Burning Questions We Have About Sonic 2's Knuckles

The followup 2020's well-reviewed "Sonic the Hedgehog" movie passed a major production milestone by wrapping filming in May 2021, but fans still know few details about the movie or its stars. "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" will arrive in theaters in April 2022, bringing several returning characters with it. However, there was one big question on every fan's mind: Who would play Knuckles?

Fans now know that "The Suicide Squad" star Idris Elba has landed the major role and will be appearing in "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" as the red echidna. The announcement surprised many fans, who reacted with excitement by making memes of the British star alongside Knuckles. Of course, even video game fans who don't closely follow his career will likely recognize Idris Elba from his numerous high profile roles, including "The Wire," "Luther," and Marvel's "Thor." No one questioned his ability to bring Knuckles to life on screen, but gamers still have some burning questions about how the film will portray Knuckles himself.

After all, Knuckles has experienced several makeovers since his first appearance in "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," both in design and attitude. While no one knows what aspects of Knuckles' past will be utilized for the film, that doesn't stop fans from speculating about how Sonic's rival will make his big screen debut.

As excited as fans are to hear Idris Elba's unmistakable voice coming from Knuckles the Echidna, it's worth noting that the role was apparently offered to a different DCEU star. That's right; before Bloodsport from "The Suicide Squad" was cast, rumor has it that Paramount was courting none other than Aquaman himself, Jason Momoa.

According to The Illuminerdi's inside sources, Momoa was the studio's first choice and that "the ball [was] in his court" when it came to whether or not he'd star in the film. These rumors were never verified by the actor or his representation, but fans seemed enthusiastic when the rumors started circulating in early 2021. 

After several months of silence, the news of Elba's casting means one of three things: Either negotiations with Momoa broke down, he wasn't interested in the part, or he was never actually offered the role in the first place. At this point, fans who were interested in seeing Momoa as Knuckles might just want to know the true story behind the rumor.

Fans on social media are wondering what sort of accent Knuckles might have in "Sonic the Hedgehog 2." Those who grew up watching the brash echidna in the many "Sonic" TV adaptations might be used to a more American voice for the character, but a quick dive into Knuckles' development history raises a few more questions.

The Prima strategy guide for "Sonic Advance 2" includes a few fun facts about the stars of the game, including what Knuckles nearly sounded like. The guide casually throws out the information that "originally Knuckles was to have a Jamaican accent." Some fans believe Knuckles' design hints at his lineage, with some fans noting that he uses a Rastafarian color scheme in his overall look. Even though Sega has retooled Knuckles' origins over the years, "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" could build on these original plans.

Idris Elba is a master of accents. In fact, YouTuber Eat Sleep Dream English analyzed Elba's accent, noting that his American accent in "The Wire" fooled many fans. Elba grew up in London, but he's mastered different dialects for various roles over the years. In fact, Elba's accent game is beyond impressive, with the actor proving capable of performing in a variety of different English and American dialects. It's unclear how "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" will take advantage of Elba's talent. Will Knuckles sound Jamaican, or will the movie stick to something more familiar for the character?

Actor Idris Elba is known for some incredible and diverse onscreen performances. The London-born thespian has portrayed everything from very good guys (Heimdall in the "Thor" films) to very bad guys (Brixton in "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw") and everything in-between. This begs the question: Which incarnation of Sonic's red frenemy will the ever-versatile Elba be playing in "Sonic the Hedgehog 2?"

It might shock younger "Sonic" fans to realize that Knuckles was introduced in 1994's "Sonic 3" as a villain — although, in reality, the evil Dr. Robotnik had tricked him into butting heads with Sonic. Eventually, though, Knuckles was given a chance at redemption that same year in "Sonic and Knuckles." Since then, he's become a close friend of Sonic, and Knuckles has continued to appear in countless games and cartoon series.

Given that the first "Sonic" film is a total reimagining of the Blue Blur's origins, Knuckle's allegiances — and his overall role in the upcoming movie — are still up in the air. Still, who wouldn't want to see Jim Carrey's psychotic Dr. Robotnik molding Knuckles into a hedgehog-hunting machine? "Sonic" fans will just have to wait to find out how Knuckles plays into things when "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" hits theaters.