SONIC THE HEDGEHOG Spin-Off KNUCKLES Begins Shooting; TV Series Adds Adam Pally, Rory McCann, And More

Variety confirms that Paramount+'s Knuckles TV series starring Idris Elba has finalised its impressive leading cast as production on the series finally begins in London, England. 

Announced last February, the show sees Elba reprise his role from Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and he's set to be joined by Adam Pally (Happy Endings) who returns as the Wade Whipple character from the movies. He'll be key to this series as a longline confirms we'll follow Knuckles after he "agrees to train Wade as his protégé and teach him the ways of the Echidna warrior."

The series takes place between the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and the franchise's upcoming third instalment (which is going to be released in theaters on December 20, 2024). 

Knuckles has also added Edi Patterson (The Righteous Gemstones), Julian Barratt (Mindhorn), Scott Mescudi (Don’t Look Up), and Ellie Taylor (Ted Lasso) in recurring roles. Rory McCann (Game of Thrones) will guest star alongside Tika Sumpter, with the latter back as Maddie. Additional casting is expected to be announced at a later date.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 writer John Whittington wrote Knuckles' pilot and serves as Head Writer and executive producer on this series. Brian Schacter and James Madejski are also part of the show's writing team. 

Jeff Fowler, the director of both Sonic the Hedgehog movies, will helm the pilot episode and executive produce the series. Ged Wright, Brandon Trost, Jorma Taccone, and Carol Banker are directing episodes, while Elba is among Knuckles' producers. 

Sonic the Hedgehog and its sequel have grossed over $405 million at the worldwide box office, so we're not exactly surprised to see the franchise expand to television. No premiere date has been announced, though we obviously expect it to arrive before the third movie next Christmas.

Are you excited for Knuckles? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.