Sonic The Hedgehog director promises to rework character's design in response to backlash towards trailer

On 30 April, the first trailer of Paramount Pictures' live-action adaptation of Sega's video game Sonic the Hedgehog was released. However, fans were surprised to notice the new design for the titular character. Chalking it up to make him fit in the live action world, the creators of the film have given him much smaller eyes, human-esque teeth, and removed his signature white gloves.

Despite the slight resemblance, fans were disappointed with the changes and demanded a more game-accurate look for Sonic.

expectation vs. reality pic.twitter.com/h2XPG8DHbi

— 훌리아나 (@july_Art) April 30, 2019

Unfazed by the blue critter, some followers also made memes and jokes to criticise the Sonic trailer.

Knew he looked familiar. pic.twitter.com/jvY0Mu56mn — QueenLiz's Bitch Brow (@Sweethart963) May 1, 2019

@SonicMovie Whoever designed the Sonic on the left should be fired, he looks like Thing 1&2 fused with the Cat in The Hat! It looks like a creepy child in a suit! He should look like the Sonic on the right. SMH #SonicMovie pic.twitter.com/zha7LThZQO

— Jonathan Lumsden (@LumsdenJonathan) May 2, 2019

more like Satanic the HellHog!!@SonicMovie @sonic_hedgehog pic.twitter.com/OyW9bGAfDK

— Archaeopteryx (@archaeopteryx87) May 1, 2019

Jeff Fowler, whose film Gropher Broke was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Short Film (animated), has helmed the Sonic the Hedgehog project. Noticing the vocal backlash, the director has addressed the controversy and vowed to make changes to Sonic's look before the release of the film. Fowler took to Twitter and responded, "Everyone at Paramount & Sega are fully committed to making this character the BEST he can be."

Thank you for the support. And the criticism. The message is loud and clear... you aren't happy with the design & you want changes. It's going to happen. Everyone at Paramount & Sega are fully committed to making this character the BEST he can be... #sonicmovie #gottafixfast 🔧✌️ — Jeff Fowler (@fowltown) May 2, 2019

Sonic has been voiced by Parks and Recreation actor Ben Schwartz. The film, which blends CG effects and live-action, also stars Tika Sumpter, Jim Carrey and James Marsden. Sonic the Hedgehog will release in cinemas in November.