Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Release In Russia Halted By Paramount
Paramount has halted the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in Russia due to the country's invasion of Ukraine. The first live-action film for the world's favorite blue hedgehog was one of the few box-office hits in 2020, as it released in February, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Sonic the Hedgehog broke multiple box-office records for a video game movie and is now heralded as one of the best video game adaptations of all time. Thus, it was a no-brainer for Paramount to quickly begin developing a sequel.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is now right around the corner, slated for a theatrical release in the United States on April 8. Ben Schwartz returns as the the voice of Sonic, who will team up with Tails (as teased in the first film's post-credits scene) to take on a couple of baddies – the returning Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and newcomer Knuckles the Echidna (Idris Elba) – who are intent on finding the Master Emerald and conquering the world. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 also brings back James Marsden and Tika Sumpter's human characters, Tom and Maddie.
Now, Paramount has pulled Sonic the Hedgehog 2 from its release schedule in Russia, per Deadline. The move is part of a swift and decisive response by Hollywood to Russia's invasion of Ukraine last week, with the unprovoked military action resulting in global outcry and all sorts of economic sanctions and boycotts against the aggressor. The Russian release of The Lost City, the romantic comedy adventure led by Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, has also been halted by Paramount. The decision is explained via the statement below:
As we witness the ongoing tragedy in Ukraine, we have decided to pause the theatrical release of our upcoming films in Russia, including The Lost City, and Sonic the Hedgehog 2. We stand by all those impacted by the humanitarian crisis across Ukraine, Russia, and our international markets and will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds.
Paramount is just the latest Hollywood studio to pull its upcoming tentpoles from Russia in an attempt to stand against the aggressor and show solidarity with Ukraine. Disney began the trend by pausing all its theatrical releases in the country for the time being, starting with Pixar's Turning Red. Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures followed suit by halting the release of their respective, highly anticipated superhero films, The Batman and Morbius. Paramount's Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and The Lost City can now be added to this growing list.
Russia makes up an ample part of a blockbuster's international box-office returns, as the first Sonic the Hedgehog movie grossed about $11 million in the country, while Bullock's last theatrical release, Ocean's Eight, raked in $6.3 million there. Paramount will take a hit in terms of Sonic the Hedgehog 2's bottom line with this decision, though studios are clearly willing to take a noble stand against Russia, even though it will spell diminished financial returns. The question now is how long Hollywood's boycott of Russia will continue, and if any summer blockbusters will be withheld from the country.
Source: Deadline
from ScreenRant - Feed https://ift.tt/7GNAjBg
via Whole story
Post a Comment