Sonic The Hedgehog Star Ben Schwartz Reflects on Box Office Success and the Controversial Ugly Sonic with Realistic Human Teeth

As the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise celebrates a significant box office achievement, actor Ben Schwartz expresses his heartfelt gratitude to dedicated fans for their unwavering support. Schwartz first embodied Sega’s iconic character in the 2020 film, Sonic the Hedgehog, a hit adaptation that paved the way for two sequels and the spin-off series, Knuckles. In the latest installment, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Schwartz’s portrayal features Sonic facing off against a formidable new antagonist, Shadow the Hedgehog, voiced by Keanu Reeves.

While Sonic the Hedgehog 3 continues to dominate box office charts, Schwartz took to Twitter/X to commemorate the franchise surpassing the impressive milestone of $1 billion in earnings. His exuberant post highlighted the pivotal role of fans in this success, expressing his appreciation and reflecting on the journey of the franchise as a whole. Schwartz humorously reminded followers of the controversial original design of Sonic, acknowledging how far the adaptation has come. Below is his full statement:

OVER ONE BILLION DOLLARS?!?!? We truly have the best fans in the universe. None of this happens without you. So thank you thank you thank you. Remember the first trailer? We have all come a long way. ð&Yuml;’™ pic.twitter.com/H750ZIrCDT — Ben Schwartz (@rejectedjokes) January 5, 2025

Schwartz’s Response and the Future of Sonic

Adding Depth to Sonic’s Character

Despite the franchise’s shaky beginnings, particularly the backlash over Sonic’s initial design, Schwartz’s enthusiasm for being part of this beloved series is evident. His portrayal of Sonic adds layers of complexity to the character, portraying his evolution from a carefree yet lonely orphan into a self-assured hero who embraces the family he yearned for while learning to navigate his extraordinary abilities. This nuanced depiction has resonated with audiences, shaping Sonic into a character that appeals to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Analyzing Sonic the Hedgehog’s Box Office Milestone

Defying Expectations

Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 3

The ongoing success of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise underscores its strong fan base and enduring appeal. Schwartz’s remarks serve as a poignant reminder of a pivotal moment that could have altered its trajectory. The franchise initially faced widespread disapproval following the release of the April 2019 trailer, which featured an unflattering design and poorly edited sequences. This backlash led to a three-month delay for the film, during which Sonic underwent a sweeping redesign.

Despite this tumultuous start, the franchise has proven to be a steady success. Each release has garnered positive acclaim, with Sonic the Hedgehog 3 achieving a remarkable Rotten Tomatoes score of 86% from critics. Screen Rant rated the film an impressive 8 out of 10 stars. With each film building on its predecessor’s accomplishments, the Sonic the Hedgehog series has not only overcome its initial hurdles but also established itself as a vibrant example of how video game adaptations can thrive.

Source: Ben Schwartz /Twitter

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