According to Collider, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 surpassed the previous record for the largest opening weekend for a movie based on a video game, grossing $71 million and gaining the distinction of the biggest opening weekend for a movie based on a video game ever. During its debut weekend in theaters in 2020, the first Sonic the Hedgehog film grossed $58 million.
To support its cause, the sequel, which was likewise directed by Jeff Fowler, featured Idris Elba as Knuckles, as well as Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, and Jim Carrey reprising their roles.
According to Deadline, the picture is also Carrey’s greatest domestic opener, surpassing the $68 million earned by 2003’s Bruce Almighty.
“Sonic 2‘s record opening is a victory for Paramount and for the industry at large,” said Paramount Theatrical Distribution Boss Chris Aronson. “The filmmakers did an amazing job of crafting a film that is both in service of Sonic’s legions of fans as well as the general and family audience. Growing a franchise is no small feat and having an opening +22% over the first film is a remarkable achievement. Kudos to the filmmakers and to the marketing and distributions teams at Paramount for doing a fantastic job in bringing the film into the global marketplace!”
Meanwhile, Michael Bay’s Ambulance came in fourth place with only $8.7 million, falling short of expectations.