PARAMOUNT+, PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND SEGA OF AMERICA ROUND OUT CAST FOR "KNUCKLES," THE FIRST TV SERIES IN THE EXPANDING "CINEMATIC WORLD OF SONIC THE HEDGEHOG," AS IT ZOOMS INTO PRODUCTION

Credit: "Sonic the Hedgehog 2," Paramount Pictures

Adam Pally to Star as Wade Whipple and More Cast Announced to Join Idris Elba, Previously Announced as Knuckles

The Series Reunites the "Sonic the Hedgehog" Filmmaking team of Jeff Fowler, Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher and Toru Nakahara

April 17, 2023 - Paramount+, Paramount Pictures and SEGA of America today announced the cast and the start of production for the service's upcoming live-action series KNUCKLES, the latest in the "Cinematic World of Sonic the Hedgehog."

The new live-action series will follow Knuckles on a hilarious and action-packed journey of self-discovery as he agrees to train Wade as his protégé and teach him the ways of the Echidna warrior. The series takes place between the films SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 and SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3, marking the next installment of the hit franchise, which is slated for Dec. 20, 2024.

In addition to Idris Elba, previously announced as the titular character Knuckles, Adam Pally will reprise his role from the film franchise as Wade Whipple. The ensemble for the KNUCKLES series also includes recurring cast Edi Patterson ("The Righteous Gemstones"), Julian Barratt ("Mindhorn"), Scott Mescudi ("Don't Look Up"), Ellie Taylor ("Ted Lasso") and guest star Rory McCann ("Game of Thrones"). In addition, Tika Sumpter will guest star, reprising her role as Maddie, with additional cast to be announced.

Production on KNUCKLES began earlier this month in London. All of the key creative team from the previous films are returning for the series, including Jeff Fowler, the films' director, who is directing the pilot episode, as well as Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, John Whittington and Toru Nakahara, who serve as executive producers on the series. Idris Elba also serves as executive producer. Additional directors for the series include Ged Wright, Brandon Trost, Jorma Taccone and Carol Banker.

Whittington, who wrote on SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2, wrote the pilot and is the head writer for the series. The other series writers include Brian Schacter and James Madejski.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 earned over $190 million in domestic box office, and over $214 million internationally for a combined total gross of over $405.4 million. On Paramount+, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 marks the top-performing Kids & Family film on the service and is also one of the service's most re-watched films.

About Paramount+

Paramount+, a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, combines live sports, breaking news and a mountain of entertainment. The premium streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. The service is also the streaming home to unmatched sports programming, including every CBS Sports event, from golf to football to basketball and more, plus exclusive streaming rights for major sports properties, including some of the world's biggest and most popular soccer leagues. Paramount+ also enables subscribers to stream local CBS stations live across the U.S. in addition to the ability to stream CBS News Streaming Network for 24/7 news, CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis. For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlus on social platforms.

About Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Paramount Global (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Paramount Pictures has some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, and Paramount Players. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

About SEGA of America, Inc.

SEGA of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA CORPORATION, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment. Established in 1986, SEGA of America publishes innovative interactive entertainment experiences for console, PC, mobile and emerging platforms. In 2020, SEGA ranked #1 among Metacritic's Annual Game Publisher Rankings. Its globally beloved franchises include Sonic the Hedgehog(TM), Like a Dragon(TM), Virtua Fighter(TM), Super Monkey Ball(TM), and Phantasy Star Online(TM), along with Atlus' Persona(TM) and Shin Megami Tensei(TM) series. Since its debut more than three decades ago, Sonic has become a pop culture icon featured in dozens of games, TV series, and movies. SEGA of America has offices in Irvine and Burbank, California. Visit www.sega.com.

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