Idris Elba Is Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Hot off his starring role as Bloodsport in The Suicide Squad, Idris Elba is joining the cast of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 to lend his voice as the Master Emerald hunter himself, Knuckles the Echidna. Elba teased the news on social media, calling back to the character’s theme from Sonic Adventure and displaying hashtags for the film. The official Sonic the Hedgehog Twitter account shared the actor’s post soon after, seemingly confirming his involvement.

Knock, knock….#SonicMovie2 #Knuckles pic.twitter.com/N1PW5XaCEd

— Idris Elba (@idriselba) August 10, 2021

Idris Elba’s Knuckles joins the returning cast from the first 2020 Sonic the Hedgehog movie, including Ben Schwartz as Sonic, James Marsden as Tom, and Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik. Jeff Fowler, director of both the original movie and Sonic the Hedgehog 2, shared that production began in March of this year. While we knew Sonic’s two-tailed pal Tails would play a role in the film thanks to some teases, a few leaked images and a leaked plot synopsis appeared a few months later, spoiling Knuckles’ inclusion. Thankfully, though, that shouldn’t take away from today’s surprising reveal that the voice of Knuckles is Idris Elba of all people.

Paramount Pictures’ live-action Sonic the Hedgehog film premiered just before pandemic lockdowns struck last year. Sonic the Hedgehog 2, meanwhile, will premiere in theaters on April 8, 2022.