What Sonic The Hedgehog Looks Like Without Special Effects

Back in 2019, if I had told a dedicated Sonic the Hedgehog fan that they’d eagerly await the release of the franchise’s third movie in cinemas, they might have thought I was joking. After all, the initial design for Sonic from the live-action video game adaptation didn’t sit well with longtime fans. But then, something unexpected happened – director Jeff Fowler announced that the film would be postponed by three months to make adjustments. The revamped Sonic design received mixed reviews, but it was a step in the right direction for many.

It’s fortunate that the Sonic movie franchise carried a significant weight beyond just its CGI character depiction. The choice to cast Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik may have extended his comedy career, possibly preventing retirement. Moreover, the voice actors for beloved Sonic characters are impressive: Ben Schwartz as Sonic himself, Idris Elba as Knuckles the Echidna, and Keanu Reeves as the latest film’s villain, Shadow the Hedgehog.

In another way of saying it: Despite the effort being a collective one by numerous VFX specialists, transforming Sonic from a cherished cartoon character into a live-action figure on the silver screen is no simple task. Many cinephiles are familiar with how movies like “Deadpool” and “Wolverine” appear without visual effects, but for a series centered around an anthropomorphic, computer-generated hero, it can be challenging to envision the process by which these characters come to life.

The first movie utilized pre-visualization sequences

In many contemporary film productions today, a significant portion of animation work is completed prior to the actual filming process. The pre-visualization stage involves creating storyboards, shot lists, and animatics to provide a basic representation of how a particular scene will appear. This helps the director and other teams to share a common vision about what the final product should look like for movies like “Sonic the Hedgehog,” which rely heavily on CGI for its main character. In essence, pre-visualization plays a crucial role in the early stages of filmmaking for such projects.

For visual effects artist Ellery Ortiz, computer-generated storyboards play a crucial role in setting up the foundation for a movie’s final animated scenes. Ortiz showcases his pre-visualization work on Vimeo, demonstrating the complexity of these carefully prepared sequences. One of several animations by Ortiz for “Sonic the Hedgehog” includes a car chase scene with Sonic and Tom evading Dr. Robotnik’s drones, as well as key moments from the climactic battle between Sonic and Robotnik, where our hero emerges victorious over the mad scientist.

In the final scene, there are noticeable differences between the early visual concept and the finished product. This ranges from subtle alterations in camera perspectives to a significantly improved CGI portrayal by Sonic. The initial animations serve as a useful guide for actors like Ben Schwartz, who shared with Den of Geek that during his performance, “much of the time it’s quite pre-visualized… Some of them resemble graphics from an old Sega Saturn console.

James Marsden acted with several different stand-ins

James Marsden, portraying Tom, hasn’t had any on-screen interactions with a real-life chattering hedgehog yet. It’s also challenging to synchronize having Marsden in Vancouver, Canada, work alongside Ben Schwartz, who records his Sonic voiceovers over an extended period. Fortunately, there are various techniques that make it seem like James Marsden is sitting next to Sonic the Hedgehog on screen.

In many instances, filmmakers use a ball on a stick as a stand-in for Sonic’s position in a scene, helping actors like Marsden adjust their line of sight. Yet, this film went a step further by employing a live actor, Scott Patey, who is an improv artist from the local area. As Marsden explained to The Hollywood Reporter, “It’s crucial because you can’t rely on the script supervisor reading the lines in a monotonous tone. You need someone with the charm, charisma, and calm demeanor of a 12-year-old child.

In my perspective as an avid fan, Marsden elucidated the significance of a genuine human presence on set during filming. He emphasized that acting becomes more natural when you’re not working alongside a prop like a tennis ball instead. The “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies employ such digital effects for Rocket Raccoon as well. Unlike always having voice actor Bradley Cooper present, director James Gunn’s sibling Sean often steps in for Rocket wearing a green costume on set.

Ben Schwartz performs with motion capture

Fans of the “Sonic the Hedgehog” film series might find it interesting to know that Ben Schwartz wasn’t the original choice for voicing the main character. In fact, Schwartz was brought in later for a test reading when director Jeff Fowler wanted to secure studios’ interest in the project. Producers found his performance convincing and decided to cast him. It’s fortunate that Schwartz is making a name for himself as a versatile voice actor, having previously lent his voice to BB-8 in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and the 2017 reboot of “DuckTales.

As a die-hard Sonic fan, I can proudly say that Ben Schwartz isn’t just giving life to Sonic with his voice; he’s also shaping the character through motion capture performances. Before we even heard the first words for the initial “Sonic the Hedgehog,” Schwartz underwent a facial scan, enabling animators to mirror his expressions when Sonic spoke. During the recording process, even when I was alone, I used motion capture equipment for around 20 different sessions in “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

During an interview with Raiders of the Lost Podcast, Schwartz elaborated on the motion-capture technique he utilized for the first two films. For the third movie, he explained that instead of using dots to capture his facial expressions, they simply placed GoPro cameras around him to get all angles without the need for markers.

Robotnik’s ship was real, but it wasn’t on location

In the movie “Sonic the Hedgehog”, they often use a technique called chroma keying, where a green or blue background is used to blend an actor into another scene digitally. But you might find it hard to believe that some large props, like Dr. Robotnik’s flying ship, the Egg-Pod, aren’t entirely computer-generated as they appear. In fact, footage from behind the scenes shows Jim Carrey acting inside a real-life model of the Egg-Pod, which is mounted on a motion base similar to a mechanical bull during filming.

This practical effect enhances the realism of scenes involving Robotnik’s Egg-Pod, like when Tom approaches Robotnik stealthily. Although filmed in front of a green screen, they were not really flying during that part. In fact, both James Marsden and Carrey acted together on the Egg-Pod, even though it didn’t physically levitate. The blooper reel also reveals a funny outtake where Carrey was shooting a chase scene with Sonic, as the camera followed along with the Egg-Pod.

According to Andrew Lee McConnell’s website, “A significant part of the vehicle’s design was already sketched out in concept art when I began work on this film. My role involved creating 3D models of the Egg Pod, refining the design, making the vehicle suitable for set construction during filming, and designing the mechanics for the adjustable side engines and foldable wings.

Lifelike models of characters were used on set

In the Sonic the Hedgehog films, it wouldn’t be very exciting if they relied on tennis balls on sticks to depict all their CGI characters. For the first movie, a realistic blue stand-in model was used for certain scenes featuring Sonic. For the second film, these stand-ins were enhanced to closely resemble the final designs. As Lee Majdoub, who plays Agent Stone, explained in a making-of video, “We’ll shoot a scene with that model, and then it’s essentially like an orange ball that they place where his eyes would be.

As a fan, I can’t help but appreciate these detailed models, reminiscent of action figures, that CGI animators use to visualize characters under various lighting scenarios within a specific scene. It was truly exciting when these models hinted at the appearance of Knuckles in “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” following the leak of set photos.

In both “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” and the Paramount+ series “Knuckles”, the characters were swapped with simple puppets, enabling the performers to adlib. According to Jeff Fowler in Animation Magazine, this method allows for movement during blocking sessions. Instead of standing still, the CG characters are made to move around and utilize space more effectively.

The Mushroom Planet was mostly blue screen

In creating the introductory scene of “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” where Jim Carrey’s character Robotnik is stuck on a planet teeming with fungi, the production team utilized a blue screen in a studio setting. Additionally, to enhance the realism, large prop mushrooms were constructed for Carrey to interact with, while everything beyond these props was digitally expanded and designed.

DNEG, an animation studio known for its work on movies like “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” and “Blade Runner 2049,” played a significant role in shaping the appearance of the Mushroom Planet. According to VFX supervisor Kunal Ghosh Dastider, speaking to Animation World Network, they put a lot of effort into designing the complexities of the planet. He explained that since we’re used to seeing small mushrooms, it was challenging to create depth for them. If a mushroom stood 30 feet tall, the issue became one of texture detail and finding something relatable like moss or soil. They added scratches and colorization until it felt authentic.

In the distant backdrop, numerous mushrooms and plants were digitally crafted using Clarisse, a software known for its ability to generate procedurally millions of CGI objects for expansive landscape design. Despite DNEG managing over 180 shots in the sequel, the majority of visual effects were orchestrated by Moving Picture Company (MPC), who had previously worked on the first “Sonic the Hedgehog” movie as well.

VFX animators relied heavily on storyboarded sequences

In any production, particularly those heavy on animation like “Sonic the Hedgehog” movies, storyboarding plays a crucial role. As Heiko von Drengenberg, a storyboard artist, pointed out in an Instagram post about the first film, there are numerous alterations between the storyboard and the final version. However, the process serves as a foundation for all the visual effects that follow.

2D artist Toniko Pantoja revealed his workflow for creating artwork for “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” on his YouTube channel. It begins with receiving a portion of the script and gathering reference images. Next, he creates preliminary thumbnail sketches for each scene within a specific sequence. Once these sketches are approved by the director, they are refined into a more polished animatic.

In the reference photos, there are various items including scenes from other movies and artwork. Recently, Jeff Fowler posted concept art for a significant scene in “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” on his Twitter. This artwork is extremely detailed and more similar to the final version compared to storyboards that don’t require such intricate details.

Some sequences mix practical sets with VFX environments

Instead of “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” resembling the video games because of numerous action sequences like the Master Emerald Shrine scene, it’s more accurate to say that some scenes, such as this one, evoke the feel of the games due to their complexity and environment, which mirrors the layout of a labyrinthine temple where Sonic, Tails, Dr. Robotnik, and Knuckles are involved in a chase. Remarkably, even though there’s heavy use of visual effects in this scene, behind-the-scenes photos show that parts of it were filmed on a real set built within a soundstage.

Though actors worked with real sets, the MPC team was responsible for bringing the environments to life through creative work. As stated by VFX supervisor Matt Jacobs in an interview with Digital Media World, it was crucial to base the internal elements on reality, considering aspects like lighting and material design, as well as adding intricate details such as vegetation, ancient ice formations, sacred symbols, statues, and elements from the Sonic universe.

Indeed, enthusiasts of video games might notice a similarity between the shrine in the last film and the Labyrinth Zone from the initial “Sonic the Hedgehog” game on Sega Genesis, which shares owl themes like the movie does. Fortunately, the end product seems to have been directly lifted from the video games due to the close collaboration between the set design team and the VFX group.

The Death Egg Robot interior involved some movie magic

In “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” movie, Dr. Robotnik employs the Master Emerald to construct a colossal machine called the Death Egg Robot, initially introduced in the 1992 “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” video game. The outer part of the machine demanded the most visual effects (VFX), but for scenes depicting Dr. Robotnik controlling it from inside, a variety of special effects were needed to create the impression that Jim Carrey is suspended within a robot’s hollow structure.

In hidden footage from filming, Jim Carrey’s costume was connected to wires, enabling him to perform his stunts while hanging in mid-air, but not too high up initially. Instead of using a green or blue screen, the set utilized lights projected onto screens that displayed the computer-generated interior of the Death Egg Robot. This allowed for various camera angles to capture both wide shots and close-ups of Carrey’s acting.

In this part of the film, Dr. Robotnik uses distinct vocal modifications when he talks, an idea that Jim Carrey came up with himself. He shared with ScreenRant, “I enjoyed thinking about how [Dr. Robotnik’s quantum evil] could express itself through his voice, speaking like a synthesizer because he finds it amusing.

Many shots in Knuckles were comped together using CGI

Contrary to expectations for a spin-off series on Paramount+, “Knuckles” spared no expense when it came to visual effects. As showrunner Toby Ascher, who also co-created the series with John Whittington, explained to GamesRadar+, the quality of animation in “Knuckles” is comparable to that of feature films. He stated, “It’s actually more visually impressive than Sonic 1 from a VFX standpoint. We have over 300 additional [VFX] shots in ‘Knuckles’ compared to Sonic 1. Although it’s a television show, it has the feel and pace of an extra movie.

Examining the VFX breakdowns for “Knuckles” reveals how extensive visual effects are, even in seemingly simple shots set in Reno, Nevada. For instance, in one scene, Adam Pally’s character, Wade Whipple, steps out onto the streets of Reno to encounter Knuckles fighting a familiar antagonist. If you remove the VFX, Pally is just acting on a physically constructed street with a blue backdrop. Multiple layers of digital backgrounds are then added to create a computer-generated building behind him, depicting the Reno skyline, and incorporating visual effects such as smoke and lights.

In the making of this movie, although some scenes outside Reno were captured on location, the majority of the city’s appearance was achieved through visual effects (VFX). To bring a digitized version of Reno to life, our team ventured into the downtown area, enabling us to later replicate it within a studio setup. This way, during their epic showdown, Knuckles and The Buyer could engage in combat without causing any real-life damage to the city.

Adam Pally doesn’t have to hold a real echidna

In his role as Green Hills’ deputy sheriff Wade Whipple in the “Sonic the Hedgehog” series, Adam Pally found himself working closely with visual effects teams due to the inclusion of a realistic Knuckles character during filming, as Pally shared with ScreenRant. Unlike his experiences on the movies, this character was able to show emotions, improvise, and even make changes in scenes because it was a real-life version of Knuckles that he could act alongside. The Paramount+ show used both the lifelike models from prior “Sonic the Hedgehog” productions as well as puppets for filming.

Instead of using life-sized puppets, some scenes would be more challenging to film as Pally would need to rely on VFX. For instance, an animation studio called Fin Design provides a behind-the-scenes look at how these scenes are constructed without having a real Knuckles present during shooting. In one action sequence, a stunt double leaps from a balcony while carrying a blue, egg-shaped dummy; this allows Pally to be digitally inserted into the scene where they land on the ground.

In the heat of the action, I found myself engaged in another thrilling fight scene that unfolded within a kitchen. A particularly intricate moment occurred when Knuckles, in one fluid movement, whipped around a countertop and, with a swift motion, flung open a fridge door right into an attacker’s face. Behind the scenes, it was just a crew member dressed in a blue spandex suit standing in for Knuckles, while advanced technology skillfully blended him into the scene. The VFX wizardry didn’t stop there; it was also employed to stitch together various shots, ensuring the sequence flowed smoothly without a hitch.

One aspect of Jim Carrey’s role in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was done without VFX

Jim Carrey has come back from retirement for the movie “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” not just reprising his character as Dr. Ivo Robotnik, but also portraying his grandfather, Gerald. A classic Hollywood method called split-screening was used to accomplish this dual role. However, Carrey didn’t work alone during these scenes. Director Jeff Fowler brought in a stand-in named Brendan Murphy, a local U.K. actor. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Murphy put in a lot of effort preparing for the part, and he rehearsed with Jim Carrey on his days off.

Regarding the appearance of the two Robotniks, Carrey spent hours in the makeup room, a task he’s well-acclimated to due to films like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “The Mask.” Interestingly, Carrey’s unique look didn’t require any prosthetics or special effects; his hair was the exception. Intriguingly, Carrey had grown out his hair specifically for this role as a heavier, melancholic Robotnik. Remarkably, his co-star Lee Majdoub captured this transformation live on set by shaving off Carrey’s long locks.

In an exclusive backstage video clip, the actors personally arranged scenes showing Jim Carrey getting a haircut on set, meticulously staged to perfectly depict Agent Stone shaving Dr. Robotnik’s head at certain angles. For those who question Carrey’s dedication to his role as Dr. Robotnik, take a look at him sacrificing over a year and a half of hair growth for the part!

2025-01-16 15:38