STACK #188 June 2020

FILM&TV FEATURE

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STACK chats with director Jeff Fowler about bringing Sega’s iconic video game mascot to the big screen for the very first time in Sonic the Hedgehog . Words Gill Pringle “S onic is an icon of social distancing,” teases Jeff Fowler, director of the live-action comedy Sonic the Hedgehog . He’s not entirely kidding, and sincere when he says he hopes the film’s home entertainment release brings some comfort to families during lockdown restrictions.

“This little blue hedgehog is a bright spot to take our minds off our troubles. My greatest hope is that for a little under two hours, families can simply enjoy the movie,” he says of the film based on the beloved blue video game character – the world’s speediest hedgehog. “The whole movie is about social distancing,” he argues. “Sonic has been forced into isolation and leads a very lonely life. We could all learn a lot from him.” Launched in 1991 by Sega – eager to compete with their rival Nintendo’s Mario – the Sonic video games went on to gross more than US$5 billion by 2014. Fowler was first introduced to the video game when he was 13, remaining a lifelong fan. “I don’t think I ever grew up. I’m still a teenager at heart. My body might have aged but all those things I

Director Jeff Fowler © Paramount Pictures 2020

16 JUNE 2020

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