Mark your calendars, Sonic fans! The beloved blue speedster is set to return to the big screen with Sonic the Hedgehog 4 scheduled for release on March 19, 2027. According to Variety, Paramount Pictures has given us a two-year countdown until we see Sonic back in action. While details about the plot and cast remain under wraps, the anticipation is already building.

The decision to greenlight another film comes as no surprise following the phenomenal success of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which raked in an impressive $218 million domestically and over $420 million globally. This makes it the highest-grossing film in the Sonic franchise, surpassing the first movie's commendable $148 million. This achievement is especially noteworthy given the initial controversy over Sonic's design, which was significantly altered during post-production.

Not only did Sonic the Hedgehog 3 break records within its own series, but it also secured the title of the second highest-grossing video game movie in North America, trailing only behind the animated Super Mario Bros. Movie. This continues the storied rivalry between Nintendo and Sega, now playing out in cinemas.

The live-action Sonic franchise has expanded impressively, now encompassing three feature films and a Knuckles streaming TV show spinoff. Based on the iconic Sega video game series, the films feature Sonic, voiced by Ben Schwartz, battling his arch-nemesis, Dr. Robotnik, portrayed by Jim Carrey. Each installment has enriched the storyline by introducing more characters from the Sonic universe, including Tails (voiced by Colleen O'Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (voiced by Idris Elba). The latest addition, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, introduced Shadow the Hedgehog, voiced by Keanu Reeves.

While Sonic 3 has already teased the introduction of a new character to the franchise, we'll keep that a secret for now. For those eager to know more, you can dive into our new characters guide at your own risk. Don't forget to check out our comprehensive Sonic 3 review as well.