One of the highest-grossing video game films of all time, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, is finally coming to subscription-based TV in the UK, where subscribers will be able to watch it on their TV at no extra cost.
But somewhat surprisingly, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will be coming to Sky TV and its streaming service NOW, despite the fact that in the US, and other countries, the film is available on Paramount+ (see more on that below).
The film was released in VOD stores in the UK, for digital streaming, on June 15, 2022, and will be coming to Sky/NOW in October (we’re waiting to get a more exact date from Sky).
Sonic 2 was released in UK cinemas on April 1, 2022. Therefore, its digital streaming release was just 75 days after its theatrical release – and the subscription-based release is coming around six months after the original release date.
The physical editions of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – DVD and Bluray – are already available as well, having launched in August.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2, directed by Jeff Fowler, is a sequel to the popular first Sonic film from 2020.
The film stars Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, with James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell and Jim Carrey returning.
New cast additions include Shemar Moore, Idris Elba as the voice of Knuckles and Colleen O’Shaughnessey as the voice of Tails.
The film is based on the popular SEGA video game series, and did very well – both critically and with audiences. It became the highest-grossing video game film in the US, and did very well at the UK box office.
A third Sonic film is already in development.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 sees the return of the world’s favourite blue hedgehog for a next-level adventure. After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero.
His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search of an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations.
Sonic teams up with his sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.
Is Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Coming To Paramount+ UK?
In the US, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was released for streaming on Paramount+, at no extra cost for subscribers, way back on May 24, 2022.
At the time, the UK version of Paramount+ did not exist yet – but it launched on our side of the pond on June 22.
Therefore, many expected the film to come to Paramount+ in the UK as well, but so far there was no news about it coming to Paramount’s streaming service in the UK.
With the announcement made today that Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will be coming to Sky and its streaming service NOW, it’s clear Sky subscribers will be able to stream it before Paramount+ subscribers.
It’s also interesting to note that Sky Cinema subscribers get Paramount+ at no extra cost – so they would have gotten access to Sonic the Hedgehog 2 either way.
But NOW members don’t get Paramount+ for free, and, of course – those who subscribe directly to Paramount+ will also be disappointed if it doesn’t show up on the service.
It’s still likely that the film will end up on Paramount+ UK – but at a later date.
How To Watch Sonic the Hedgehog 2 On Sky And NOW
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will become available to watch in October, for Sky Cinema subscribers, as well as on NOW.
NOW (Formerly known as NOW TV- they changed their name) is Sky’s no-contract streaming service – a cheaper TV platform that gives you flexible packages (“memberships”) of content that can be watched on a variety of streaming devices.
The plans include the Entertainment Membership for TV shows, the Cinema Membership for movies, and the Sky Sports Membership. (See our full NOW review here).
For Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on NOW, you will need the Cinema Membership, which normally costs £9.99/month (You can sometimes find cheaper ways to sign up for NOW – see our guide).
Sky subscribers will be able to watch Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on their Sky Q (or older) set-top boxes, as well as on Sky’s streaming-based TV – Sky Glass.
Seems like Paramount+ UK are setting themselves up to fail, makes no sense not having there own big blockbusters on the service.