A synopsis that leaked earlier this year for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 confirmed that the sequel to Paramount’s well-received 2020 film would introduce two of the iconic game franchise’s key characters: Miles “Tails” Prower and Knuckles the Echidna.
While it’s still unclear who will be voicing Sonic’s best friend and sidekick, Idris Elba took to Twitter today to reveal that he will be lending his voice for the powerful Knuckles. The actor shared a close-up shot of the echidna’s gloves, whose spiked hands are unmistakable.
According to the leaked synopsis, Elba’s Knuckles will team up with Jim Carrey’s Dr. Robotnik against Sonic and Tails in a quest for a powerful emerald. This is likely the Master Emerald that was originally introduced in 1994’s Sonic & Knuckles game for Sega Genesis.
Knuckles’ involvement in the film shouldn’t surprise anyone who played the original games, as the character is known for being one of the gemstone’s protectors, as well as one of the few who can communicate with it. It sounds as if Knuckles will be introduced in a villain-type role, but the echidna will almost assuredly switch over to Sonic’s team just like he did in 1994’s Sonic the Hedgehog.
Elba was recently seen in James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, a sequel/reboot of David Ayer’s 2016 original that premiered in theaters and HBO Max last week. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 isn’t slated for release until April 2022, however.
Knock, knock….#SonicMovie2 #Knuckles pic.twitter.com/N1PW5XaCEd
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) August 10, 2021
After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is ready for more freedom, and Tom and Maddie agree to leave him home while they go on vacation. But, no sooner are they gone, when Dr. Robotnik comes back, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search for an emerald that has the power to both build and destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands. Being directed by Jeff Fowler, and starring Jim Carrey, James Marsden, and Ben Schwartz.
Source: Idris Elba, U.S. Copyright Office