Sonic 3 Discovers Ingenious Filming Solution Amidst Actors' Strike

Highlights

Despite the ongoing actors' strike, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will begin filming, focusing on CGI scenes without actors, to ensure it meets its 2024 release date.

The inclusion of additional CGI characters, such as Shadow, enables a higher quantity of scenes to be captured without the presence of real actors. This could potentially address the criticism faced by the previous film, which centered predominantly on human characters. Despite the possibility of the production crew being able to carry on filming in London without encountering physical picket lines, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will remain incomplete until the strike concludes, given that specific scenes still necessitate the participation of actors.

Despite the ongoing actors' strike, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will proceed with filming, although production will not be completed until a deal is reached between the actors and studios.

Paramount, pleased with the success of the first two Sonic the Hedgehog movies, has announced its intentions to create a third installment. Filming was originally scheduled to commence in London on August 31st, following the conclusion of the Knuckles spin-off series. However, with the onset of the actors' strike on July 14th, the majority of film and TV productions came to a halt, leaving many to assume that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 would also be affected and unable to proceed with filming.

Screen Daily reports that despite not having actors, Sonic and his colorful friends will boldly carry on with the filming of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, defying the picket line. The production crew plans to shoot scenes from September onwards until the strike concludes, ensuring a fair deal for both actors and writers. It is worth noting that despite being based in London, Sonic 3 remains a SAG-AFTRA production, comprising mostly union actors who are unable to participate in filming, even abroad. Nonetheless, the London location provides some advantages as it eliminates the physical presence of a picket line obstructing production.

The filming will primarily feature CGI characters rather than actors. In Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic had the most screen time with 49 minutes, followed by Tails with 30 minutes. Previous films already showcased numerous scenes with only CGI characters, and the addition of Shadow the Hedgehog in the upcoming movie will allow for more of these scenes. Consequently, the production will likely have ample opportunities to film without any actors present.

This development also brings good news for fans, as it may prevent a delay in the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Furthermore, the second film received criticism for excessively focusing on human characters. By giving greater emphasis to Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow, and potentially other characters, the movie may be better received by audiences.

The strike poses a challenge for the production of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. While studios able to continue working during the strike may alleviate their pressure, it also contributes to the prolongation of the strike. Consequently, the completion of Sonic the Hedgehog 3's production will have to wait until the strike concludes, as there is still a requirement for actors to film certain scenes. The anticipated release date for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 in theaters is December 20, 2024.

Source: Screen Daily