Paramount Pictures' live-action Sonic the Hedgehog franchise is reaching for the stars with a third mainline film, as well as a Paramount+ spinoff series starring Idris Elba's Knuckles the Echidna.

As announced by Paramount during the Viacom Investor Event and reported by Deadline, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is officially in development for the big screen. Additionally, the Paramount+ streaming service has teamed with SEGA to develop the first-ever live-action Sonic series, which will focus on the character of Knuckles, with Elba reprising his role from the upcoming feature film Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

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"For more than three decades, Sonic the Hedgehog's universe of vibrant, unique characters has generated one of the most passionate fanbases," said Brian Robbins, President and CEO, Paramount Pictures & Nickelodeon; Chief Content Officer, Movies, Kids & Family - Paramount+. "We look forward to continuing our collaboration with SEGA, Neal Moritz, and all our creative partners as we explore additive ways to holistically scale the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise across platforms and captivate its loyal audience around the world."

"The world of Sonic the Hedgehog has been capturing imaginations for decades, and we are thrilled to stretch the limits of what this franchise is capable of with world-class offerings both on the big screen and for Sonic fans at home," added Sonic producer Neal Moritz. "The sky is truly the limit, and I am immensely proud to be part of creating new Sonic content for longtime fans as well as introducing Sonic to a new generation."

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The sequel to the hit 2020 film adaptation of Sonic the Hedgehog, Paramount's Sonic 2 is slated for release on Friday, April 8. James Marsden reprises his role as Tom Wachowski, with Carrey reprising his role as Doctor Robotnik. Ben Schwartz and Colleen O'Shaughnessey reprise their voice roles as Sonic and Tails, respectively. The sequel's voice cast features a major newcomer in the form of Elba, who voices Knuckles.

Meanwhile, Sonic the Hedgehog stars Tika Sumpter, Adam Pally, Natasha Rothwell, Lee Majdoub, Tom Butler and Elfina Luk reprising their live-action roles as Maddie Wachowski, Wade Whipple, Rachel, Agent Stone, Commander Walters and the Secretary of Homeland Security, respectively. Additionally, newcomer Shemar Moore has been cast in an undisclosed role.

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Sonic the Hedgehog 2 hits theaters on April 8.

Source: Paramount Pictures, via Deadline