Following backlash, director Jeff Fowler responded to the feedback and said that the production would be working to correct the uncanny valley horror that was Sonic with human teeth. The statement only brought up new concerns, including questions working conditions for the artists who would be forced to pull it off in time for the release date of November 8, 2019. Now, the movie’s release date has been officially delayed for the changes.
Fowler shared the news on Twitter, with a graphic of Sonic’s hand holding up a sign with the new release date of February 14, 2020.
Taking a little more time to make Sonic just right.#novfxartistswereharmedinthemakingofthismovie pic.twitter.com/gxhu9lhU76
— Jeff Fowler (@fowltown) May 24, 2019
I love the hashtag #novfxartistswereharmedinthemakingofthismovie, which seems like it’s trying to address that concern about the people behind the scenes who are going to be putting this movie together. io9 spoke with (non-Sonic-affiliated) Ilion Animation Studio character supervisor Juan-Luis Sanchez, who told them, “If they took nine months to build a character, it’s two to three months of reworking before you can even put the character back into shots again.”
Sanchez also said, “From the design, to the modeling, to the rigging—putting in the skeleton—testing out the skeleton, putting in the fur, lighting, it … all of that work is easily nine months. And that’s without major design changes, or changes in the story along the way.”
Throughout all of this, at least publicly, Fowler has taken this like a champ. It’s hard to watch people dog on your film, especially in such a harsh way, and being able to take that in stride and accept legitimate criticism is a skill more directors and artists should have. In that regard, I’m already more excited to see this movie because at least I know the product is being made by someone who isn’t an a-hole.
Well, unless the VFX artists say something else from the inside. The response has been positive from fans, who are already incorporating Valentine’s Day memes into the new release date.
good news!! cant wait to go on a hot sonic date https://t.co/6qdnEFMDAW
— shan m. (@heyshanmurphy) May 24, 2019
Thank you for delaying the film to give the artists more time! I hope the artists have enough time and get paid 😓 https://t.co/KJ9SHoyejJ
— mr. sega, it’s been an honor (@neonspindash) May 24, 2019
Told my girlfriend I’ve made us plans for Valentine’s Day. Her initial surprise and excitement at this unusual display of preparedness can only be surpassed by her disappointment once the day comes. https://t.co/1tPmAwuFtC
— Nightcaps at the Theater (@nightcapcinema) May 24, 2019
Gloves 👍
Better silhouette 👍👍
Extra time for artists 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 https://t.co/ofDL0bFf9b— Chris Roman (@chrisroman) May 24, 2019
who tryna sonic and chill on valentine’s day https://t.co/kY5MGMdhdr
— zach || desire and hope (@PhantomInari) May 24, 2019
Looks like we got the perfect date movie next Valentine’s Day. 2020: a new president-elect (hopefully) and a new Sonic.
(via io9, image: Paramount Pictures)
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