Jim Carrey is in talks to play villain Dr. Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik in Paramount’s “Sonic the Hedgehog,” an individual with knowledge of the project tells TheWrap.
The video game adaptation based on the hit Sega game also stars James Marsden and Tika Sumpter.
Neal H. Moritz, who recently signed an upcoming first-look deal with Paramount, is producing under his Original Film banner. “Deadpool” director Tim Miller will serve as executive producer along with Toby Ascher. Dmitri Johnson and Dan Jevons will serve as co-producers.
Jeff Fowler will make his feature directing debut on the film. Fowler is a longtime collaborator with Miller at the latter’s production studio, Blur Studio. Fowler previously wrote and directed the 2005 Academy Award-nominated best animated short “Gopher Broke,” which Miller executive produced.
First launched in 1991, “Sonic the Hedgehog” games have sold more than 360 million copies, including packaged and digital games, on various platforms. Sonic has been featured in several animated TV series, and appeared briefly in Disney’s 2012 film “Wreck-It Ralph.”
The “Sonic” film — which will be a combination of live action and CGI animation — will be the first time Sonic has ever been adapted for the big screen.
Carrey is repped by WME and attorney Deborah Klein.