Idris Elba is joining the cast of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 as Knuckles, with the actor revealing a sneak peek at his character.
"Knock, knock..... #SonicMovie2 #Knuckles" Elba posted on Instagram. He also included an image of an extreme up-close look at one of Knuckles' fists. The news comes as fans have been speculating as to who would be voicing Knuckles in the sequel to 2020's Sonic the Hedgehog.
News of Knuckles playing a supporting role in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was first reported in December 2020, with Paramount Pictures reportedly looking for an actor who is "serious in nature, but still gullible at times." One of the big names rumored to be in the running for the Knuckles role was Aquaman's Jason Momoa.
The first Sonic the Hedgehog film followed the titular blue hedgehog (voiced by Ben Schwartz) as he fought the evil Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey), who had grand plans to take over the world. The film's mid-credits scene teased the inclusion of another Sonic sidekick, Tails. Sonic 2 set photos that surfaced in April showed prop stand-ins for Sonic, Tails and Knuckles.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2's official synopsis made no secret of Knuckles and Tails' involvement, with Dr. Robotnik revealing Knuckles as his new partner. This leads Sonic to team up with Tails to search for an emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.
Knuckles began as an adversary for Sonic in 1994's Sonic the Hedgehog 3. However, he would later switch sides and fight alongside the protagonist in Sonic & Knuckles the same year, as they teamed up to defeat Doctor Eggman.
Director Jeff Fowler and stars Ben Schwartz, Jim Carrey, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter and Natasha Rothwell return for the sequel, with S.W.A.T. and Criminal Minds star Shemar Moore also revealing his addition in a similar Instagram post. "Aaayyyeee!!! Homies, Fans, n Baby Girls!!!! Your boy is excited to be a part of the #SonicMovie2 cast along with @james_marsden @tikasumpter and @natasharothwell" Moore wrote as he shared a photo with Marsden, Sumpter and Rothwell.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 arrives in theaters on April 8, 2022.
Source: Instagram