The infamous “Ugly Sonic” design from the original 2019 Sonic the Hedgehog movie trailer is back, but this time, it’s festive! Paramount Pictures is embracing the internet legend with an exclusive Ugly Sonic Christmas sweater as part of their 12 Hours of Sonic giveaway, celebrating the upcoming release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
The Ugly Sonic Christmas sweater is undoubtedly the star prize of the giveaway, but other coveted items are also up for grabs. These include a Sonic-themed popcorn container, prints and posters signed by Ben Schwartz (the voice of Sonic) and Keanu Reeves, and even chili dog flavored candy canes with a blue and white swirl – a somewhat unsettling treat for the holidays. Fans eager to get their hands on these unique prizes can register for the giveaway here. A trailer showcasing the Ugly Sonic sweater and other prizes, featuring footage from the original cut of the movie and Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” (a nod to the first movie’s trailer), is available below.
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The trailer not only showcases the sweater but also includes glimpses of the initial, widely criticized Sonic design. This design even made a cameo in Disney’s Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, voiced by Tim Robinson.
The resurrection of Ugly Sonic for this promotional campaign speaks volumes about the Sonic movie franchise’s journey. What was once a potential franchise-killer has now become a quirky, celebrated piece of its history. The overwhelmingly positive fan reaction, with many expressing genuine admiration for the sweater, highlights this surprising transformation.
The positive reception to the sweater underscores how far the Sonic movie franchise has come. The initial design was so poorly received it could have derailed the entire project. Now, not only is it being used to promote the third film, but it’s also being embraced by fans. While most are still relieved the original design didn’t make it to the final cut, its reappearance in this form is a testament to the franchise’s success.
Unfortunately, the Ugly Sonic Christmas sweater appears to be exclusive to the giveaway. Hopefully, it will find its way into the hands of some truly dedicated Sonic fans.
The fact that this sweater exists is a testament to the success of the Sonic movies. The initial design was met with such negativity it could have ended the franchise before it even began. Now, not only is it being used to promote the latest movie, but fans are genuinely excited about it. While everyone is glad the original design never made it to the screen, it has, in a peculiar way, become a symbol of the franchise’s redemption. As this is a giveaway item, let’s hope it finds its way to true Sonic fans.