There’s always been a rumour about a ​Sonic​ film, with even confirmation of something being in the works in 2014. Now it’s definitely all systems go!

Hajime Satomi told has said that “Sega Sammy Group is currently planning with Sony Pictures to create a live-action and animation hybrid Sonic the Hedgehog movie scheduled for release in 2018“.

Sonic has appeared on screen before; a 1996 Japanese anime was eventually released overseas in 1999, and there have been numerous TV cartoon shows of varying quality.

Exciting times for fans of the cardio-loving blue hedgehog, who has been a games console mainstay since he exploded into the world in the 1990s.

Able to run at supersonic speeds and barrel through opponents by rolling into a spiky blue ball, Sonic uses power-up rings to survive – rather than a hedgehog’s traditional diet of insects – and has a colourful supporting cast of friends and enemies.