Roger Craig Smith has announced he is returning as Sonic the Hedgehog, after previously announcing he was no longer voicing the blue blur.
We previously reported at the end of January how Craig Smith announced would no longer voicing Sonic the Hedgehog, after voicing the character for ten years. Since then, voice actresses for Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and Amy Rose (Cindy Robinson) confirmed they would also not be returning. Dr. Eggman voice actor Mike Pollock later confirmed he had kept his role.
Now, Roger Craig Smith has tweeted that he has returned to the role, resuming his ten year run. He also included an accompanied image of a broken blue heart that was stitched back together; in reference to the broken heart image in his tweet announcing his departure.
“I can’t fully express my gratitude for the @sonic_hedgehog crew and community. [praying hands emoji] I hope to honor your support and passion as I’m officially back voicing #SonicTheHedgehog in games. Can’t wait for ya to see what we have planned! THANK YOU…from the bottom of my blue heart.”
Why Sega had changed their mind on the decision is yet unknown, though Craig Smith mentioning the fan community may mean their discussions on the voice actors old and potentially new may have reached Sega. At this time of writing, none of the other former voice actors have spoken up about returning to the role.
In earlier news, Sega has announced a Sonic the Hedgehog 30th anniversary livestream for May 27th. A business-to-business advert in September 2020 for Sonic the Hedgehog confirmed new games will be revealed in 2021 for the series’ 30th anniversary; along with a wave of new merchandise.
As previously reported, German dubbing studio Iksample listed their work on “Sonic Colors Remastered,” while French retailer Sogamely had also previously listed “Sonic Colors Ultimate – Limited Edition” for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One (launching December 31st, though this and other information may be a placeholder).
While we wondered if any such remake would feature a new English dub due to the new German voice work (to keep it in line with new voice actors appearing in later games or the upcoming 3D animated Sonic Prime Netflix series)’ Sonic Colors was Craig Smith’s first video game role as Sonic.
Sogamely also listed “Sonic Collection” on its website; with leakers claiming it would feature a mix of ports, remasters, and “games that have never seen a re-release before.”
Image: Sonic Colors via YouTube