Paramount has released a charming stop-motion animated Christmas short, A Very Sonic Christmas, to celebrate the holidays and the upcoming release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The short features Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles lending a hand to Santa on Christmas Eve, while Shadow adds a touch of playful mischief. The animation style is a delightful homage to classic Rankin/Bass Christmas specials like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. The short also boasts the vocal talents of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 stars Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, and Keanu Reeves.
Adding to the holiday cheer, Adam Pally, who played Wade Whipple in the first two Sonic films and the Knuckles series, voices Santa Claus in the short. While Wade’s presence in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 hasn’t been officially confirmed, this cameo suggests Pally’s involvement with the franchise continues. You can watch the heartwarming short below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2QIiOy6aw8[/embed]
Beyond Pally’s appearance, A Very Sonic Christmas is packed with Easter eggs for fans to discover. The characters’ festive sweaters showcase iconic elements from the Sonic universe: Tails’ sweater features the Tornado plane, Knuckles’ displays a cluster of grapes (a nod to his snacking habits in the Knuckles series), and Sonic sports his beloved chili dogs, even leaving one out for Santa. The presence of both a Christmas tree and a Menorah in the background might be a subtle reference to Knuckles’ exploration of Jewish traditions in the Knuckles series. A peek at Santa’s list reveals both Gerald and Ivo Robotnik on the naughty side.
A Very Sonic Christmas is part of Paramount’s 12 Hours of Sonic promotional event, which includes an ugly Sonic Christmas sweater giveaway and several holiday-themed Sonic the Hedgehog 3 posters. These posters parody classic holiday movies: one reimagines National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation with Ivo Robotnik getting electrocuted, while another puts Sonic in Kevin McCallister’s shoes from Home Alone, with Ivo and Gerald as the bumbling burglars.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 hits theaters on December 20th, and the promotional campaign is in full swing. In addition to the festive short and posters, Sonic x Shadow Generations players can anticipate DLC releasing on December 12th, featuring Keanu Reeves reprising his role as Shadow and incorporating locations inspired by the upcoming film. The anticipation for the third installment is palpable.
What are your thoughts on A Very Sonic Christmas? Are you excited for Sonic the Hedgehog 3? Let me know on Twitter @Marcdachamp, Bluesky @Marcdachamp, or Instagram @Dachampgaming!
