Thanks to a much-needed redesign and positive reviews across the board, Paramount's Sonic the Hedgehog zipped to the top of the box office last year, grossing over $319.7 million worldwide on an estimated $95 million production budget. Ultimately, it finished the year as the highest-grossing superhero film of 2020, the highest-grossing film based on a video game domestically, and the sixth-highest grossing film of the year globally.
Following the success of Sonic's first adventure, fans have been eager to learn more about the 2022 sequel, which is expected to add the likes of Tails and Knuckles to the mix. During our recent chat with star Ben Schwartz, we were able to gain a little bit of insight into how far along the sequel is.
While he wouldn't divulge too much about the plot, he does admit that he's read the script and has high praise for what's to come.
"I believe Sonic starts filming in the next few months, I’m not quite sure when, but I know it’s coming up, and I was able to read a script and it’s gonna be great!"
However, before he can get back into the mind of the unstoppable speedster, Schwartz will be wrapping The Afterparty; an upcoming Apple TV+ murder mystery comedy series that hails from the minds of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller. He also has the second season of Netflix's Space Force on his docket.
"I’m actually filming something now - I’m on Day 59 of 67, we’ve been filming through the pandemic and testing every single day. It’s an Apple limited series, Lord & Miller put it together, they’re heroes of mine, Chris Miller directed all of the episodes. Nicest human - both of those guys are the nicest and most talented people in the world.
The cast is bananas, it’s Tiffany Haddish, me, John Early, Ike Barinholtz, Sam Richardson, Illana Glazer, Jamie Demetriou from the UK. It’s just an insanely good murder mystery comedic show, it’s called The Afterparty. I’m beyond proud of it, it’s been so fun to be a part of that and also being able to work because we’re able to get the tests to make it possible for us to work. You feel very fortunate, so my next thing will be that and then, I start Space Force season two in a couple of months."
Check out our full video interview with Ben Schwartz below and don't forget to like and subscribe!
Flora & Ulysses is based on the Newbery Award-winning book about 10-year-old Flora, an avid comic book fan and a self-avowed cynic, whose parents have recently separated. After rescuing a squirrel she names Ulysses, Flora is amazed to discover he possesses unique superhero powers, which take them on an adventure of humorous complications that ultimately change Flora's life--and her outlook--forever.
Flora & Ulysses premieres exclusively on Disney+ on February 19