Knuckles the Echidna is appearing in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
A photo from the set of the movie, which is currently filming in British Columbia, confirmed that the fan-favorite character from the video games will show up in the sequel to the 2020 film Sonic the Hedgehog.
Originally shared by Sonic the Hedgehog News & Updates · Tails’ Channel Twitter account on Wednesday, the set photo shows a crew member setting up what appears to be posable life-size models of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles in Fort Langley, BC. The statues serve as physical stand-ins for the CGI characters, providing a reference for the actors during filming and for animators during post-production.
A separate picture from the same set shows James Marsden and Tika Sumpter reprising their roles as Tom and Maddie Wachowski.
Here's a look at the #SonicMovie2 filming at Fort Langley today. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles props were seen; Marsden and Sumpter present as well. #SonicNews pic.twitter.com/YlrsNZlvVy
— Sonic the Hedgehog News & Updates · Tails' Channel (@TailsChannel) April 20, 2021
Rumors about Knuckles’ appearance in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has been circulating since late last year. According to initial reports, the character will play an important role in the sequel and will be able to glide and climb walls with his spiked hands, just like in the video games.
In the Sonic video game series, Knuckles was first introduced as a villain in 1994’s Sonic the Hedgehog 3. But in 1994’s Sonic & Knuckles, the echidna character switches sides and helps his former enemies Sonic and Tails to defeat Doctor Eggman.
As is the case with Tails, the actor who will voice Knuckles in the sequel has yet to be revealed. Though The Illuminerdi reported last February that Jason Momoa has been offered the role of Knuckles in the film, there’s no word yet whether the Aquaman actor has accepted it.
In addition to Marsden and Sumpter, Ben Schwartz is also returning as the voice of sonic in the sequel. Jim Carrey is also reprising his live-action role of Dr. Robotnik.
Directed by Jeff Fowler and written by Pat Casey and Josh Miller, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is set to hit U.S. theaters on April 8th, 2022. After its theatrical window, the sequel and its predecessor will be available to stream on Paramount+.