A wave of hate that changed the main character's appearance. How the internet affected the character from the movie Sonic the Hedgehog
On the left, the first version. On the right, the revised version.
The movie Sonic the Hedgehog was meant to be a triumphant adaptation of the cult character, but already in the early phases of promotion, Sonic’s design sparked turbulent emotions. Fans, accustomed to the classic, energetic, and charming appearance of the hedgehog, reacted with a wave of criticism to a portrayal that seemed to diverge from their expectations.
The first design – An unexpected blow
The original vision for Sonic, unveiled before the film’s premiere, was decidedly more “realistic.” The designers focused on details intended to give the character depth and authenticity – more human-like features, an elongated silhouette, and somewhat “bizarre” proportions. The effect? Sonic looked somewhat unsettling, which many viewers described as “repulsive” or even “nightmarish.” The internet exploded with comments, memes, and comparisons that quickly turned into a full-blown wave of hate.
The voice of the fans that could not be ignored
In the age of social media, every opinion quickly gains momentum. Sonic fans – many of whom grew up playing games featuring the friendly hedgehog – did not hide their disappointment. The criticism wasn’t limited to comments; petitions and collective actions calling for a change in the hero’s appearance also emerged. As the wave of negative opinions grew, the directors and production team faced a dilemma: whether to stick with the presented version or to implement radical changes in order to regain the trust of loyal fans.
Revolutionary redesign
The answer came sooner than expected. The team responsible for Sonic’s character decided to listen to the voice of the community. A process of thorough rethinking of the design began – from the proportions and facial expressions to the final fur color. The new look was clearly inspired by the classic cartoon aesthetic, featuring larger, more expressive eyes, rounded shapes, and a friendlier facial expression. The redesign turned out to be a home run – fans began to regain trust in the character, and positive comments flooded the internet.