Studio Behind Redesign For Sonic The Hedgehog Movie Closes

By now, we should all know that the internet was very unhappy with the initial character model design for Sonic the Hedgehog in the upcoming titular motion picture. Ranging from his closely humanoid body character to his very apparent teeth and lack of gloves left viewers with the first impression concerning their interest in the film. However, Paramount Studios then went back to reworking on the model following fan outcry which resulted with the project being move into February of next year to release for the box office.

Until about a month ago, Paramount finally revealed the new and well-needed improved Sonic that fans quickly showered their approval in anticipation for the scheduled Valentine’s Day opening for theaters. Especially seeing the following reception of the new look for Sega’s mascot, it was expected that is where the road for distress would ultimately end. Not quite.

In a report from the Canadian Broadcasting Company, the federal crown corporation revealed that Moving Pictures Company’s Vancouver division, the team behind the latest rework, will be shutting its doors indefinitely. Reporting such through an email which employees received from the company last Wednesday declaring the studio’s closure.

The email reads to inform the employees that “this decision has not been taken lightly,” the CDC discloses. MPC Vancouver is most notably known from the studio’s involvement with Watchmen, The Life of Pi, this year’s Ling King live action flick, and next year’s Sonic the Hedgehog. Back in 2013, the studio was said to be employing roughly 800 animators at its peak, but is very unfortunate to see the outcome right before Christmas.

A similar situation looked to potentially be on the way for Annapurna Interactive’s parent company, Annapurna Pictures. However, the production company showed to still be well on its feet despite speculation of predicted closure due to lesser expected box office sales and underwhelming reception. You can read the full report here.

Sonic the Hedgehog will be hitting theaters on February 14, 2020.

Source: CBC