English actor Idris Elba confirmed that he will be the voice of Knuckles the Echidna in Paramount Pictures’ upcoming Sonic movie sequel, Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
The actor and musician from London, England is known for his roles in numerous television programmes and films like The Suicide Squad and Thor. Elba’s work was nominated five times for a Primetime Emmy Award, and won a Golden Globe Award in 2011.
The actor confirmed the news on social media Tuesday afternoon. “Nothing’s gonna stand in his way,” said the official Sonic the Hedgehog Twitter account, moments after the unveiling. The post also prompted comparisons by curious community members on Twitter.
The echidna’s voice-over announcer was rumoured for months after Tails’ Channel and an outlet independently learned that Knuckles will appear alongside Sonic the Hedgehog’s sidekick, Miles “Tails” Prower, in the upcoming sequel. Actor Jason Momoa was reportedly offered a role, while fans on social media speculated unfounded claims about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s participation.
According to a tentative synopsis of the sequel: Knuckles partnered with Sonic’s arch-enemy, Doctor Robotnik, to search for “an emerald that has the power to both build and destroy civilizations.”
Elba will join alongside Ben Schwartz, Jim Carrey, Shemar Moore and Tika Sumpter in the upcoming sequel, which is scheduled for a April 2022 release date.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 recently wrapped up filming in British Columbia, Canada and Hawaii, and more details are expected to be announced in the upcoming months.
