Sonic the Hedgehog star Ben Schwartz has responded to recent rumors he will step in to replace the original longtime Sonic voice actor. Schwartz provided the voice of Sonic in the crowd-pleasing, animated movie that was released in early 2020. Though critical reception was mixed, many praised Schwartz's performance. Sonic the Hedgehog was also a commercial success, turning in the biggest opening weekend ever for a video game film.

Actor Roger Craig Smith voiced Sonic for ten years but recently stepped away from the role. He can be heard as Sonic in several video game series and in the Wreck-It Ralph movies, just to name a few. Smith's exit has prompted many fans to discuss the possibility of Schwartz taking over the role now that it is open. Schwartz impressed even longtime lovers of the Sonic franchise with his performance, so it's no wonder many want him to stick around.

Related: Who Voices [SPOILER] Sonic The Hedgehog's After-Credits Scene?

All of the Sonic discussion eventually led to rumors, and Schwartz has addressed them in an interview with ComicBook.com. He begins his response by honoring Smith and the exceptional talent he brought to voicing Sonic for so many years. As it turns out, taking over the role is not something Schwartz has even considered. He reveals, "I haven't thought about it." He continues to explain how the topic has never been brought up to him and then goes on to express his love for Sonic and the support he has gotten from fans:

The first time that it's ever come up was because Roger seems to be stepping away, so, the first time ever, people are asking me I wonder, nobody's asked me, between you and I, I haven't really answered this question yet but nobody's come up to me and said anything so my assumption is that, who knows? But I wonder. I love the world of Sonic, and I love the fan base. The fan base has been so supportive and lovely. So, I don't know. I wonder, I wonder what would happen. But as of now, nobody's had a conversation with me about any of that. But I do just want to say, that you know like, of course that whole you know, Jaleel [White], Ryan [Drummond], all those guys are incredible, but it was incredible to be a part of that legacy and then to hear that Roger is stepping down just to say again how amazing he was.

Ben Schwartz voices Sonic in Sonic the Hedgehog

While the distant future of Sonic is unclear, fans will not have to worry about saying goodbye Schwartz's version anytime soon. A sequel to the first movie, Sonic the Hedgehog 2will be released in 2022.  The director, Jeff Fowler, has already mentioned his plans for the sequel, which will see Sonic and his best bud Tails teaming up. Tails was revealed at the end of the Sonic the Hedgehog movie, and that is what first sparked expectations and hope for a sequel. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will pick right up from where the last one ended, with Tails joining the adventure.

It sounds like Schwartz playing Sonic outside of the sequel is technically not out of the question. He wonders what will happen to the Sonic voice role the same way others do. It will certainly be interesting to one day see who is selected to voice Sonic after hearing Smith's version for so many years. It sounds like Schwartz knows he would have big shoes to fill if he steps in for Smith, but he's already won over many with his performance in the film. His response to the rumors leaves the possibility open, so it could still happen. In the meantime, audiences can enjoy his work in Sonic the Hedgehog and its upcoming sequel.

Next: Sonic the Hedgehog's Original Opening Scene Would've Made the Movie Worse

Source: ComicBook