Jim Carrey is set to add some star power to Paramount’s ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’. The film will be a mixture of live action and CGI, and Carrey’s role is likely to be either CGI or motion capture. The rubber-faced comedian will portray the film’s villain, Doctor Eggman/Robotnik. This role may see Carrey returning to his early days and roles like the titular cartoonish hero ‘The Mask’, which put him on the Hollywood map.
‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ will be the feature film debut for director Jeff Fowler, whose animated short ‘Gopher Broke’ was nominated for an Academy Award. James Marsden and Tika Sumpter are starring, with Marsden’s role believed to be that of Tom, a human policeman who must help Sonic take down Robotnik. Sumpter’s role is undisclosed at this time.
As James Gianopulos, CEO of Paramount described the film and its CGI protagonist, “He’s a juvenile delinquent on the adventures in a pretty straight rural environment with a local policeman. It was instantly engaging and it was good enough where you could see where it’s going.” Separately, producer Neal Moritz stated, “What we’re trying to do with ‘Sonic’ is make a movie about a small-town police officer and Sonic at a time when they are both desperately in need of a friend, and we hope that this theme is friendship is what gives the film its heart and makes it prosper.” Tim Miller, who directed the first ‘Deadpool’ is producing.
‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ has sold over 350 million units, including physical games, bundles and downloads and has been featured in five different cartoons.
Carrey has been starring in Showtime’s drama ‘Kidding’. In fact, most of his most recent work has been of the darker persuasion, like this year’s thriller ‘Dark Crimes’ and last year’s horror movie ‘The Bad Bunch’. This could mark a return to his more comedic and kid-friendly roots.
‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ is scheduled to zoom into theaters next fall on November 15, 2019.
Source: Deadline
