New 'Sonic the Hedgehog' trailer shows revamped design following backlash — and fans are loving it
A new trailer for the forthcoming Sonic the Hedgehog film reveals a dramatically different version of the animated character, after the original design drew criticism from fans. Watch it above.
The first trailer for the live-action version of the '90s video game, starring Ben Schwartz and Jim Carrey, was released in April but its depiction of the title character did not prove popular with fans.
Producers used computer animation for Sonic and fan criticism focused on his teeth and "disproportionate" legs.
Animators went back to the studio to tweak the design after director Jeff Fowler told fans he had heard their criticism "loud and clear.”
The new Sonic design features the character’s trademark white gloves and red trainers, less-humanoid legs, bigger eyes and fewer teeth.
Sega and Paramount Pictures delayed the film's release date by three months to take account for the CGI work needed, pushing it to Valentine's Day 2020.
The new trailer, which features the Ramones song “Blitzkrieg Bop,” sees Sonic battle Carrey’s Dr. Robotnik and the army on the road and in the sky.
Fowler announced the arrival of the new trailer on Twitter on Tuesday.
Today is the DAY! Could not be more excited to share our new Sonic with you. THANK YOU for your patience and support. This wouldn't have been possible without the fans. #SonicMovie
— Jeff Fowler (@fowltown) November 12, 2019
Sonic the Hedgehog first appeared in a 1991 video game of the same name. He is known for being able to run at extremely high speeds.
Terminator: Dark Fate director Tim Miller, who is producing Sonic, told Variety back in July that he expected fans to approve of the new design.
“I think the fans will be pleased,” Miller said. “This is a franchise and it has to be great. The most important thing to do is say 'I f***** up.’
“He's (Fowler) a good man. It was exactly the right way to handle that. The fans have a voice in this too. There's a right way to listen.”
Jonathan H. Gray, a Sonic the Hedgehog comics artist, praised the new look design and described it as “way more appealing and fun.”
Please remember all the animators & designers who worked double-time to fix like... all of this. This doesn't really happen and it's not easy. They deserve a thumbs up. The character looks way more appealing and fun. It's a kids movie. It should be fun for kids or adults alike. https://t.co/7XEVaMOIdj
— Jonathan H. Gray (Still Down South) (@jongraywb) November 12, 2019
It’s honestly insane even LOOKING at the old Sonic design, it doesn’t even feel real anymore. It’s like we all collectively had a nightmare pic.twitter.com/a3H6OtHI3p
— Ian Mutchler (@TheFantasticIan) November 12, 2019
Gotta admit the new Sonic is much improved... pic.twitter.com/DO3JX3Zc3b
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) November 12, 2019
sonic's new movie design and trailer feels too refined to just be a fix up... I officially stand by the conspiracy that the horrible design was simply the greatest advertising campaign of all time
— Mike (@Piemations) November 12, 2019
This Sonic glow up is the reason I never rush a girl when she’s doing her make up, patience is key. pic.twitter.com/dCiteSlnH7
— EE »//« (@ThePhenomenalEE) November 12, 2019
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