Paramount and SEGA’s Sonic the Hedgehog movie has set a new record for a video game-big screen adaptation, ringing in a three-day domestic opening of $58 million in the US.
The film’s projected four-day gross of $70 million is among the best showings for a Presidents Day long weekend opening.
The record previously belonged to 2019’s Pokémon Detective Pikachu which boasted the top North American debut for a video game adaptation with a three-day start of $54.3 million. The Blue Blur has now sped past the former top performer.
On an international level, Sonic the Hedgehog launched to a strong $43 million from its first 40 markets for a global total of $101 million through Sunday, and $113 million through Monday. The UK is ranked among the top markets for the film where it has so far brought in $6.2 million.
Sonic the Hedgehog is based on the popular SEGA video game franchise, and sees Sonic – voiced by Ben Schwartz – team up with a small town sheriff – James Marsden – to battle Jim Carrey’s evil genius Dr. Robotnik.
The film has launched with better than expected results following a rocky start for the film that underwent a re-design of its titular character, following an outcry from fans unhappy with the CG animated Sonic’s look in the first look trailer. The revision meant pushing back back the film’s release date, but has not damaged its Box Office appeal.
