Paramount+ got a record-setting opening from its Sonic the Hedgehog-adjacent series Knuckles.
The six-episode series, featuring Idris Elba voicing the title character and also starring Adam Pally, amassed 4 million hours of viewing worldwide over its first three days of release — a record for a Paramount+ original series, the streamer says. (Paramount+’s announcement also marks a rare instance of publicly disclosing any viewing data for its programming.) Paramount+ has 71 million subscribers, parent company Paramount Global said in its first quarter earnings report.
With a running time of 169 minutes across all six episodes, Knuckles‘ 4 million hours of viewing equates to about 1.42 million complete showings (or “views,” in the widely accepted definition of the term for streaming shows) of the series in the opening weekend. For comparison’s sake, the No. 10 series in Netflix’s internal weekly rankings has averaged about 1.5 million views over a full week recently — a threshold Knuckles...
The six-episode series, featuring Idris Elba voicing the title character and also starring Adam Pally, amassed 4 million hours of viewing worldwide over its first three days of release — a record for a Paramount+ original series, the streamer says. (Paramount+’s announcement also marks a rare instance of publicly disclosing any viewing data for its programming.) Paramount+ has 71 million subscribers, parent company Paramount Global said in its first quarter earnings report.
With a running time of 169 minutes across all six episodes, Knuckles‘ 4 million hours of viewing equates to about 1.42 million complete showings (or “views,” in the widely accepted definition of the term for streaming shows) of the series in the opening weekend. For comparison’s sake, the No. 10 series in Netflix’s internal weekly rankings has averaged about 1.5 million views over a full week recently — a threshold Knuckles...
- 5/2/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The “Knuckles” miniseries on Paramount+ has become the most-watched original series on the platform over its premiere weekend.
Per the streaming service, the “Sonic the Hedgehog” spinoff series was viewed for more than 4 million hours in its first few days of availability after dropping all six episodes on April 26. That also makes it the most-watched kids & family title ever on Paramount+. Viewership for other “Sonic the Hedgehog” titles on the service also saw a substantial lift, up 278% over their daily average.
“The ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ fans came out in full-force,” said Jeff Grossman, executive vice president of programming at Paramount+. “We’re so thrilled with the record-breaking performance of ‘Knuckles’ and the incredible lift the whole Sonic universe has experienced following ‘Knuckles” premiere.”
Paramount+ does not typically release information on the number of viewers for its titles, though they previously revealed such info for the show “Special Ops: Lioness,” which...
Per the streaming service, the “Sonic the Hedgehog” spinoff series was viewed for more than 4 million hours in its first few days of availability after dropping all six episodes on April 26. That also makes it the most-watched kids & family title ever on Paramount+. Viewership for other “Sonic the Hedgehog” titles on the service also saw a substantial lift, up 278% over their daily average.
“The ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ fans came out in full-force,” said Jeff Grossman, executive vice president of programming at Paramount+. “We’re so thrilled with the record-breaking performance of ‘Knuckles’ and the incredible lift the whole Sonic universe has experienced following ‘Knuckles” premiere.”
Paramount+ does not typically release information on the number of viewers for its titles, though they previously revealed such info for the show “Special Ops: Lioness,” which...
- 5/2/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Comedy Central has handed a 10-episode order to Golden Axe, a new animated series based on the popular Sega video game. Produced by CBS Studios in association with Sony Pictures Television and Original Film, Golden Axe voice cast is led by Emmy winner Matthew Rhys (The Americans), Danny Pudi (Mythic Quest), Lisa Gilroy (Jury Duty), Liam McIntyre (Spartacus) and Carl Tart (Grand Crew).
Described as a hilarious and loving homage to Sega’s 1989 video game series, Golden Axe, from exec producers Mike McMahon and Joe Chandler, follows veteran warriors Ax Battler, Tyris Flare and Gilius Thunderhead as they once again battle to save Yuria from the evil giant Death Adder who just won’t seem to stay dead. Fortunately, this time they have the inexperienced and underprepared Hampton Squib on their side.
Rhys will play Gilius Thunderhead, a grumpy battle dwarf with exceptionally poor hygiene and a chip on his shoulder.
Described as a hilarious and loving homage to Sega’s 1989 video game series, Golden Axe, from exec producers Mike McMahon and Joe Chandler, follows veteran warriors Ax Battler, Tyris Flare and Gilius Thunderhead as they once again battle to save Yuria from the evil giant Death Adder who just won’t seem to stay dead. Fortunately, this time they have the inexperienced and underprepared Hampton Squib on their side.
Rhys will play Gilius Thunderhead, a grumpy battle dwarf with exceptionally poor hygiene and a chip on his shoulder.
- 4/17/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
A “Golden Axe” animated series has been greenlit at Comedy Central, Variety has learned.
Based on the beloved Sega games of the same name, the show hails from co-creators Mike McMahan and Joe Chandler. Matthew Rhys, Danny Pudi, Lisa Gilroy, Liam McIntyre, and Carl Tart will lead the voice cast.
Comedy Central has ordered 10 episodes. The official description of the series states the show “follows veteran warriors Ax Battler (McIntyre), Tyris Flare (Gilroy), and Gilius Thunderhead (Rhys) as they once again battle to save Yuria from the evil giant Death Adder who just won’t seem to stay dead. Fortunately, this time they have the inexperienced and underprepared Hampton Squib (Pudi) on their side.”
Full character descriptions can be found below.
McMahan and Chandler will co-write the first episode of the series and serve as executive producers, with Chandler also serving as showrunner. Haruki Satomi, President and CEO of Sega Sammy Holdings Inc.
Based on the beloved Sega games of the same name, the show hails from co-creators Mike McMahan and Joe Chandler. Matthew Rhys, Danny Pudi, Lisa Gilroy, Liam McIntyre, and Carl Tart will lead the voice cast.
Comedy Central has ordered 10 episodes. The official description of the series states the show “follows veteran warriors Ax Battler (McIntyre), Tyris Flare (Gilroy), and Gilius Thunderhead (Rhys) as they once again battle to save Yuria from the evil giant Death Adder who just won’t seem to stay dead. Fortunately, this time they have the inexperienced and underprepared Hampton Squib (Pudi) on their side.”
Full character descriptions can be found below.
McMahan and Chandler will co-write the first episode of the series and serve as executive producers, with Chandler also serving as showrunner. Haruki Satomi, President and CEO of Sega Sammy Holdings Inc.
- 4/17/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Sega is going back to the top with several hit games and others. The Japanese company is looking to expand its movie and transmedia empire. Hiring a former Disney executive, Justin Scarpone, to work on IPs like Persona and Like a Dragon, which could be adapted to film or other kinds of media like series.
Like a Dragon and Persona could have movies, according to Sega Persona could have a transmedia project in the future according to Sega
After the tremendous success of Sonic the Hedgehog at the box office, Shuji Utsumi, president of Sega, has declared that the company wants to expand the reach of its IPs beyond the videogames. Names like Shinobi, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, Persona, Shin Megami Tensei, Like a Dragon, and many more are being thrown around, and with the recent hire, there’s a possibility they’re thinking of more than just new games.
Like a Dragon and Persona could have movies, according to Sega Persona could have a transmedia project in the future according to Sega
After the tremendous success of Sonic the Hedgehog at the box office, Shuji Utsumi, president of Sega, has declared that the company wants to expand the reach of its IPs beyond the videogames. Names like Shinobi, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, Persona, Shin Megami Tensei, Like a Dragon, and many more are being thrown around, and with the recent hire, there’s a possibility they’re thinking of more than just new games.
- 3/1/2024
- by Lucas Lapetina
- FandomWire
Dust off those joysticks: Sega is rebooting a handful of retro franchises including Crazy Taxi, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, Jet Set Radio and Shinobi.
The Japanese gaming giant announced the new initiative, which will “revive a number of IPs as all-new video games, developed for today’s audiences,” Dec. 7 at the Game Awards. Sega also showed the Los Angeles audience a trailer that previews footage of the new games, which are currently in development.
As two of the rebooted titles already have film adaptations in development, Sega eyes Hollywood ambitions beyond its successful “Sonic” movie franchise. A Shinobi movie adaptation from Marc Platt and Stories International was announced back in 2016, and Lionsgate landed film rights to Streets of Rage last year, recruiting “John Wick” writer Derek Kolstad.
“Sonic is definitely a blueprint for us,” Sega co-coo Shuji Utsumi told Variety in an interview before the Game Awards. “First, we...
The Japanese gaming giant announced the new initiative, which will “revive a number of IPs as all-new video games, developed for today’s audiences,” Dec. 7 at the Game Awards. Sega also showed the Los Angeles audience a trailer that previews footage of the new games, which are currently in development.
As two of the rebooted titles already have film adaptations in development, Sega eyes Hollywood ambitions beyond its successful “Sonic” movie franchise. A Shinobi movie adaptation from Marc Platt and Stories International was announced back in 2016, and Lionsgate landed film rights to Streets of Rage last year, recruiting “John Wick” writer Derek Kolstad.
“Sonic is definitely a blueprint for us,” Sega co-coo Shuji Utsumi told Variety in an interview before the Game Awards. “First, we...
- 12/8/2023
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Sonic The Hedgehog’s big-screen success has left Sega boss Shuji Utsumi thinking about which of its other “major IPs” could be adapted into movies and more.
The Sonic The Hedgehog franchise has had its ups and downs since it appeared over 30 years ago, but more recent years have seen the blue blur back on form again. This year’s Sonic Superstars was a welcome mix of modern graphics and traditional 2D platforming, while the movies – most recently last year’s Sonic The Hedgehog 2 – are doing decent business.
That success has left Sega boss Shuji Utsumi openly talking about what other big names the company has in its back catalogue. Could some of those be dusted off and given the big-screen treatment? In an interview with CNBC, Utsumi noted that it has “other IPs,” adding, “We are thinking of reviving other classical IPs too.”
According to CNBC, Utsumi picked...
The Sonic The Hedgehog franchise has had its ups and downs since it appeared over 30 years ago, but more recent years have seen the blue blur back on form again. This year’s Sonic Superstars was a welcome mix of modern graphics and traditional 2D platforming, while the movies – most recently last year’s Sonic The Hedgehog 2 – are doing decent business.
That success has left Sega boss Shuji Utsumi openly talking about what other big names the company has in its back catalogue. Could some of those be dusted off and given the big-screen treatment? In an interview with CNBC, Utsumi noted that it has “other IPs,” adding, “We are thinking of reviving other classical IPs too.”
According to CNBC, Utsumi picked...
- 11/16/2023
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
In order to survive, let alone thrive, in the video game industry, you have to pursue the next big thing. This tactic doesn’t always work (just look at the Kinect and Virtual Boy), but it has resulted in more than a few successes. For some reason, many game companies seemed to think that controversial blockchain concepts were going to be the future of gaming. Thankfully, Sega has finally realized that isn’t the case.
Yesterday, Sega’s co-Chief Operating Officer Shuji Utsumi told Bloomberg News that his company is abandoning most of its crypto-related plans. That means no third-party blockchain projects and no in-house blockchain games. All potential crypto and Nft products have been put on (hopefully) permanent ice.
What’s even more interesting than Sega’s recent decision to abandon the blockchain are their reasons for making that decision. As Utsumi told Bloomberg, “The action in play-to-earn games is boring.
Yesterday, Sega’s co-Chief Operating Officer Shuji Utsumi told Bloomberg News that his company is abandoning most of its crypto-related plans. That means no third-party blockchain projects and no in-house blockchain games. All potential crypto and Nft products have been put on (hopefully) permanent ice.
What’s even more interesting than Sega’s recent decision to abandon the blockchain are their reasons for making that decision. As Utsumi told Bloomberg, “The action in play-to-earn games is boring.
- 7/7/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Earlier in the year, it was announced that Sega was looking to get a film adaptation made based on their classic beat-’em-up series Streets of Rage. Today, Lionsgate has announced that they’ve acquired the rights for the film, which is being written and produced by Derek Kolstad.
Per IGN, in addition to Lionsgate’s involvement, Sega’s Toru Nakahara and dj2 Entertainment’s Dmitri M. Johnson, Timothy I. Stevenson and Dan Jevons will produce the Streets of Rage film alongside Kolstad. Nakahara is no stranger to producing adaptations of Sega’s franchises, having produced the first two Sonic the Hedgehog movies. He’ll also be overseeing the project for Sega, alongside Shuji Utsumi.
Kolstad stated that working on the film fulfils a childhood dream. “When Dmitri first mentioned the idea of cracking a Streets of Rage movie, I was so immediately freaking in. And to play with Sega?...
Per IGN, in addition to Lionsgate’s involvement, Sega’s Toru Nakahara and dj2 Entertainment’s Dmitri M. Johnson, Timothy I. Stevenson and Dan Jevons will produce the Streets of Rage film alongside Kolstad. Nakahara is no stranger to producing adaptations of Sega’s franchises, having produced the first two Sonic the Hedgehog movies. He’ll also be overseeing the project for Sega, alongside Shuji Utsumi.
Kolstad stated that working on the film fulfils a childhood dream. “When Dmitri first mentioned the idea of cracking a Streets of Rage movie, I was so immediately freaking in. And to play with Sega?...
- 11/16/2022
- by Mike Wilson
- bloody-disgusting.com
John Wick won’t be the only guy beating ’em up at Lionsgate, as the studio has picked up the rights to the classic Sega video game adaptation “Streets of Rage” from the writer of “John Wick,” Derek Kolstad.
Kolstad is writing the script to the previously announced “Streets of Rage” film based on the Sega video game franchise, which are vintage side-scrolling “beat ’em up” games that became hugely popular in the ’90s. And boy, was the game a product of the ’90s — playable character Eddie “Skate” Hunter whooped the endless baddies while wearing a pair of rollerblades.
Kolstad is producing the film alongside Sega’s Toru Nakahara, dj2 Entertainment’s Dmitri M. Johnson, Timothy I. Stevenson, and Dan Jevons. Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, and Tony Shaw are also producing. Johnson of dj2 is best known for producing the “Sonic” films alongside Sega. Johnson has a number...
Kolstad is writing the script to the previously announced “Streets of Rage” film based on the Sega video game franchise, which are vintage side-scrolling “beat ’em up” games that became hugely popular in the ’90s. And boy, was the game a product of the ’90s — playable character Eddie “Skate” Hunter whooped the endless baddies while wearing a pair of rollerblades.
Kolstad is producing the film alongside Sega’s Toru Nakahara, dj2 Entertainment’s Dmitri M. Johnson, Timothy I. Stevenson, and Dan Jevons. Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, and Tony Shaw are also producing. Johnson of dj2 is best known for producing the “Sonic” films alongside Sega. Johnson has a number...
- 11/16/2022
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Lionsgate is ready to hit the mean streets and consume floor chicken dinners for Derek Kolstad‘s adaptation of the Sega video game Streets of Rage. Kolstad, who created the John Wick franchise, is writing the rough-and-tumble adaptation based on the ’90s 2-D beat ’em-up brawler.
Brady Fujikawa and Jon Humphrey oversee the project for Lionsgate, with Shuji Utsumi and Toru Nakahara supervising for Sega. Dmitri M. Johnson manages dj2 Entertainment’s involvement, with Tony Shaw leading for Escape Artists.
“When Dmitri first mentioned the idea of cracking a Streets of Rage movie, I was so immediately freaking in. And to play with Sega? The 10-year-old me is still grinning,” said Kolstad.
“The game has a rich world and narrative, and we’re thrilled to be reuniting with Derek to bring it to life,” added Erin Westerman, President of Production at Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
Before you roll your eyes...
Brady Fujikawa and Jon Humphrey oversee the project for Lionsgate, with Shuji Utsumi and Toru Nakahara supervising for Sega. Dmitri M. Johnson manages dj2 Entertainment’s involvement, with Tony Shaw leading for Escape Artists.
“When Dmitri first mentioned the idea of cracking a Streets of Rage movie, I was so immediately freaking in. And to play with Sega? The 10-year-old me is still grinning,” said Kolstad.
“The game has a rich world and narrative, and we’re thrilled to be reuniting with Derek to bring it to life,” added Erin Westerman, President of Production at Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
Before you roll your eyes...
- 11/16/2022
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
‘Streets Of Rage’: Lionsgate Picks Up Feature Take Of Sega Videogame From ‘John Wick’s Derek Kolstad
Exclusive: Lionsgate has acquired the feature adaptation of hit Sega video game Streets of Rage, which John Wick franchise creator and scribe Derek Kolstad is writing. He also is producing alongside the videogame brand’s Toru Nakahara; dj2 Entertainment’s Dmitri M. Johnson, Timothy I. Stevenson and Dan Jevons; and Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Tony Shaw.
Deadline first told you about the project.
Streets of Rage was one of the most popular videogame franchises of the ’90s, with Sega publishing three games between 1991 and 1994. In 2020, the long-awaited fourth game in the series was released to rave reviews and became a bestseller.
Brady Fujikawa and Jon Humphrey are shepherding the project for Lionsgate, with Shuji Utsumi and Nakahara overseeing for Sega, Johnson overseeing for dj2 Entertainment and Shaw steering for Escape Artists.
Kolstad said: “When Dmitri first mentioned the idea of cracking a Streets of Rage movie, I was so immediately freaking in.
Deadline first told you about the project.
Streets of Rage was one of the most popular videogame franchises of the ’90s, with Sega publishing three games between 1991 and 1994. In 2020, the long-awaited fourth game in the series was released to rave reviews and became a bestseller.
Brady Fujikawa and Jon Humphrey are shepherding the project for Lionsgate, with Shuji Utsumi and Nakahara overseeing for Sega, Johnson overseeing for dj2 Entertainment and Shaw steering for Escape Artists.
Kolstad said: “When Dmitri first mentioned the idea of cracking a Streets of Rage movie, I was so immediately freaking in.
- 11/16/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
This just in, but The Suicide Squad star Idris Elba is joining Paramount’s Sonic The Hedgehog 2 voicing the famed character of Knuckles.
Knuckles is a red Echidna and he’s the guardian of the Master Emerald in the videogames. He is also known to be hot-headed and a fighter. Elba joins previously announced James Marsden, Ben Schwartz, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, Shemar Moore, and Jim Carrey
Jeff Fowler is returning to direct on the sequel after delivering a pre-pandemic blockbuster for Paramount with the first 2020 film which grossed close to $320M WW. Pat Casey, Josh Miller and John Whittington are writing the script off a story which Casey and Miller penned based on the Sega video game. Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, Toru Nakahara, Hitoshi Okuno are producing. EPs are Haruki Satomi, Yukio Sugino, Shuji Utsumi, Nan Morales and Tim Miller.
Elba is a 5x Emmy nominee,...
Knuckles is a red Echidna and he’s the guardian of the Master Emerald in the videogames. He is also known to be hot-headed and a fighter. Elba joins previously announced James Marsden, Ben Schwartz, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, Shemar Moore, and Jim Carrey
Jeff Fowler is returning to direct on the sequel after delivering a pre-pandemic blockbuster for Paramount with the first 2020 film which grossed close to $320M WW. Pat Casey, Josh Miller and John Whittington are writing the script off a story which Casey and Miller penned based on the Sega video game. Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, Toru Nakahara, Hitoshi Okuno are producing. EPs are Haruki Satomi, Yukio Sugino, Shuji Utsumi, Nan Morales and Tim Miller.
Elba is a 5x Emmy nominee,...
- 8/10/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.