Sonic the Hedgehog 2 races into theaters this week, marking the highly anticipated return of the Blue Blur to the big screen. The rise of streaming platforms coupled with the pandemic's effect on the theater industry has led to all sorts of complications when it comes to the release of new movies. Some release exclusively in theaters, while others have a hybrid approach or release directly to streaming platforms. In the case of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, it's an exclusive theatrical release only.
In the event you aren't quite ready to return to theaters or simply prefer to watch a new movie from the comfort of your home, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will eventually head to streaming. The question is when and which platform(s)?
As Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a Paramount movie, it will almost certainly be added to Paramount+ in the future. This means we can also rule out a release on Disney+, Netflix, HBO Max or any additional competing services.
No exact date has been announced yet, but new Paramount films usually head to Paramount+ after 30 to 45 days in theaters. Early last year, the company announced that new releases will be available at home as early as 30 days following their theatrical release. However, tentpole releases, which Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is likely considered to be, will arrive on the streaming platform 45 days after being in theaters. So we can probably look forward to Sonic the Hedgehog 2 coming to Paramount+ around mid- to late-May or early June 2022 at the latest.
It's also unclear if Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will be available to buy or rent digitally at the same time it arrives on Paramount+. The Quiet Plate II released digitally on the same day it was released on Paramount+ while Jackass Forever came to VOD about a week after it was released on Paramount+. Either way, you shouldn't have to wait too long.
The world’s favorite blue hedgehog is back for a next-level adventure in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2. After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search for an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands. From the filmmakers behind The Fast and the Furious and Deadpool, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 stars James Marsden, Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, and Jim Carrey returning, alongside new additions Shemar Moore, with Idris Elba as the voice of Knuckles, and Colleen O'Shaughnessey as the voice of Tails.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 arrives in theaters on April 8. It currently sits at a 67% on Rotten Tomatoes.