Sonic the Hedgehog 2 star Ben Schwartz reveals how the games helped inspire his performance. This weekend sees the highly anticipated arrival of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the sequel to 2020's breakout hit and the latest installment of the budding video game cinematic universe. Once again directed by Jeff Fowler, the new movie picks up with Sonic (Schwartz), now happily settled in Green Hills with Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter), as his old enemy Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) resurfaces with a new nefarious plan. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is so far enjoying a solid debut, with generally positive reviews and a $71 million opening weekend gross.
The first Sonic movie was more of an origin story for the speedy hedgehog. It introduced his rings and the incredible power he wields, yet kept many of the biggest elements from the games out of the story. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 changes that up by bringing in two major characters from the source material, as well as the concept of the Master Emerald. Idris Elba joins the cast as Knuckles the Echidna, while Colleen O'Shaughnessey reprises her voice role from the games as Miles "Tails" Prower.
These aren't the only elements from the games that made it into Sonic the Hedgehog 2, as Schwartz revealed in a recent interview with EW. While discussing his vocal performance as Sonic, he shared one thing he noticed from the games that he tried to bring into his portrayal. Schwartz said:
"In the games that I've played, when you wait too long, he stomps his feet and wags his finger at you. He's got that attitude — as opposed to Mario, who didn't really have that at that time. So I wanted to keep that rebellious attitude. In my head, heart and comedy were the two biggest things."
Though Schwartz didn't have the advantage of voicing Sonic in the games like O'Shaughnessey did with Tails, it's safe to say the Parks and Recreation alum has made his mark on the role. As seen with both the first Sonic the Hedgehog and the sequel, Schwartz can hit both Sonic's immaturity and his sincere side. The new film especially makes him run the full gamut of Sonic's emotions, and he plays it well. And yes, Schwartz does maintain the same attitude Sonic has in the games.
With Sonic the Hedgehog 3 already in the works, fans can expect to hear Schwartz's performance further evolve alongside the character as he continues to grow. The franchise is now shifting even closer to the games, so Schwartz might find himself pulling more from the source material. An after-credits scene with Sonic the Hedgehog 2 hints there is another major games character heading to the big screen. That will surely bring even more challenges and changes for everyone's favorite blue speedster, so there is good reason to be excited for what lies ahead.
Source: EW