A dedicated group of fans is currently producing Sonic the Hedgehog: The 2019 Cut, an ambitious project aimed at reinserting the original, widely-criticized “Ugly Sonic” character design into the full-length 2020 film. While the internet’s collective backlash against the initial trailer forced Paramount to redesign the character—paving the way for the successful franchise and the upcoming appearance of Keanu Reeves as Shadow—this fan-led initiative seeks to satisfy the morbid curiosity of those wondering what the movie would have looked like had the studio never pivoted.
A Deep Dive Into the ‘Ugly’ Archive
The 2019 Cut project intends to meticulously recreate every scene from the original movie, replacing the polished, final version of the blue hedgehog with the unsettling, human-toothed design that nearly hit theaters half a decade ago. Initially scheduled for a trailer release this week, the team behind the project opted to push the debut to December 24, citing a desire for higher production quality.
“We wanted Sonic’s animation to feel as fluid as possible, and to be honest, it would have gotten some negative reviews if we’d released it today,” the development team stated in their official announcement regarding the delay.
First Look at the Nightmare Fuel
To compensate for the wait, the creators shared a brief preview showcasing the infamous “Ugly Sonic” sprinting inside a washing machine. The footage confirms that the fan-made version captures the exact, jarring aesthetic of the original promotional material, serving as a reminder of why the internet demanded a change in the first place.
When Will the 2019 Cut Premiere?
The full fan-made edit is currently projected to premiere online in 2026. This timeline offers a strange alternative for fans awaiting future official entries, such as the rumored Sonic 4 or upcoming spin-offs slated for 2027 and 2028. While it promises to be a significantly more uncomfortable viewing experience, it serves as a unique historical artifact of internet culture.
It is worth noting that this isn’t the first time the original, rejected design has resurfaced. The “Ugly Sonic” model previously made a cameo in the Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers movie, where it was voiced by I Think You Should Leave star Tim Robinson, proving that even a design rejected by its own franchise can still find a place in Hollywood.
