Paramount Pictures announced today an indefinite postponement of their upcoming theatrical slate, which included Sonic the Hedgehog 2, as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues.
The news meant that the Sonic the Hedgehog sequel, highly anticipated by the Russian Sonic fandom, will not be screened at its regularly scheduled release slot in the country.
“As we witness the ongoing tragedy in Ukraine, we have decided to pause the theatrical release of our upcoming films in Russia, including The Lost City, and Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Paramount Pictures
We stand by all those impacted by the humanitarian crisis across Ukraine, Russia, and our international markets and will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds,”
Paramount is the latest company to announce a pause as Russian forces continue to press on an encroachment of Ukraine, described by the press as “the biggest ground war in Europe” since the Second World War. More than 300 people have died according to Ukrainian officials, and thousands more were injured.
The offensive drew widespread condemnation from the international community. Paramount’s competitors, Walt Disney, Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures all announced plans earlier this week to pause theatrical distribution in Russia.
Paramount gave no word about a new release window, though the company said they will continue to “monitor the situation.”
Meanwhile, one of the largest Sonic the Hedgehog online communities in Russia, Sonic of All Characters, said that they intend to seek an official answer about the cancellation, though it appears “unlikely to be positive.” The community originally intended to arrange a meet up to celebrate the release of the film.
A number of charities were set up to provide support to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Canadian readers can make a donation to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.
h/t Deadline; map via CBC
