“Sonic the Hedgehog” Has Opening Weekend of $65 Million

Paramount’s Sonic the Hedgehog had a speedy opening weekend in North American box offices.

The action-adventure, based on the Sega video game character, opened in 4,130 locations. The film follows Sonic (Ben Schwartz), the world’s fastest hedgehog, and his best friend Tom Wachowski (James Marsden), who are trying to save the planet from the evil Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey).

Sonic the Hedgehog aimed to make $40-45 million from its $87 million production, and with high opening numbers from the box office during its opening week, it’s expected to surpass that and break the record for the best video game feature adaption currently held by Legendary/Warner Bros’ Pokemon: Detective Pikachu.

Pokemon: Detective Pikachu made $54.3 million in 3 days and Sonic the Hedgehog made $53.99 million in three days. However, in its 4-day opening, Sonic the Hedgehog generated around $65 million.

Despite the film’s release being delayed because of the backlash from fans about Sonic’s look, and Paramount and director Jeff Fowler having to re-design the character, the reviews have been positive, with Rotten Tomatoes giving it 63 percent.