Knuckles’: Cast, Release Date,Everything We Know

Sonic the Hedgehog was one of the first video game adaptations to truly take the world by storm. The film started off a bit rough, with criticism of his design and bizarre use of "Gangster’s Paradise" in the initial trailer. Yet, upon the film’s release fans got to see the blue blur come to life in a way we’ve never seen before. Fast-forward a few years later, and now we get the stellar Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and confirmation of the third film, we’re also getting a spin-off series.

Knuckles will follow our favorite red Echidna and is set after the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 2. With the series now starting production and the cast officially announced, we’re inching closer to seeing the next chapter of the Sonic franchise. Idris Elba is set to reprise his role as the titular Knuckles. Here’s everything we know about the series thus far.

When Is Knuckles Coming Out?

Knuckles will premiere on Friday, April 26, exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Canada; the following day, April 27, in all additional Paramount+ territories; and in Japan later this year. The series joins Sonic The Hedgehog and Sonic The Hedgehog 2 on the streaming service. The Knuckles series is set to bridge the gap between Sonic films as Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has already begun production.

April 26, 2024

Who Stars in Knuckles?

Knuckles sees Idris Elba reprising his role as the hand-throwing Echidna. The actor is known for being one of the best working today, but his time as a voice actor is severely underrated. He has lent his voice to Shere Khan (2016’s The Jungle Book), Chief Bogo (Zootopia), and Fluke (Finding Dory) prior to taking on Knuckles.

Adam Pally (Sonic the Hedgehog), Edi Patterson (The Righteous Gemstones), Julian Barratt (Mindhorn), Scott Mescudi (Don’t Look Up), and Ellie Taylor (Ted Lasso) will co-star alongside Elba. Rory McCann (Game of Thrones) will make a guest appearance along with Ben Schwartz (Sonic), Colleen O'Shaughnessey (Miles “Tails” Prower), and Tika Sumpter will reprise the role of Maddie Wachowski from the Sonic the Hedgehog films. Currently, there’s no word on whether James Marsden (Tom Wachowski) ​​​​​will also be returning for the series.

Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride), Stockard Channing (Grease), Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future), Paul Scheer (Veep), and Rob Huebel (Bob’s Burgers) have all joined the series in undisclosed roles.

What Is Knuckles About?

Knuckles will see Idris Elba’s character star in an action-packed comedy adventure that focuses on self-discovery. Knuckles agrees to train Wade (Adam Pally) as his protégé and teach him the ways of the Echidna warrior.

Who Is Making Knuckles?

Production on Knuckles took place in London, England. John Whittington, who previously worked on the screenplay for Sonic the Hedgehog 2, has written Knuckles pilot. He also serves as head writer and executive producer on the series. James Madejski (Shadowhunters) and Brian Schacter (Green Eggs and Ham) are also writers and are working in collaboration with Whittington.

Jeff Fowler, director of both Sonic the Hedgehog films, directs the Knuckles pilot episode and executive producing the series. Toby Ascher, Neal H. Moritz, and Idris Elba serve as executive producers. Ged Wright, Brandon Trost, Jorma Taccone, and Carol Banker are set to direct episodes of the series. Paramount Pictures will produce the series in collaboration with Sega of America.

What Is the History Behind Knuckles?

Knuckles the Echidna first appeared in the video game Sonic the Hedgehog 3. He is the guardian of the Master Emerald and a fierce warrior. Knuckles is the sole survivor of the Knuckles Clan and believes that protecting the emerald is his solemn duty.

The character was first introduced as a rival to Sonic but quickly skyrocketed in popularity. He was set to be a supporting player but soon received starring treatment in the game Sonic & Knuckles. The red powerhouse has been a staple in the Sonic lore ever since his first appearance.

Knuckles would make his live-action in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, where he is an enforcer for Jim Carrey’s Mr. Robotnik before teaming up with Sonic and Tails. Knuckles will be a direct follow-up to the film’s events.

More Shows and Movies Like Knuckles You Can Watch Right Now

Production for Knuckles is well underway, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to see more adventures with Sonic and his friends. If you need more stories starring Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few movies and shows you can watch while we wait for the release of Knuckles.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) - Powered with incredible speed, Sonic embraces his new home on Earth -- until he accidentally knocks out the power grid, sparking the attention of uncool evil genius Dr. Robotnik. Now, it's supervillain vs. supersonic in an all-out race across the globe to stop Robotnik from using Sonic's unique power to achieve world domination.