The video game adaptation sequel Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has hit theaters internationally, but when will it be available to watch on streaming services? Despite a mixed critical response, 2020's Sonic the Hedgehog was a box office hit, securing itself a sequel. The first film was initially criticized by fans for its design, leading to the titular hedgehog being given a visual overhaul in order to keep him more in line with his traditional look. Those design choices and the closer adherence to the video game source material are something that Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has doubled down on.
While Sonic the Hedgehog 2's reviews are also mixed, early box office projections place it roughly in line with its predecessor. In addition to the return of James Marsden, Jim Carrey, and the voice of Ben Schwartz, Sonic the Hedgehog has two notable additions to its cast: Colleen O'Saughnessey as Tails and Idris Elba as Knuckles. The expansion of the film's cast from its predecessor indicates the intention of a Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, with a third film and Knuckles-focused spin-off series currently in development.
The lasting complications of the coronavirus pandemic on Hollywood's box office - which the first film narrowly avoided - have pushed a number of family films, such as Pixar's Turning Red, to still adopt a straight-to-streaming release and forgo the traditional theatrical run. However, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is not one of those films. So where can it currently be watched?
How To Watch Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Currently, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is available to watch in theaters. The Sonic sequel has been given an exclusive theatrical release, in line with most other major blockbusters of recent months. This is in line with the shift back to the theatrical experience, although the way in which audiences consume media - particularly that of the latest movies - was changed forever by the pandemic, with a marked increase in those willing to wait for a film to be released to streaming platforms before watching.
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Streaming Release Date: When Will It Be Online?
The exclusive theatrical release will help give Sonic the Hedgehog 2's box office a boost, but the film will make it to streaming services before too long. Paramount has given Sonic the Hedgehog 2 the standard 45-day theatrical window. This allows the film to remain exclusively in theaters until the window expires - which, given the film's April 8 US release date, means it can be expected to land on Paramount's streaming service, Paramount+, on May 24, 2022.
The 45-day theatrical window has fast become Hollywood's compromise to lingering coronavirus concerns and the shift towards home streaming new releases. It allows for the preservation of the cinematic experience without making those unable to catch films in theaters wait too long to see the latest blockbusters, helping studios to recoup some of their losses from the pandemic. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is no different - it should land on Paramount+ in late May 2022.