly popular theory indicates that the movie could actually be a…

60 Fantastic Four: First Steps Easter Eggs & Marvel References Explained

60 Fantastic Four: First Steps Easter Eggs & Marvel References Explained

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Fantastic Four: First Steps Fantastic Four: First Steps is now in theaters, debuting a brand-new team of heroes. However, there’s also…

Roger Ebert’s Ranking Of The Home Alone Movies Was Unbelievably Misjudged

Roger Ebert’s Ranking Of The Home Alone Movies Was Unbelievably Misjudged

While the late film critic Roger Ebert remains one of the most respected reviewers who ever lived, he had some opinions that left us scratching our heads….

Alan Ritchson’s DCU Batman Casting Looks More Likely Than Ever After James Gunn’s Latest Comments

Alan Ritchson’s DCU Batman Casting Looks More Likely Than Ever After James Gunn’s Latest Comments

James Gunn’s recent comments about the prospect of casting Alan Ritchson as the DC Universe‘s Batman make the concept seem even more possible for the franchise going…

Guillermo Del Toro’s 8-Year Oscars Streak Makes Frankenstein More Exciting – And Adds More Pressure

Guillermo Del Toro’s 8-Year Oscars Streak Makes Frankenstein More Exciting – And Adds More Pressure

If Guillermo del Toro’s last three movies are any indication, then Frankenstein could be a major awards contender after its release later this year. Throughout his career,…