Champions of Hyrule and speedy hedgehogs are set to clash against each other in just a few years, following the announcement that the recently revealed adaptation of The Legend of Zelda will be released in theaters a week after Sonic makes his return for his fourth big-screen adventure. The scheduling coincidence has been confirmed after it was finally declared last week that The Legend of Zelda received a release date of March 26, 2027, with the blue blur arriving before Link’s premiere (of course), marking March 19 for Sonic 4.
Should neither project alter plans, it promises to be an exciting week for gamers eager to see two legendary characters battle it out at the box office. Could we potentially have another Barbenheimer situation on our hands? What’s your preference? Zonic? Selda? Choose your champion, folks.
At this point, the only confirmed detail we have about Sonic 4 is that the film will feature Amy Rose and an army of Metal Sonics attempting to take down our spiky hero, voiced by Ben Schwartz. Although no cast members have been confirmed yet, it’s likely Schwartz will return along with James Marsden, Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails, Idris Elba as Knuckles, and Keanu Reeves as Shadow, promising more high-speed action, drama, and ring collecting. However, one cast member whose return remains uncertain is Jim Carrey, who hinted at retirement after Sonic the Hedgehog 2 but came back for a third installment. This became a fascinating twist, given that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has now become his highest-grossing film, a success for the actor, who admitted that he returned to screens simply because he needed the money.
While the Sonic team awaits Jim Carrey’s confirmation, information regarding The Legend of Zelda is even more limited. The only known aspect tied to the project is Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes director Wes Ball, who has hinted at some concepts he has in mind for bringing that universe to life. In a recent 2024 interview, Ball remarked, “I have this incredible concept. I’ve been contemplating it for an extensive period about how amazing a Zelda movie could be… I want to fulfill the expectations of the fans,” he elaborated. “I realize the significance of this [Zelda] franchise to many, and I aim for it to be a serious film. A genuine movie that can provide people with an escape. That’s what I want to create – something that truly feels authentic. Something serious yet entertaining and whimsical.”
Clearly, there is still a long way to go until 2027, by which time both projects may aim to avoid clashing with each other’s hype. For now, hit pause, and while you’re at it, check out our selection of the 10 best video game films right here.