According to co-star Tika Sumpter, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will most definitely start filming in March. After the debacle that was the first reveal of CGI Sonic, the team behind Sonic the Hedgehog turned things around to produce a surprise hit this past spring that broke the box office record for the highest-grossing video game movie, in addition to winning over the hearts of fans by daring to listen to them. A sequel was understandably fast-tracked, along with another 3-D animated Sonic TV show at Netflix.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will pick up after the cameo appearance of Tails the Fox at the end of its predecessor, but story details are next to none. The only hint for fans has been the Directors' Guild of Canada giving the production the working title "Emerald Hill." One of the most iconic levels in the Sonic franchise, thanks in part to its music, Emerald Hill has a distinct tropical feel to it, and could suggest that the sequel will bring Sonic and company back to his world.
Speaking of Sonic and company, Tika Sumpter confirmed in an interview on Live With Kelly and Ryan (via Sonic News & Updates • Tails' Channel) that she will be reprising her role in the sequel, while confirming that production will start in Vancouver this March. She also mentioned additional filming will take place in Hawaii. Check out her comments below:
"She's [Sumpter's daughter] is super excited about Sonic 2, which I'm about to start in March. We're shooting in Hawaii and Vancouver."
The interesting bit here, aside from the confirmation of the March shooting date despite the coronavirus pushbacks, is that parts of the film will be shot in Hawaii. The locale matches the aesthetic of Emerald Hill Zone about as much as any real place can, and having the human cast along could be solid evidence that Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will see everyone following Sonic to his homeworld. In addition to the cameo of Tails, news has broken that Knuckles the Echidna will have a significant role in the movie. Jim Carrey will also return as Dr. Robotnik, but no word on any other potential introductions of popular Sonic villains.
Sonic the Hedgehog was a surprise success after the studio's shaky start, but the creative team clearly has a passion for the blue blur. Director Jeff Fowler managed to capture the spirit of the games fairly well, avoiding the pitfall of the kooky and obnoxious 90s Sonic while keeping him charmingly naive. There shouldn't be much trouble getting to that April 2022 release, if Paramount has anything to say about it. Having debatably broken the curse of video games movies, Sonic the Hedgehog 2: Possibly Emerald Hill will look to build on that and hopefully bring to life some of the genuinely gorgeous background art of the early Sonic games. If nothing else, the cast and crew should have a great time shooting in Hawaii.
Source: Sonic News & Updates • Tails' Channel
