The video game industry is massive, with multiple studios and gaming companies competing for supremacy. But despite the clear invested audience, movie adaptations of video games have historically been unsuccessful. It looked like disaster had struck again with Jeff Fowler's upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog movie, when the original trailer dropped and the title character's appearance was ripped to shreds. Sonic was ultimately pushed back to the blue guy could be redesigned, and will arrive in theaters shortly. The movie's Super Bowl trailer arrived a few days early, which includes some iconic video game mechanics.
The first Sonic the Hedgehog game arrived back in 1991, so there are generations of gamers who are familiar with the iconic speedster. Those OG fans will be psyched about the movie's Super Bowl ad, which features some major athletes, and video game sounds and sights. We even see him in his ball form! Check it out below.
Despite it's rocky start to marketing, Sonic and the Hedgehog looks like it's really found its stride regarding commercials, and the title character's appearance. Let's break down what we're being shown in this brief clip ahead of Super Bowl Sunday.
The new advertisement opens not on Sonic the Hedgehog, but on a group of professional athletes. The New Orleans Saints' Michael Thomas and the Panther's Christian McCaffrey are the first two up, praising the athleticism and speed of an unseen person. That same person makes Gold Medalist Allyson Felix feel like a slow sprinter, and race car diver Kyle Busch like he's not wild enough. Who could they all be referring to? Well, I'm sure you guessed it.
Turns out that Sonic himself was conducting these interviews, in an attempt to boost his ego and help spread the word about the Sonic the Hedgehog movie. That's when the actual footage starts rolling, teasing the upcoming conflict between the protagonist voiced by Parks and Rec's Ben Schwartz and Jim Carrey's Dr. Robotnik.
There's some new action shown, as well as comedic moments. But fans should be especially pleased by the iconic video game mechanics that made their way into this new Sonic the Hedgehog trailer. During the final moments of the trailer, we get to see Sonic in his ball form for this first time. This attack historically sees sonic charge up, before barreling forwards in a way that is sure to destroy any enemies along the way. Watch out, Eggman.
Sonic's charge/ball attack also comes with a very specific sound effect, which has been used consistently through the decades of video game production. In fact, that sound can be heard several times throughout the course of the Sonic the Hedgehog Super Bowl trailer. It's used to transition between clips, will no doubt have a pavlovian effect on those of us who grew up racing as the Sega icon.
Sonic the Hedgehog will arrive in theaters on February 14th. In the meantime, check out our 2020 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
