Almost a year has passed since the cameras started rolling on both Knuckles and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and Tika Sumpter is here with some thrilling updates. Knuckles, a spinoff from the first sequel in the SEGA video game-inspired movie franchise, follows Idris Elba’s echidna as he mentors Adam Pally’s Green Hills Deputy Wade in the ways of warriors. Meanwhile, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 promises the return of Ben Schwartz, Elba, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Sumpter, James Marsden, and Lee Madjoub reprising their roles.

In an interview with Screen Rant about her upcoming Prime Video sports comedy, The Underdoggs, Sumpter teased details about both projects. While playfully dodging specific information, citing fears of being fired by Paramount, she assured fans that exciting updates for the Knuckles spinoff and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 are on the horizon. Check out what Sumpter shared below:

I think the info is coming very soon. But you are going to be extremely happy. I think there’s a lot coming, so just you wait. That’s all I got for you. They’ll fire me! [Laughs]

Tika Sumpter

Shadow

In a recent revelation from Pat Casey and Josh Miller, the brilliant minds behind Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, it seems almost certain that Shadow will have a significant role in the forthcoming sequel. The dynamic duo not only hinted at the character’s importance but also provided insights into the video games that have inspired them for this exciting development.

“The fact that Shadow is clearly going to be in the franchise moving forward, I don’t think it’s revealing anything to say we’d love to incorporate elements from Sonic Adventure 2 and Shadow the Hedgehog, his solo spinoff game.”

Josh Miller/ Pat Casey

Knuckles

While an official release date remains elusive for the Knuckles show, it has been known since its initial announcement that this spinoff would serve as a crucial link between Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and 3. Production on Knuckles commenced even before the latter sequel, with initial speculations pointing towards a late 2023 premiere. However, Paramount+ never officially confirmed this, leaving fans in anticipation. The status of filming completion and potential impact from the SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America strikes also remained unconfirmed.

Now, nearly a year since the start of shooting, and with Sonic the Hedgehog 3 entering principal photography in late November 2023 after the strike resolution, signs point to Knuckles being in the post-production phase. Paramount, holding firm to the December 2024 release date for the next theatrical instalment, suggests the spinoff may aim for a mid-2024 release or possibly sooner to maintain narrative continuity.

As fans eagerly await updates, Paramount is expected to share news about Knuckles and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, with Super Bowl LVIII in February being a prime candidate. Considering the debut of Sonic the Hedgehog 2’s trailer during a previous NFL championship game, the upcoming Super Bowl could showcase a Knuckles trailer and potentially unveil a release date, creating an exciting connection between the spinoff show and the highly anticipated Sonic the Hedgehog 3 footage.

Sonic 3 Runs into Theatres 20 December 2024