Sonic the Hedgehog: New trailer unveils character redesign following fan backlash

Six months after being pulled from release following substantial backlash over the design of its animated star, Sonic the Hedgehog has debuted its second trailer.

The teaser unveils a new-look Sonic more in keeping with the design of his video game predecessor.

Originally scheduled for release this month, the Sonic movie was met with extensive criticism in May after the character appeared with a creepily human eyes and teeth, elongated legs and a human-like torso.

Following online backlash, the film’s director Jeff Fowler thanked fans for their “support and criticism” and pledged to redesign the character, while delaying the film’s release by three months.

“The message is loud and clear... you aren’t happy with the design and you want changes,” Fowler tweeted.

“It’s going to happen. Everyone at Paramount and SEGA are fully committed to making this character the BEST he can be…”

The new Sonic trailer retains many of the scenes featured in the first trailer, but Sonic himself has been entirely redesigned, with the more human characteristics of the first design excised.

James Marsden, Tika Sumpter and Jim Carrey star in the video game adaptation, with Ben Schwartz voicing Sonic himself.

Sonic the Hedgehog arrives in cinemas 14 February, 2020.