In a recent interview with Variety, Ben Schwartz, the voice behind Sonic the Hedgehog in Paramount’s film adaptations, unveiled an ambitious vision: a Super Smash Bros. movie and cinematic universe that could unite iconic video game characters like Sonic and Mario. However, that might not be a realistic dream.
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 is currently the number one movie in North America, pulling in over $60 million last weekend and clobbering Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King. As such, the franchise has a bright future ahead of it, and Variety wanted to speak with Schwartz about his vision for that grand tomorrow.
Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails from the Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Trailer – Paramount Pictures
Schwartz expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Chris Pratt, who has garnered attention for his portrayal of Mario, hinting at a potential partnership that could redefine the landscape of crossover films.
Schwartz’s excitement is palpable as he delves into the possibilities of expanding the Sonic franchise.
“I love Chris Pratt,” the Sonic 3 actor said. “I think he’s amazing, and he plays Mario.” The two worked together on the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation where Pratt was a series regular and Schwartz had a recurring role as Jean Ralphio Sapperstein. “Which we probably shouldn’t talk about in this interview.”
Furthermore, Schwartz floated the idea of a Super Smash Bros. spinoff, a concept that would amalgamate characters from various gaming universes into a single, action-packed narrative.
(from left) Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
“What I really think could be bananas is if we get a Super Smash Bros. spinoff,” he said. “But the idea that we get to build our own franchise that lives on its own, and we have so many characters within this franchise, that we can do three, four, five, six — that’s what I’m concentrating on and that’s what I love. If you want to have a battle royale with a bunch of people we all love in video games, because I’m a video game nerd, I would not be against it.”
However, the realization of such a grand-scale project faces significant obstacles.
Mario is a property under Universal Studios through its partnership with Illumination Animation, while Sonic remains a Paramount-owned character. This division means that any collaboration between Sonic and Mario would necessitate unprecedented cross-studio cooperation.
Tom Holland as Spider-Man in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), Marvel Studios
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Historically, such partnerships have been rare and complex. While there is a notable precedent in the collaboration between Disney and Sony on the Spider-Man films, the proposed Super Smash Bros. project would require coordination among multiple major studios, each holding rights to different characters within the franchise.
Schwartz acknowledged the challenges inherent in bringing together competing studios.
“It would take so many different studios being kind to each other at the same time,” he noted, highlighting the delicate balance required to navigate the intricate web of intellectual property rights. The success of the Disney-Sony Spider-Man collaboration, which has turned out several billion dollar films, serves as a beacon of possibility. Yet the scale and scope of a Super Smash Bros. film would surpass previous cross-studio endeavors, making it an even more formidable undertaking.
It would involve more than just Universal and Paramount. Sony currently owns the rights to a Legend of Zelda film, so that would be a minimum of three studios having to put aside their differences to bring such a vision to life.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017), Nintendo
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Of course to make it to a Super Smash Bros. film, Nintendo would first have to put out a second Super Mario Bros. movie. The first did amazingly well at the box office, making over $1 billion. However, progress on the inevitable sequel as well as potential spin-offs like Luigi’s Mansion or Donkey Kong has reportedly stalled.
Despite these hurdles, Schwartz remains optimistic about the future of the Sonic franchise.
Currently focused on the ongoing success of Sonic 3 with a look toward the future and the already announced Sonic 4, he envisions a multi-film trajectory that could potentially set the stage for broader crossover opportunities.
“We can get incredible people to play new characters and stuff like that, which is very exciting,” he said, noting the creative potential that lies within the franchise.
A screenshot from Sonic the Hedgehog – Paramount Plus
As the cinematic universe continues to evolve, the dream of uniting characters from different studios into a cohesive narrative remains a tantalizing prospect for fans and creators alike.
While the logistical and legal complexities present significant barriers, the passion and enthusiasm expressed by voices like Ben Schwartz’s keep the conversation alive. Whether or not a Super Smash Bros. movie becomes a reality, the mere possibility signifies a growing trend toward more interconnected and expansive storytelling in the world of cinema.
Would you want to see a Super Smash Bros. movie? Did you enjoy The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Sonic The Hedgehog 3? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!
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