If SEGA's mascot Sonic the Hedgehog is known for anything, it's going fast and having a growing cast of anthropomorphic animal friends and foes since his debut. The upcoming movie based on Sonic the Hedgehog may be capitalizing on the opportunity to introduce a new character into that cast, according to information put out by the Paramount Spain Twitter account.
Since the Sonic the Hedgehog movie redesign was unveiled in a trailer last November, the film's marketing machine has been churning nonstop. Early this morning, that marketing included a Tweet from Paramount Spain in which Sonic is quoted referencing a previously unknown character named "Longclaw."
A Spanish news site called Sonic Paradise later reported that Longclaw would be an owl character, which was independently confirmed by Tails' Channel on Twitter.
Tails' Channel is a leading source of news about the Fastest Thing Alive, and has been sharing marketing materials like new posters for the film for some time. So even if nothing about Longclaw has been officially confirmed, there's a good chance we can take their reporting seriously and expect to see an owl character introduced into the Sonic universe.
It's a little strange that Paramount would lean into a new character instead of working with series favorites like Tails or Knuckles, but at the same time there's something refreshing about them taking the opportunity to carve a new path rather than relying on nostalgic recognition. Even if the original design proved that "carving a new path" might not always be the best (or most cost effective) idea.
Sonic's new design seems to have set his live action film in a better direction, even if the character's creator Yuji Naka is still not totally pleased with the look. With just about a month until the movie's release, fans will have to wait and see whether Longclaw — or any other new addition — will keep Sonic running toward success or if the movie will fail to live up to expectations.
Sonic the Hedgehog will release in theaters on February 14th.