Sonic X: The Final Stand

Sonic X: The Final Stand is an upcoming 2011 animated film, known for the fifth film in the Sonic X film series. Roger Craig Smith and Kate Higgins are set to replace them instead and on for future games. McFarland announced that this will be the final film in the franchise, because of the sixth installment he is working on got cancelled due to ending a true story changing Sonic X: The Black Knight to Sonic X: The Final Stand. The movie will be written by Michael Haigney and Ted Lewis. Animation begins on June 22, 2010. New characters Greg the Fox and Jessica will be voiced by Taylor Lautner and Miranda Cosgrove. And this is the only film in the film series that have new voice actors as one of the main characters.

Sonic X: The Final Stand was released worldwide on May 13, 2011, including IMAX and Real D 3D for the first time. Throughout its release, it was a critical success. With that tentpole, it lead it break multiple records at the box office including biggest midnight opening for an animated film and the fifth of all-time. With a opening of $125.1 million, it break five records for being the biggest opening of the year, the franchise, from 20th Century Fox, an animated film and a 3D film, including being the second biggest opening for a film released in May behind Spider-Man 3, and was the seventh bigest opening of all-time. With a worldwide opening, it became the biggest opening of worldwide for an animated film, and the sixth of all-time. As of May 22, 2011, the film grossed $472 million worldwide.

After their disappointment of the film not being a perfect ending of the franchise, on May 17, 2011, Fox announced that they are making the rights that there may be a sequel into works in "five years" after the Shadow the Hedgehog film trilogy were released.

Plot
Greg the Fox enters the world. He attacked and steals the Chaos Emerald giving him power that can rule the world. Sonic the Hedgehog battle against him, but was too powerful to be defeated. Sonic must find a key that he can stop anyone who are trying to take over the world. Jet the Hawk and his Babylon Rogues teammates are nominated for a World Grand Prix determinating who will run around the world the fastest to win the race. Sonic and his friends are set to challenge with them all around the world to win. Meanwhile, Rouge the Bat must make her decision that who should she be with Knuckles the Echidna and Shadow the Hedgehog. When Knuckles and Shadow are arguing too much over Rouge, she decided to choose neither of them so that she can make them split up each other. Amy Rose, Cream the Rabbit and Big the Cat reunited as Team Rose as they challenge against Sonic, Tails and Knuckles into the race. Rouge, however, has chosen to be working together with Shadow over Knuckles to win the race.

Meanwhile, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy learned that Greg had a sister named Jessica the Fox, and realized that they hated each other thinking that Jessica is framing him for getting into trouble. Meanwhile, Greg takes his revenge as the sibilings has split up and will never speak with each other again. They headed to Jessica's home to talk to her about her brother. While trying to get them back together, but she refused. Greg, now has all of the power of the Chaos Emerald, decided to create his army where he brings Raven Radix and King Lydio the Hedgehog, Sonic's previous nemesis to life setting to challenge with Sonic for the race to rule the world. Sonic, Tails and Knuckles were Team Sonic. Shadow, Rouge and Omega were Team Dark. Amy, Cream and Big were Team Rose. Espio, Charmy and Victor are Team Chaotix. Jet, Wave and Storm are Team Babylon. And finally, Greg, Raven and Lydio signed up known for Team Powerful. All six team will be racing around the world including Paris, London, Mexico and more. Jessica arrived to watch them race. A couple of teammates are cheating towards another teammate. Jessica realizes that she had a crush on Sonic as she helped him to win the race, which made Amy jealous.

With the race conclused, the entire time has made a huge tie, except for Team Powerful. Angry Greg has went out of control and has ruled the world, possession people from Station Square, and betraying both Raven and Lydio. They apologies to Sonic for trying to kill him. They all worked together to defeat Greg. As Jessica wishes him good luck, she also betrays him and set to help Greg to rule the world together after taking revenge of Sonic making fun of them both. Sonic, Shadow, Jet and Silver captures their super ability set to fight off against Greg and Jessica. Too powerful to defeat, the four used their most powerful superpower killing the Fox siblilings together and saved the world, and has the right to take control the world with the Chaos Emeralds. After Greg and Jessica's defeat, Rouge chose Shadow over Knuckles, but it will better if they can just be friends, where Tails and Cream were happy together. Sonic and Amy shared their kiss saying that he will always be together with her. Later, Sonic challenges with Jet into racing gear, where there is a shiny spark appeared into the sky.

Cast

 * Roger Craig Smith as two characters:
 * Sonic the Hedgehog, The main protagonist of the series. Sonic is a male hedgehog with blue fur. He manage to battle against his new nemesis Greg the Fox and bring him together with his sister Jessica. Also, he is finally dating Amy.
 * Jet the Hawk, the leader of the Babylon Rogues.
 * Kate Higgins as
 * Miles Prower, Sonic's best friend and boyfriend of Cream.
 * Wave the Swallow, member of the Babylon Rogues, as a love interest to Jet.
 * Kent Hampton as Knuckles the Echidna, Sonic's other best friend and fighting buddy. He still have true feelings for Rouge since the previous film.
 * Cindy Robinson as Amy Rose, Sonic's girlfriend.
 * Kirk Thornton as Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic's frienemy, who looks identical of Sonic. He has true feelings for Rouge till Knuckles came along.
 * Karen Strassman as Rouge the Bat, Shadow or Knuckles' love interest, which she must decide who she will be with.
 * Derek Allen as Silver the Hedgehog, a white hedgehog, who has his abilities to hover objects.
 * Mike Pollock as Dr. Eggman, Sonic's main nenesis.
 * Oliver Wyman as Big the Cat, one of Amy's friend.
 * Laura Bailey as Blaze the Cat, 14 years old and appointed as defender of the Sol Emeralds, as one of Silver's friend, knowing to become his love interest.
 * Taylor Lautner as Greg the Fox, handsome and evil villain, who usually acts goofy trying to be funny. He deslikes Sonic and manage to rule the world by getting all seven Chaos Emeralds and bring people and Sonic's previous villains back from the dead.
 * Miranda Cosgrove as Jessica the Fox, Greg's sister, who has slightly a little crush on Knuckles.
 * Troy Baker Espio, member of the Chaotix team.
 * Raven Radix, within him dead from The Revenge of Sonic, he is set to return from the dead as army of Greg, as of his own army.
 * Keith Silverstein as Victor, leader of the team Chaotix.
 * Colleen O'Shaughnessey as Charmy, a member of team Chaotix who helps Sonic and friends and allies to get all of the seven Chaos Emeralds from seven places.
 * Ryan Drummond as Metal Sonic, a robotic copy of Sonic, as one of Eggman's robots, who became out of control to join King Lydio's side, must reboard him away.
 * Ben Linkin as Lydio the Hedgehog, Sonic's previous villain, which Greg bring him back from the dead, not as a zombie but by the way he was born.

The main characters are being replaced by new voice actors, while Mike Pollock is the only actor that he can reprise his role. The new character's name was announced as Greg the Fox, and will be voiced by The Twilight Saga star Taylor Lautner. Jane Hoop Elementary actor Ben Linkin will reprise his role as King Lydio the Hedgehog, and Lacey Chabert will reprise her role as Elise, but the character will not be seen in the film, and Chabert will not return for the fifth movie.

Raven Radix, who has died from third installment, Sonic X: The Revenge of Sonic will return and will be reprised by David Wills. Anthony Salerno will also reprise his role as Chip. Miranda Cosgrove will be playing as a new character Jessica in the film.

Development
Following by Sonic X: Curse of Raven Radix (2007), Sonic X: The Shadow Snow (2008), Sonic X: The Revenge of Sonic (2009) and Sonic X: Return to Soleanna (2010), Sonic X: Black Doom's Return and Sonic X: The Brand New Future is the original titles for the fifth film, which has been confirmed along with the fourth film, as it'll let the story continue for the way to kill King Lydio the Hedgehog, and nearly set a year after Silver's death, and Princess Elise will once again be seen into this film. The film is currently set to come out in summer 2011. On January 1, 2010, it was announced that the previous film will be the final film into the film series, while announcing for this film, it was reprounounced as a hoax, which means "There will be no Sonic X 5" from Fox, because of it ran out of ideas to make more films. Therefore, King Lydio the Hedgehog was revealed that he is killed at the end of Sonic X: Return to Soleanna, so Sonic and friends won't continue to destroy him to the next film.

But on May 26, 2010, it announced that 20th Century Fox is not done with the film series yet, because of them have other plans on making more movies about Sonic X movie sequels to help Sega to have its' successful charts. It announced to make more Sonic X sequels titled in Sonic X: The Black Knight, setting for July 29, 2011 release. Animation begins in summer 2010. The film will have effects from Sonic and the Black Knight. The film will have Knuckles, Shadow and Blaze as Amy's black knights, when Amy will be as Lady of the Lake.

Following the success of the film franchise, Sonic X: The Black Knight was originally going to be done from the game Sonic and the Black Knight with the same story, but seperate to do something differently for a much dramatic theme. The film tries to release it between April 29, 2011 and November 30, 2011, but gives it a July 29, 2011 release, in case that they try to release it for the same year since Sonic X: Return to Soleanna is released on June 4, 2010. Other release from previous film, Sonic X: Curse of Raven Radix was released May 30, 2007, Sonic X: The Shadow Snow was released on August 29, 2008 and Sonic X: The Revenge of Sonic was released on October 2, 2009. The movie will be written by Michael Haigney and Ted Lewis. Director and producer Dana McFarland will return as director like he did to the previous films.

On June 20, 2010, with the sixth and final film being cancelled, the film's title has changed to Sonic X: The Final Stand, to avoid the confusion from Sonic: The Black Knight, as of to become the final film instead. This film can also be titled for Sonic X: The Final Chapter.

The film's production budget will be $245 million, which made it the second most expensive animated film of all-time behind Disney's Tangled with $260 million.

Animation
Animation for the film begins on June 22, 2010. The film will indeed make changes than Sonic and the Black Knight. Nimune, the Lady of the Lake will instead bee called in Amy Rose, the Lady of the Lake. Knuckles the Echidna, Blaze the Cat, Shadow the Hedgehog, Silver the Hedgehog and Jet the Hawk, who were known for Sir Gawain (Knuckles), Sir Percival (Blaze), Sir Lancelot (Shadow), Sir Galahad (Silver) and Sir Lamorak (Jet). Miles "Tails" Prower, who is an original Blacksmith, who appears in a small role from the game, will be the defend of Amy.

Rather than using same ideas from Sonic: The Black Knight, it will have make a different setting where they were called by their same name instead of the other names from the game. There is also Rouge the Bat to appear as Rouge the Bat, god of the land. This met that she is trapsported by the Chaos Emerald and became god. Also, Sally Acorn will appear as Sally's army weher her castle lived underground.

Soundtrack

 * ''Main article: Sonic X: The Final Stand (soundtrack)

The Sonic X: The Final Stand Original Motion Picture Soundtrack will be released on May 10, 2011.

Marketing
The first look of the film was shown from the DVD release of Sonic X: Return to Soleanna. But just a day before it's release, the first look was leaked online. The film's teaser poster was released online, while a teaser trailer is set to release online on November 12, 2010 at 8:00 pm. The second trailer is originally scheduled for January 2011 release, but was pushed back in March.

Three posters of the film were released on January 10, 2011, showing Sonic the Hedgehog, Miles "Tails" Prower and Knuckles the Echidna. But with the 3D IMAX cancelled, the posters were officially revised.

Release
Sonic X: The Black Knight changed the film's title to Sonic X: The Final Stand to comare it to be the final film, as well as the film's plot summary. It picked a release date of a worldwide October 7, 2011 in the United States in both Real 3D and IMAX 3D for the first time. The previous film, Sonic X: Return to Soleanna is the only film to have an IMAX release of June 4, 2010. It will be avaliable in a Real D 3D and IMAX theaters. On July 8, 2010, the film's release date moved up from 2 days to May 11, 2011. Within that release, it was not said from 20th Century Fox that why they would move up the release date. Fox will explain till further notice. Fox, however, replaced it's original release date states a Friday opening will be better than a Wedneday opening.

With that being said, the film has some release date confirming difficulties; it tries to release it between April 29, 2011 and November 30, 2011, but gives it a July 29, 2011 release, in case that they try to release it for the same year since Sonic X: Return to Soleanna is released on June 4, 2010 to June 3, 2011, one year after that. But decided to release it in may like Sonic X: Curse of Raven Radix did, just three weeks before the same weekend of the film, in case to aviold competion against X-Men: First Class, where it sets for June 3, 2011 release. Also in that film, Ben Linkin also signs to appear in that film, lucky enough that two of the films are not going to be released on the same day.

Sonic X: The Final Stand promises that the film will have a 3D release to make it look very interest, and is going to be the first time releasing in 3D ever since the previous film is only released in regular and IMAX theaters, but not 3D. With it, the film is sometimes yet to title as Sonic X: The Final Stand 3D meaning that the film is yet to be released in 3D, and 2D theaters will also be avaliable.

It was originally set to release on May 13, 2011, but on November 14, 2010, six months before the film's release, the film's release date was pushed back five months to October 7, 2011. But Fox later plans to give back the film's original release date, even though they don't want fans to wait five months longer. The film is going to be in 3D, but not IMAX 3D. It was originally going to be in IMAX 3D, but it was confirmed that it is set to release in only an 2D IMAX theaters, but Real D 3D will be included even though the film only shows of real 3D special effects.

On March 28, 2011, the film's MPPA rating is PG, for "violence, mild sequences and language", and was also nearly two hours long, making it the longest Sonic X film to date.

As of May 2011, Fandango reports that 1900 showtimes has sold out tickets for the film, leading it to break box office records such as opening to about $120 million in its opening weekend, putting Shrek the Third's record in danger for being the biggest weekend opening for an animated film.

The film will play in 3,500 midnight theaters, with a couple of 3D and IMAX theatres. Nationwide will be in 4,205 theaters within 3,039 3D theaters, and 260 IMAX theaters, making it the largest release of both 3D and IMAX theaters of all-time.

Critical Responses
Sonic X: The Final Stand has already gotten early reviews, and one of them are mixed. It rated a postive 79% from the Rotten Tomatoes based on 259 views, including an average score of 8.8/10, making it the third highest rated film into the series behind The Revenge of Sonic and Return to Soleanna. Metacritics gave an average score of 80/100 based on 47 views, giving it a positive review. The film also had mixed reviews on the "Top Critic" scoring 100% based on 200 reviews, with average score of 5.8 out of 10.

Variety gave the film a mixed review, stating it "The best one yet, but not included a racing theme." It also stated: "Sonic's voice sounded too different than the original from the last ones, and this film should have done way better than usual." The Times newspaper rated the film on a scale of a 3 out of 5. Entertainment Weekly Amanda Humphrey gave the film a C and also praised: "for what's something about drama, is something that audiences were expected to listen and watch to hear the whole thing for it. The movie is far as the best movie of 2011." Blogcritics praised: "Sonic X 5 is way better than the last movie. I mean... its' one of the best movie ever. Because, this has much of a darker experience and there a more action, and bit of a couple of romance. This is indeed the best animated movie ever saw. People were expected to see some kissing on big screen between Sonic and Amy, Tails and Cosmo, Knuckles and Rouge, Shadow and Rouge and Jet and Wave and a lot more coming. Kissing scenes might be the best one yet. That's why that it should be the best movie ever." '

Rolling Stone film critic Peter Travers praised the film: "This movie is like taking you on an adventure. This is far as the best Sonic X movie of them all." Richard Stengel of Time magazine praised: "This is far as the best movie of 2010. Anyone has to watch this movie. Romance, actions, drama and sometimes comedy and more are being showing. I think that this might be a blockbuster hit for the summer." David Halberstam of New York magazine reviews the film when praising: "When it comes on watching so many animated movies of the franchise. Video game fans were seeming to enjoy them and asking Hollywood that they want to see more and more."

Box Office
As of May 22, 2011, Sonic X: The Final Stand made $224,250,000 domestically, and $248,000,000 overseas, for a worldwide total of $472,250,000 worldwide, making it the second highest-grossing film of 2011 and for an animated film behind Scooby-Doo! The Movie ($703 million).

The film opened to $214 million internationally, giving its worldwide total to $339.1 million, which made it the biggest opening worldwide for an animated film surprising Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs which made $218 million. It's international opening made it the fourth biggest of all-time.

United States
Sonic X: The Final Stand broke a couple of new box office records. At midnight, it brought in $19.7 million becoming the biggest midnight opening for an animated film beating its' predesessor Sonic X: Return to Soleanna with $11.5 million. It grossed $57.1 million on its opening day, making it the biggest single day gross for an animated film surprising Toy Story 3 with $41 million, as well as for the franchise surprising Return to Soleanna's $40 million. It was the eleventh biggest opening day of all-time.

The film approxamately made a total of $125.1 million in its opening weekend, breaking five new records - the biggest opening for animated film beating Shrek the Third's $122 million, a 3D film beating Alice in Wonderland's $116 million, 20th Century Fox film beating Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith's $108 million, for the franchise beating Return to Soleanna's $105 million, and of 2011 beating Scooby-Doo! The Movie's $114 million. However, it was the second biggest May opening of all-time behind Spider-Man 3's $151 million. It was also the seventh biggest opening of all-time. As of May 20, 2011, the film has made $248 million so far.

In its second weekend, the film fell 49 percent, making it the second heaviest drop for a Sonic X film ahead of Sonic X: The Revenge of Sonic (55 percent), heavier than Sonic X: The Shadow Snow (32 percent), Sonic X: Curse of Raven Radix (40 percent) and Sonic X: Return to Soleanna (45 percent). Taking in $61 million falling behind Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides ($90.1 million), gives it a total of $224.2 million, surprising Return to Soleanna on becoming the fastest film for the film series to pass $200 million. It was also the second film of 2011 since ''Scooby-Doo! The Movie'' to pass $200 million, but beaten it ($208 million) for becoming faster to reach that milestone.

Foreign
The film opens in the UK on May 11, 2011. It grossed a stunning £13.8 million in its opening weekend, ranking in #1 at the box office. This has topped ''Scooby-Doo! The Movie'' (£11.7 million)for becoming the biggest opening for a 2011 film ever. It also became the third biggest opening ever for an animated film behind Toy Story 3 (£21 million) and Shrek 2 (£16 million).

The film opens in Japan on May 11, 2011. It grossed $12.1 million in its opening weekend, ranking it #1 at the box office. It has broken Toy Story 3 for becoming the biggest opening for an animated film of all-time.

Cancelled Sequel
20th Century Fox signs up for two more movie sequels. The sixth film would be released sometimes in 2012, and was announced on June 8, 2010, that it will be the final installment sometimes known to be as Sonic X: The Final Chapter. While working on the fifth installment, they're also working for the release date of the sixth installment between a May or June 2012, where it's having trouble deciding which release date is perfect for the film.

It will be featuring with Mario characters, including the return of Chip from Sonic Unleashed at this time. A new villain is yet to be confirmed. Animation will be beginning between summer or fall 2011. It will also features with several other characters such as Sally, Bunny, Manic, Sonia and more. Original cast will be replaced by new cast members. Lacey Chabert will reprise her role as Elise one more time.

On June 20, 2010, Fox cancels the film, because of Fox having plans to let Sonic to end his story of staying in the real world and be with his own family, friends and fans to take over his life. The cast, who are previous met to be appearing into this film, will instead to appear in The Final Stand.

On May 17, 2011, Fox reannounced their plans on making the sixth installment of the film seires, but it was a possibility. After their disappointment of this film not being a perfect ending, they will be greenlighting a sequel to give it another chance to make Sonic the Hedgehog live happily ever after onto the big screen. Fox reports that it will be happening in "five years" after the Shadow the Hedgehog trilogy were released.

Shadow the Hedgehog: The Movie
It was announced that a prequel for the film is in the works. This film will be forcing on the birth of Shadow the Hedgehog and will set 50 years before he met Sonic the Hedgehog. Titling Shadow the Hedgehog, it will be released in theaters on June 1, 2012, and will be from Warner Bros. replacing of 20th Century Fox.

Sega has the rights to make a couple of Sonic the Hedgehog films to the big screen. Before Sonic X: The Final Stand was released in theaters, Sega plans for the sixth film to be a prequel forcing on character Shadow the Hedgehog and following the absences of Sonic the Hedgehog and the rest of the characters such as Miles "Tails" Prower, Knuckles the Echidna, Amy Rose, Rouge the Bat, Cream the Rabbit, Dr. Eggman and more. Instead of 20th Century Fox, it will be distributed by Warner Bros. On March 1, 2011, the film announced it's title is Shadow the Hedgehog: The Movie, and will be followed by two more films, marking this film the first of the trilogy.

Shadow the Hedgehog: The Movie will be released in theaters on June 1, 2012. It will be including IMAX theaters like the previous films. It will also be released in 3D, 3D version of IMAX not included.

Warner Bros. plans for a trilogy of the spin-off, making this film the first installment of the trilogy, also making the films plus the Sonic X films to have eight theatrical films. They will all set 50 years before Shadow first met Shadow the Hedgehog. New characters will be featured for the sequels as well as new voice actors.