The Mario brothers showed the world why they are known as The Super Mario Bros. in 2023, dominating box offices across the globe with a film by Illumination, Universal Pictures and Nintendo, while Wonder launched on the Switch in October to wide acclaim, becoming the fastest-selling Mario game ever.

2023 is over, and a new reign begins! Move over Mario, because 2024 is the year of Sonic the Hedgehog and friends (or according to Sonic Team, exclusively the Year of Shadow)! With major instalments in the franchise coming this year across the cinema, streaming and video game landscapes, let’s take a look at what most undoubtedly will make 2024 one of the fastest yet!

‘KNUCKLES’ (PARAMOUNT+)

Fresh from his appearance in 2022’s Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Knuckles the Echidna (Idris Elba) is back for more chaos with Paramount+ series Knuckles! Expect to see familiar faces (and voices) such as Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), Maddie Wachowski (Tika Sumpter) and Knuckles’ new sidekick and warrior in training, Wade Whipple (Adam Pally).

After taking Wade under his wing to teach him the ways of an Echidna warrior, he is targeted by a new villain called “The Buyer”, a former lackey of Dr. Robotnik who seeks to harness Knuckles’ power for his nefarious schemes.

This series will bridge the gap between Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 3 which debuts in cinemas later this year. Watch all the action and Echidna-related drama from the comforts of your own home on Paramount Plus on April 27. 

Can’t wait for Knuckles? Sonic Prime season three slid onto Netflix earlier this year. If you haven’t jumped on the Sonic Prime bandwagon yet, now is a good time to binge the complete series for more Sonic goodness.

SONIC’S THIRD BIG SCREEN ADVENTURE

Sonic and friends made their cinematic debuts in Paramount Pictures and Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog movie back in 2020. Heroes are only as good as their villains, and Dr. Robotnik, played by Jim Carrey, delivered us the quirky and over-the-top villain we deserved.

Despite the original trailer being poorly received, with most of the criticism directed towards Sonic’s appearance in the original trailer, dubbed as “Ugly Sonic”, the Sonic the Hedgehog hype train wasn’t derailed, thanks to proactive changes by the studios. The remodelled Sonic dashed into the second trailer and the theatrical release of the movie, and this updated look was well-received by fans.

Sonic the Hedgehog was a smash hit, winning over new and old fans alike, and was followed up by a worthy sequel in 2022. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was on a grander scale and gave us the dynamic duo known as Sonic and Tails as well as the debut of Knuckles the Echidna, the Chaos Emeralds, and Super Sonic.

As teased in the post-credit scene of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Shadow the Hedgehog (confirmed to be voiced by Keanu Reeves) will make his debut in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Not much else is currently known about Sonic’s third cinematic adventure, though it has been confirmed that Jim Carrey is returning as Dr. Robotnik/Eggman, while Ben Schwartz, Supanova alumni Colleen O’Shaughnessey, and Idris Elba return as the voices of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles respectively.

The anticipation of the trailer of Sonic 3 is palpable; let’s hope it drops sooner rather than later. Nevertheless, the hype train is here and building up speed for the third cinematic adventure of the blue hedgehog. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 arrives in cinemas exclusively on December 26.

A BELOVED GEM RETURNS

Sonic Generations delivered on its namesake back in 2011, with Sonic speeding through updated versions of the best levels from his previous games. Sonic Generations gave players two variations of each level as well as classic and modern variants of every Sonic character, including the blue hedgehog himself.

The Sonic you controlled would change the perspective of the level. Classic Sonic gave us the 2D side-scrolling action from the ‘90s, while Modern Sonic delivered us the 3D Sonic experience from Sonic Colours and Unleashed.

The beloved game returns with a remaster, and expansion! Shadow the Hedgehog enters the fray, which brings us to Sonic X Shadow Generations. Shadow the Hedgehog is back, and so is his arch nemesis Black Doom from 2005’s Shadow the Hedgehog.

Play as Shadow in this new campaign expansion, with never-before-seen powers and abilities! You’ll need them to save the world from Black Doom. Play as the Ultimate Life Form and as both Sonics when Sonic X Shadow Generations launches on all platforms later this year.

And that’s not all folks! They’ve already added in Shadow costume DLC to Sonic Superstars, and crossed over with Angry Birds earlier in the year, so don’t be surprised if Sega announces more Sonic-related projects and crossovers throughout 2024.

For now, let’s be excited about the upcoming and official Sonic the Hedgehog projects. After all, there’s plenty of Sonic and friends to go around!