The Sonic the Hedgehog film has proven to be a stunning success. It topped the box office for multiple weeks and became the most successful video game adaptation launch with ease. That's due in part to the surprising performance of James Marsden, who plays the role of Sonic's first friend in the film. As fans begin to look forward toward a possible franchise and sequels, Marsden's future role has been increasingly questioned. The actor has now confirmed he's up for more Sonic the Hedgehog in the future.
In an interview with Variety, Marsden was pressed regarding whether he'd been signed to star or participate in more Sonic the Hedgehog films. Marsden all but admitted that he wasn't able to publicly discuss the specifics of his contract, but he did feel comfortable talking about it in general terms. "I don't know if I'm supposed to say," Marsden starts, before admitting that he's in for, "as many as they want to make." A Sonic the Hedgehog sequel or two with Marsden seems likely.
Marsden would go on to describe how much fun he's had making Sonic the Hedgehog. He specifically refers to Jim Carrey "enjoying himself again," while also patting himself on the back about Sonic the Hedgehog being Carrey's second-biggest opening out of all his films. Clearly, Marsden believes Sonic the Hedgehog has something special going on. Or, at least, Sonic the Hedgehog has a lot of success ahead of it.
James Marsden has had a long career going back to 1993. He got a big break in 2000 when he starred as Cyclops in the first X-Men movie and has had many notable roles since. Still, he's rarely received the spotlight. In Sonic the Hedgehog, he's really as much of the star as Sonic himself and he's earned that spotlight. It comes as no surprise that he'd want to keep that success going, even if it requires him to be somewhat of a sidekick to a CG blue hedgehog.
For now, while a Sonic the Hedgehog 2 isn't officially confirmed or announced, it's all but certain to be inevitable. The film's director, Jeff Fowler, has spoken about his plans for the sequel. Those include potentially bringing in new Sonic friends from the video games, like Knuckles. Even the Sonic the Hedgehog film teases a sequel in two post-film sequences hinting at what comes next. That Marsden is up for multiple films isn't so surprising. Sequels have clearly always been part of the plan.
Sonic the Hedgehog is available to view in theaters now.
Source: Variety (via ComicBook.com)