Paramount's blue blur is coming back for a fourth big-screen outing. Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is set to open in theaters on March 19, 2027, and after three straight box-office wins for the franchise, this is shaping up to be the biggest entry yet — a new villain, a new hero on the team, and a nod to one of the series' most beloved classic games. Here's a full breakdown of the release date, cast and everything confirmed so far, plus a live countdown to opening day.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 release date
Paramount Pictures confirmed the March 19, 2027 release date in January 2025, just weeks after Sonic the Hedgehog 3 sped into theaters over Christmas 2024. Principal photography wrapped in May 2026, putting the film on track for its scheduled spring 2027 date. Studios do occasionally shift release windows, so the countdown page always reflects the latest official date and flips automatically the moment the film arrives.
Who's in the cast?
The film reunites the cast that turned the trilogy into a box-office fixture:
- Jim Carrey as Dr. Ivo Robotnik (and, per Sonic 3's ending, Robotnik's grandfather Gerald)
- Ben Schwartz voicing Sonic
- James Marsden returning as Tom Wachowski
- Idris Elba voicing Knuckles
- Keanu Reeves voicing Shadow the Hedgehog
- Kristen Bell voicing Amy Rose, promoted to a full member of the team
Jeff Fowler, who has directed every live-action Sonic film to date, is back behind the camera.
The Metal Sonic reveal
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 ended its mid-credits scene with Amy Rose smashing her way through an entire army of Metal Sonics — a clear setup for the franchise's most iconic robotic villain to take center stage next. The director has since confirmed Metal Sonic's role in the fourth film and shared the first look at the character as filming wrapped, though full plot details are still under wraps.
A Sonic CD connection
Reporting around the production points to the story pulling elements from Sonic CD, the 1993 Sega game best known for introducing time travel and the character Metal Sonic to the series. Exactly how much of that game's plot carries over remains to be seen, but it lines up neatly with Metal Sonic's promotion to lead antagonist.
How does it fit the franchise?
Each live-action Sonic film has out-grossed the last, with Sonic the Hedgehog 3 posting the franchise's biggest opening yet in December 2024. A fourth film arriving just over two years later — with the games' most requested villain finally on screen — suggests Paramount is leaning into the momentum rather than slowing down.
Count down to March 19, 2027
Follow the exact days, hours and minutes on the live Sonic the Hedgehog 4 countdown, browse more movie countdowns, or create your own countdown for the premiere night watch party.