Sonic 4 Filming Ends, Metal Sonic Teased by Director

Filming for Sonic the Hedgehog 4 has wrapped up! Director Jeff Fowler shared a behind-the-scenes photo that includes Metal Sonic.
By Newsroom | Movies, Video Games |

Filming Concluded on Latest Installment; Director Claims 'Best Yet'

Production has officially concluded for Sonic the Hedgehog 4, with director Jeff Fowler announcing the wrap on social media. Fowler, who has helmed all prior entries in the Paramount/Sega franchise, shared a behind-the-scenes photograph featuring himself alongside a figure of Metal Sonic, the robotic antagonist. Fowler stated on X that "On behalf of this amazing cast/crew, we have filmed the BEST Sonic Movie yet and can’t wait to share." The announcement, made across multiple platforms including X and Instagram, signals the end of principal photography for the upcoming film.

Metal Sonic Emerges from Tease

The inclusion of Metal Sonic has been anticipated by fans following its appearance in the mid-credits scene of the previous film and a teaser trailer released in March. While specific plot details remain scarce, the character's presence confirms its expanded role in Sonic the Hedgehog 4. This reveal serves as a significant enticement for the franchise's audience, building on prior hints and the antagonist's menacing introduction. The image shared by Fowler offers a glimpse, though it is not a comprehensive reveal of the character's final on-screen depiction.

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Franchise Performance and Key Personnel

The Sonic the Hedgehog film series has demonstrated considerable financial success. Sonic the Hedgehog 3, released in December 2024, achieved a domestic gross of $218 million and $422 million globally. The franchise's collective box office earnings have surpassed $1 billion. The original 2020 film, Sonic the Hedgehog, also proved a significant draw, earning $148 million domestically and $319 million globally, and previously held the record for the highest-grossing video game adaptation in North America.

Key figures confirmed to return include Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic. The franchise has also featured performances from Jim Carrey, James Marsden, and Tika Sumpter. Voice work for Tails and Knuckles is also expected, with Colleen O'Shaughnessey previously voicing Tails. The writing for Sonic the Hedgehog 4 involves Josh Miller, John Whittington, and Patrick Casey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did Sonic the Hedgehog 4 finish filming?
Filming for Sonic the Hedgehog 4 has officially concluded. Director Jeff Fowler announced the wrap on social media on May 16, 2026.
Q: What character did director Jeff Fowler hint at for Sonic the Hedgehog 4?
Director Jeff Fowler shared a photo that included a figure of Metal Sonic, hinting that the robotic antagonist will play a role in the new movie.
Q: Why are fans excited about Metal Sonic in Sonic the Hedgehog 4?
Metal Sonic was shown in a teaser trailer and a mid-credits scene in the previous film, and its inclusion in Sonic the Hedgehog 4 confirms an expanded role for the character.
Q: How has the Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise performed financially?
The Sonic film series has been very successful. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 earned $218 million in the US and $422 million worldwide. The franchise has made over $1 billion globally.
Q: Who is returning for Sonic the Hedgehog 4?
Ben Schwartz is returning as the voice of Sonic. Writers Josh Miller, John Whittington, and Patrick Casey are also back for the new film.