The Japanese localization of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is bringing Knuckles the Echidna right to the forefront of the big screen.Twitter user @MationMiss posted a picture of the Japanese title card for the upcoming sequel to 2020's Sonic the Hedgehog. The localized title isn't written in English, but @MationMiss's translation reveals that the film is titled "Sonic vs. Knuckles" in Japan.Related: Sonic 2 Celebrates Final Day of Shooting With an Intriguing Photo

Knuckles the Echidna will be making his first live-action appearance in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. He will be voiced by Idris Elba, who has previously worked as the voice actor for characters like Shere Khan in the live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book and Chief Bogo in Zootopia. When asked in a recent interview if he could divulge any information regarding the sequel's plot, Elba said, "Honestly, I cannot say. Contractually, I cannot say anything." However, he did also admit that his interpretation of Knuckles' voice might be different from what fans expect. "But I wouldn't say [Knuckles] was sexy. I don't think I'm going for that. That's for sure," Elba said.

In line with the film's Japanese title, director Jeff Fowler recently spoke about the rivalry between Sonic and Knuckles and how that will be explored in the film. "You've got Sonic's speed, you've got Knuckles' super strength, and we just put them in an environment and let them go at it," Fowler said. "It's like a little Captain America [and] Iron Man; it just offers so much opportunity in terms of fight choreography and action."

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Alongside Knuckles, Miles "Tails" Prower will also be making his own debut in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 with voice actor Colleen O'Shaughnessey. O'Shaughnessey has served as the voice of Tails since the 2014 animated series, Sonic Boom. "Taking my old pal Tails for another adventure," she said when her casting was first announced. "Thrilled to announce I'm the voice of Miles 'Tails' Prower in [Sonic the Hedgehog 2]! Can't wait for y'all to see him on the big screen." Shemar Moore from S.W.A.T. is also set to appear, though his current role in the film remains unknown.

The first Sonic the Hedgehog film was an adaptation of the 1991 2D platformer. Initial designs for Sonic led to some trouble with fans, many of whom disliked the semi-realistic style of the original CGI so much it caused Paramount Pictures to delay its release. During that time, the character was redesigned to fit more closely with the style of the original source material. Upon its release in 2020, Sonic the Hedgehog was positively received by fans, who praised the movie for the cast's solid acting, nostalgic characterization and entertaining dynamics.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will blitz into theaters on April 8, 2022.

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Source: Twitter