As you've likely heard by now, Sonic the Hedgehog's voice actor, Roger Craig Smith, has announced his departure from the role.
He's voiced the blue blur across video games, television series and even movies, and has been an integral part of the Sega family for more than 10 years.
Although Smith had already thanked fans in a short goodbye message on Twitter a few days ago, he's now shared a separate video message thanking everyone once again for the overwhelming support.
Sega shared its own message yesterday, noting how it was "forever grateful" for all he's done for Sonic.
"For over 10 years, Roger Craig Smith has been an integral part of the SEGA family. He brought the voice of Sonic to life, and we are forever grateful for his never-ending enthusiasm in helping the community and spreading joy. Thank you, Roger, for all you've done for Sonic."
And just to make it clear, Roger hasn't retired from voice acting - he's simply moving on from his role as the voice of Sonic.
"I haven't retired from voice acting - just so we're clear. More stuff coming your way, so stay tuned."
[source twitter.com]
Comments 19
I will Miss you PLEASE DON"T GOO.
They need to bring back Jaleel white
They should bring back Sonic's prior voice actors, Ryan Drummond or Jason Griffith if Sega can't find anyone new.
@Nintendofan13 Iβve seen footage of Ryan trying to do the Sonic voice in the modern day and heβs really lost the spark. Remember how bad Fox sounded in Smash 3DS/Wii U? Yeah, like that.
He seems like a genuinely nice dude. Itβll be sad to see him go.
If they ever decided to make a Sonic Adventure 3, it wouldn't be the same without Ryan Drummond.
I just hope they can get someone just as good and new to voice Sonic. Ryan and Jason were great for their times, but I highly, HIGHLY doubt that their voices are what they used to be.
To give you an idea, the last time Ryan voiced Sonic was for the game Sega Superstars which released in 2004--17 years ago. And the last time Jason voiced Sonic was Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing which was 10 years ago. I don't think they're going to be able to replicate such voices after having been out of practice for so long. The only reason Mike Pollock can still do Eggman is because he's been doing Eggman since 2003--for 18 years straight. I don't think he's going anywhere anytime soon.
So yeah, hoping we can get someone new. I've heard people recommend Max Mittleman and honestly, he'd be a good choice. I love his work as Burton and Ninjala and Konohamaru in Naruto.
I am too old I guess. I didn't even know Sonic talked.
A very nice man and also talented. I will miss him But only the best for him and his future life
@Liam_Doolan If you made the top picture, why did you put a picture of Classic Sonic next to RCS? Classic Sonic hasn't talked in any of the games he's appeared in, and it just seems a bit odd, considering he voiced Modern and Boom Sonic.
@Knuckles Classic did speak in Sonic CD βIβm outta here!β
@Knuckles I believe this is artwork from Sonic Generations, a game Roger is credited for. But fair point, I'll change the image if I can find something better.
@Noid Fair point, I was referring to Classic Sonic from Generations onwards, when he has been referred to as Classic Sonic, but didn't make that clear.
@Liam_Doolan You're right, Sonic Generations was his second main series Sonic game, Colors being the first. Thanks for changing it, it was something minor, yet just felt off.
Iβve heard Roger around. He was in crash bandicoot four, and he was pretty funny!
@matdub
Sonic talks in almost everything he's in though...?
It's only the old 2D games where he doesn't talk - but even in the cartoons and media that were contemporary with those games, Sonic always talks a lot.
He just didn't talk in the Mega Drive or Game Gear games because...they're old 2D sidescrollers, you know?
@Noid I'd disagree with that one. Not sure if you've seen it but the last thing Ryan did was a fan-made Sonic radio drama and did the voice change? It sure did but it actually has something of a hint of of maturity like he's still a teenager but sounds a bit less wacky. Something like a mix of his original voice crossed slightly with Jason's more calm and caring Sonic.
Maybe you have seen it and it's still not for you but personally I was shocked when I heard it and actually ended up liking it even more so than before. If you haven't heard it though, definitely give it a listen and still see if you feel the same.
Either way if Sega's choosing someone brand new, I really hope they know what they're doing since they have some big red shoes to fill. It's not an easy role.
@Kyranosaurus It might have been Jason actually, Iβm not all that keyed in on Sonic VA lore, or really that much Sonic outside of the classic games.
@EarthboundBenjy makes sense, that's when i stopped playing sonic.
I was never a fan of the guy's voice acting. It was cheesy and terrible at best. Sonic really needs a different voice altogether IMO.
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