The Initial Release of Sonic the Hedgehog
In February 2020, the highly anticipated live-action Sonic the Hedgehog movie was released. However, the character design of Sonic was met with criticism and backlash from fans. The original design featured a more human-like Sonic, with realistic fur and human-like teeth. This was a departure from the iconic design of the video game character that fans had grown to love over the years.
The outrage was so intense that the film’s director, Jeff Fowler, announced that the design would be changed. The release date was pushed back to allow for the redesign, and Sonic was eventually released with a more faithful design to the video game character.
The Controversy Resurfaces in 2023
Three years later, the controversy surrounding the old Sonic design has resurfaced. Fans are now debating whether the initial design was actually better than the redesign. Some argue that the old design was more unique and interesting, while others believe that the new design is more faithful to the source material.
The debate has even reached the point where petitions have been created to release a version of the movie with the old Sonic design. Some fans have even gone as far as creating their own fan-edits of the movie, using the old design in place of the new one.
The Pros and Cons of the Old Design
One of the main arguments in favor of the old design is that it was more unique and interesting. The realistic fur and human-like teeth gave Sonic a more distinct look, and some fans argue that it made him stand out from other video game characters.
However, others argue that the old design was too much of a departure from the source material. Sonic is known for his iconic design, and the old design strayed too far from what fans had grown to love. The new design, on the other hand, is more faithful to the source material and is more recognizable as Sonic.
The Impact on the Sonic Franchise
The controversy surrounding the old Sonic design has had a significant impact on the Sonic franchise. While the movie was ultimately a success, grossing over $300 million worldwide, the backlash to the old design was a wake-up call for the franchise.
The Sonic the Hedgehog video game series has also seen a resurgence in popularity since the release of the movie. Fans have been revisiting the classic games and rediscovering what they love about the franchise.
The Future of Sonic
As we look to the future of the Sonic franchise, it’s clear that the old design controversy will continue to be a topic of debate. However, it’s important to remember that Sonic is more than just his design. The franchise has a rich history and a dedicated fanbase that will continue to support it for years to come.
Whether you prefer the old design or the new one, there’s no denying that Sonic is one of the most iconic video game characters of all time. And with a new generation of fans discovering the franchise, there’s no telling what the future holds for Sonic the Hedgehog.
