‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ Director Vows to Change Character Design After Fan Backlash

“The message is loud and clear… you aren’t happy with the design & you want changes. It’s going to happen,” tweeted director Jeff Fowler

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG
Courtesy Paramount Pictures and Sega of America.

After intense fan backlash on social media to Sonic the Hedgehog’s human teeth, the director of the upcoming film featuring the video game character is vowing to make changes to appease fans.

“Thank you for the support. And the criticism. The message is loud and clear… you aren’t happy with the design & you want changes,” tweeted director Jeff Fowler on Thursday. “It’s going to happen. Everyone at Paramount & Sega are fully committed to making this character the BEST he can be…”

There’s a moment in the first trailer for “Sonic the Hedgehog” where the iconic, speedy blue hedgehog looks in terror as he first comes in contact with James Marsden. That look has been speeding around the internet to describe how people are reacting to the teaser that dropped on Tuesday.

The CGI character design for the live-action Sonic the Hedgehog has not been received warmly online. Sonic’s look has been compared to Mike Myers in the live-action “The Cat in the Hat,” to the Woody Woodpecker live-action movie made for a fraction of the budget, or to that kid who turns into a werewolf in Robin Williams’ “Jumanji.”

“After watching that ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ trailer I would like to formally announce that I am no longer a furry,” comedian Daniel Howell said in a particularly brutal tweet.

“Sonic the Hedgehog” is a live-action adventure comedy based on the global blockbuster video game franchise from Sega that centers on the infamously brash bright blue hedgehog, Paramount’s official description reads. The film follows the (mis)adventures of Sonic as he navigates the complexities of life on Earth with his newfound — human — best friend Tom Wachowski (Marsden). Sonic and Tom join forces to try and stop the villainous Dr. Robotnik (Carrey) from capturing Sonic and using his immense powers for world domination. The film also stars Tika Sumpter and Schwartz as the voice of Sonic.

Not yet rated, “Sonic” speeds into theaters this November.

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