'Sonic the Hedgehog' movie release date news: New live-action film by 2018; Tim Miller tapped as executive producer

Screenshot from "Project Sonic 2017" debut trailerYouTube/Sonic the Hedgehog

It looks like "Sonic the Hedgehog" is going to get its very own movie in 2018.

According to a report by Game N Guide, SEGA Sammy Group and Sony Pictures Entertainment are forming a partnership to create a film based on one of the most popular videogaming franchises from the '90s, "Sonic the Hedgehog." Not only is the project currently underway, but Hajime Satomi, the CEO of SEGA Sammy Group, has also confirmed that the film is currently doubling its production efforts to make a 2018 release.

Slated as a live action film, the "Sonic the Hedgehog" movie will reunite Sonic with some of the best heroes and villains in the franchise, including Dr. Eggman. Though the film will be filled with new adventures and plot twists, SEGA and Sony are both trying their best to keep the movie grounded with the same spirit and tone as the original videogaming franchise.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the studios' plan is to present the film as a hybrid between computer graphics and animation, catering to families and general audiences. Working on the film as executive director is "Deadpool" helmsman, Tim Miller. Along with his longtime collaborator from Blur Studio, Jeff Fowler, Miller was tapped by Sony and SEGA to work on the film. However, while Miller will act as executive director, it looks like Fowler will be making his debut as a feature director of the "Sonic the Hedgehog" movie.

"Jeff is an incredible director with strong story instincts. The world of Sonic presents the perfect opportunity for him to leverage his experience in animation to bring new dimension to this iconic character," Miller praised in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

The two will be working with producer Neal H. Moritz from the "Fast and Furious" film franchise along with Mie Onishi and Takeshi Ito.