'Sonic the Hedgehog 4' Wraps Filming as Director Confirms Metal Sonic's Role in 2027 Sequel

“Sonic the Hedgehog 4” has finished filming, with director Jeff Fowler announcing the wrap on social media Friday alongside the franchise’s first clear confirmation that Metal Sonic will serve as a central villain in the March 2027 release.

Fowler posted a set photo of himself posing with the robotic antagonist at Shinfield Studios in Berkshire, England, where principal photography had been underway since March 2. “We have filmed the BEST Sonic Movie yet and can’t wait to share,” he wrote on X. The image marks the first behind-the-scenes look at the metallic villain, who was seeded in the mid-credits scene of “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” — released in December 2024 — when the newly introduced Amy Rose smashed through an army of Metal Sonics to rescue Sonic.

The fourth installment draws from the 1993 video game “Sonic CD,” Amy and Metal Sonic’s original source material, and is scheduled for release on March 19, 2027. Kristen Bell, who voices Anna in Disney’s “Frozen” franchise, joins as Amy Rose. Fowler told Polygon the film cannot simply replicate “Sonic CD’s” original setup and must serve different story needs, while reaffirming that the creative team never places characters into the films without a specific reason. “We never want to repeat ourselves,” he said. “It’s always got to take us into new territory tonally.”

And that's a wrap on #SonicMovie4 !!!
On behalf of this amazing cast/crew, we have filmed the BEST Sonic Movie yet and can't wait to share 💙🩷 pic.twitter.com/L07xTZoO7N
— Jeff Fowler (@fowltown) May 15, 2026

The returning voice cast includes Ben Schwartz as Sonic, Idris Elba as Knuckles, Keanu Reeves as Shadow, and Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails, while Jim Carrey, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, and Lee Majdoub reprise their live-action roles. New additions in undisclosed roles include Ben Kingsley, Nick Offerman, Matt Berry, and Richard Ayoade.

The franchise’s commercial foundation is formidable. The third film earned $218 million domestically and over $422 million worldwide, making it the biggest box office performer in the series to date. The combined four-film series has now crossed $1 billion globally. “Sonic 3” additionally generated over $180 million in consumer spending from home entertainment rentals and purchases.

Fowler, who has directed every entry in the franchise, has signaled that Metal Sonic may have a speaking role — a departure from the character’s traditionally silent presence in the games. In a January 2025 interview, Fowler said the possibility of giving the character a voice was likely to be discussed during the scripting process. The four newly added cast members, all experienced voice actors, have fueled speculation that one of them may bring the robotic villain to life.