Sega was once prepared to cancel Sonic the Hedgehog, according to Sonic Team leader Takashi Iizuka, before the first live-action film changed the franchise’s direction. The Sonic franchise cancellation plan was discussed during what Iizuka described as the series’ worst period.
Iizuka made the comments in an interview with IGN, following remarks to One More Game during Sonic’s 35th anniversary year. He said senior Sega staff told him the company should cancel the entire franchise, and that he fought internally to keep it going.
“There had been good times, and there had been bad times… during the worst times, I was told by the higher-ups that we should cancel the entire franchise.”
Takashi Iizuka
Why the Sonic franchise cancellation plan changed
Iizuka identified the first Sonic film, released in 2020, as the turning point. The film made about $320 million worldwide after Sega and Paramount delayed it to redesign Sonic following the reaction to the first trailer. VGC reported the same comments and described the film as a major commercial and critical success.
“The biggest milestone for me was the first movie, that had been a great hit and definitely changed the course of this franchise.”
Takashi Iizuka
The redesign helped the film reach audiences beyond the games, and Sega now plans to keep building Sonic across games, films and animation. Iizuka said the franchise remains rooted in video games, while the next film is already dated for 19 March 2027. Paramount lists Sonic the Hedgehog 4 for 19 March 2027.
Sega’s current plans are a long way from cancellation. The company has also continued expanding its older properties beyond games, including Sonic the Hedgehog 4’s first Metal Sonic reveal and its wider Sega franchise push across film and music.
What happens to Sonic next?
Iizuka said he wants future Sonic games to place more emphasis on story and would like to see more of Shadow the Hedgehog. Shadow was also once intended to disappear after Sonic Adventure 2, but his popularity led Sega to revive him in Sonic Heroes. It appears the character has negotiated a better contract than the franchise did.
Was Sega definitely going to cancel Sonic?
Iizuka said higher-ups told him the franchise should be cancelled, but he did not describe a formal public cancellation decision or give a precise date for the discussion.
What is the next Sonic film?
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is scheduled to open in cinemas on 19 March 2027, according to Paramount’s official film page.
