Calling in the pros
Sonic Maniais one of the few truly greatSoniccreations in recent memory. It lovingly captured the essence of the classicSonicgames and wrapped them up in a modern-yet-retro package.Sonic Maniawas proof that this group of developers “got”Sonic. It only makes sense that Paramount enlisted the help of one of them when fixing the movie.
Yesterday, Paramount pulled back the veil on thenew-look Sonic the Hedgehogafter the first design went over as well as a lead balloon. The redesign was met with near-universal approval, most everyone agreeing that this is a more acceptable version of Sonic. Recently, long-timeSonicartist Tyson Hesse confirmed that he was brought in to “lead the design” on the modified Blue Blur.
Honored to have been brought in to lead the design on the new Movie Sonic. Working with Jeff and the modelers, riggers, texture/fur artists and animators in LA, London, and Vancouver was a thrill I’ll never forget.#SonicMoviepic.twitter.com/HhcVIxAhXB
— Tyson Hesse (@tyson_hesse)Jun 06, 2025
Hesse has a lot of experience with illustrating Sonic. Apart from serving as director and lead animator for theSonic Maniaopening cinematic, he also created the promotional mini-seriesSonic Mania Adventures. Additionally, Hesse has contributed as an artist on theSonic the Hedgehogcomic series.
So, if you’re thankful that theSonic the Hedgehogmovie (probably) won’t be as embarrassing anymore, Hesse is the person who’s largely responsible for that. Three cheers for changing the chompers! Hip hip hooray…!
