“Sonic the Hedgehog 4” is in the works for a planned spring 2027 release

The next film in the Sonic the Hedgehog The franchise is ready to take off.

Paramount Pictures is currently in development Sonic the Hedgehog 4 before the third film hits theaters on Friday. The studio plans to release the latest installment in the series based on the popular Sega video game in spring 2027.

It has not yet been announced who will write or direct the fourth film, and plot details have not yet been revealed. Jeff Fowler directed the first three titles and helmed the third film from a screenplay by Pat Casey, Josh Miller and John Whittington.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 sees the return of franchise classics Ben Schwartz as the voice of the title character and Jim Carrey in a dual role as Dr. Robotnik and mad scientist grandfather. Rounding out the cast are Krysten Ritter, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, James Marsden and Tika Sumpter, while additional voices are provided by Keanu Reeves (Shadow the Hedgehog), Idris Elba (Knuckles) and Colleen O’Shaughnessey (Tails).

The first two films have combined to exceed $725 million at the global box office. The franchise that began with the release of in February 2020 Sonic the Hedgehogalso spawned the Paramount+ series anklewhich debuted earlier this year.

In his review of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 for The Hollywood ReporterThe film’s chief critic, David Rooney, called the film “a balanced, fast-paced mix of action and slapstick comedy, in this case set in such picturesque locations as Tokyo and London.”

diversity first reported the news of a fourth film.