Jim Carrey Interview: Sonic The Hedgehog 2

Doctor Robotnik is back to wreak more havoc in Sonic The Hedgehog 2, which is out in theaters April 8, and he’s joined by several fan favorites from the video game. While Sonic (Ben Schwartz, Parks and Recreation) and Tom (James Marsden, Westworld) continue to defend humanity from Robotnik’s machinations, iconic sidekick Tails (played by voice actor Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and nemesis Knuckles (Idris Elba, The Suicide Squad) have been added to the sequel for more furry fun.

Legendary actor Jim Carrey once again embodies the role of Robotnik, though it may be for the last time. We spoke to the star about why he doesn’t have the round suit and how much he loves giving life to wacky characters like this.

Screen Rant: I very much enjoyed your bigger, better mustache in this film. How was that?

Jim Carrey: It was a manifestation of absolute ego. Definitely, a man with a stash that big has some kind of insecurity. It’s like buying a Corvette at 70.

I remember when you did press for the first movie, you were talking about ideas you had for Robotnik’s look in the sequel. Is there anything you’re already thinking about for the future?

Jim Carrey: No, I live in the moment entirely. But for this one, it was really important to me to connect with that Robotnik that people were used to seeing in their video game. I even wanted him to have the round suit, but the higher ups said, “No round suit. We want them to see your love handles.”

Did you try on a round suit?

Jim Carrey: No, we never got to the round suit stage. You never know, it could happen. But I thought the look was really cool, and the interior of Robotnik was a look too.

He starts out just as this brilliant guy with a chip on his shoulder and a plan for world domination. But when he gets a hold of that emerald power, which is a thing that people who played the game will be glad to see manifesting, he becomes quantum evil. He’s evil 3.0, and now he can bend time and space.

I really had fun thinking about how that could manifest, with his voice; speaking like a synthesizer just because he thinks it’s fun, you know. He’s really messing with people’s minds and creating that gigantic robot out the scraps of their lives. It was really a fun thing to do; really a cloud of egoic ecstasy.

It really shines through how much you love playing this role.

Jim Carrey: Yeah, I do enjoy it. Because, ultimately, it’s fun to play those kinds of characters. Because they’re off the hook, and there’s a license to kill and say outrageous stuff. And also, to bring the character into your whole body and be very flamboyant.

But also, the character is the contrast to the innocence that we all want to reconnect to. He accentuates how innocent and fun and accepting and loving Sonic is. Sonic represents that preteen discovery of the world and enjoyment before skepticism creeps in.

Sonic is all about going fast. If you could think back, what is the fastest you’ve ever said yes to a role?

Jim Carrey: The Truman Show. First of all, I had thought of that concept two years before. I had noodled with it, but I couldn’t break the code. And then when I was handed that script, Andrew Nichols’ script, I read it and knew probably within 10 pages that I had to do the movie. It was not a question. Eternal Sunshine [of The Spotless Mind] was like that as well.

Comedies are generally things that you have to consider. You don’t generally get a very well-formed comedy; at least I don’t. It’s like making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear a little bit. You’ve really got to work a comedy to keep it fresh; to make it something special. But those two scripts, more than any other, were just an immediate yes.

More Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Interviews

After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove that he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns with a new partner, Knuckles, in search of a mystical emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.

• Ben Schwartz & James Marsden
• Natasha Rothwell & Tika Sumpter
• Colleen O’Shaughnessey
• Jeff Fowler
• Lee Majdoub

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 arrives in US theaters Friday, April 8. It is 122 minutes long and rated PG for action, some violence, rude humor, and mild language.