Netflix has officially given a series order to SEGA, WildBrain Studios, and Man of Action Entertainment’s upcoming 3D animated series adaptation titled Sonic Prime, based on SEGA’s popular video game Sonic the Hedgehog. The 25-episode series is scheduled to make its debut sometime in 2022.
“Sonic is a beloved character and holds a special place in everyone’s heart including my own,” Netflix’s director of original animation, Dominique Bazay said in a statement. “I spent many hours with the blue blur as a kid and it’s a privilege to be able to bring this character everyone knows and loves on a brand new adventure with Netflix — one that a generation of loyal fans and brand new fans around the world can enjoy.”
Chief Brand Officer at SEGA, Ivo Gerscovich added, “Sonic the Hedgehog is a global entertainment icon that has captivated audiences since its video game debut in 1991. With over 1.14 billion game units sold and downloaded to date, an exciting feature film, a robust licensing program and more, SEGA’s iconic hedgehog continues to surprise and delight audiences worldwide. We’re thrilled to partner with WildBrain, Man of Action Entertainment and Netflix to speed into this new, animated chapter in the Sonic franchise.”
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Sonic Prime is an animated adventure for kids, families, and long-time fans draws upon the keystones of the brand and features the “Blue Blur” of video game fame in a high-octane adventure where the fate of a strange new multiverse rests in his gloved hands. Sonic’s adventure is about more than a race to save the universe, it’s a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
As the beloved video game celebrates its upcoming 30th anniversary this 2021, the Netflix animated series aims to captivate the imaginations of audiences ages six to 11, as well as legacy Sonic fans of all ages, and will match the scale and scope of the epic adventures synonymous with the Sonic franchise.
Sonic Prime is executive produced by Man of Action Entertainment, who is known as the creative team behind Ben 10 and Big Hero 6, will also be serving as showrunners. The series will be animated at WildBrain, who will also partner up with SEGA for the project’s production, distribution and licensing.
Sonic the Hedgehog was first seen in 1991 on the SEGA Genesis. Since then, the character was inducted into the “World Video Game Hall of Fame” in 2016 at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. Most recently, the popular franchise has seen two new hit releases in 2017, Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces (PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC). Total sales of the series including both packaged and digital downloads count over 360 million units.
The video game was also adapted into a live-action film last year starring Ben Schwartz and James Marsden which was a blockbuster hit with a gross of over $300 million worldwide. Following its success, a Sonic the Hedgehog sequel was in immediately put into development and is set currently set for an April 2022 release.
