Latest news with #SonicTheHedgehog
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
British actors Bo Bragason, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth cast in live-action The Legend Of Zelda film
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Bo Bragason (left) will play Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will play Link, an elf warrior. TOKYO - Two British actors will play the lead roles in the hotly anticipated live-action film adaptation of The Legend Of Zelda (1986 to present) video game franchise, Japan's Nintendo announced. The movie's release is set for May 2027, joining a stream of big-screen game adaptations from Super Mario (1985 to present) to Sonic The Hedgehog (1991 to present) that have stormed the box office in recent years. Bo Bragason will play Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will play Link, an elf warrior who swordfights his way through a monster-filled fantasy world, Nintendo said on social media platform X on July 16. 'I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen,' said the post attributed to game designer and Nintendo executive Shigeru Miyamoto. Miyamoto, the co-producer of Super Mario, created the Zelda universe in 1986. Since then, the hugely popular series has sold more than 140 million games worldwide. Its latest instalment, 2024's The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom, saw the titular character shed her role as a damsel in distress to be the heroine for the first time. Bragason, 21, previously starred in British TV series like Three Girls (2017) and Renegade Nell (2024), while Ainsworth, 16, provided the voice of Pinocchio in the 2022 live-action movie of the same name and appeared in the horror series The Haunting Of Bly Manor (2020). Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 30% of aviation jobs could be redesigned due to AI, automation; $200m fund to support workers: CAAS Singapore Alleged Kpod peddler filmed trying to flee raid in Bishan charged with 6 offences Business Global fintech firms expanding in Singapore with larger offices, APAC hubs Singapore UOB awarded $17.7m in civil suit against Lippo Marina Collection over inflated housing loans Life Kinokuniya opens third bookstore in Raffles City, weeks ahead of schedule Business DBS shares rally to a new record as STI clocks yet another high Singapore 5 foreigners charged over scheme to deliberately get arrested in S'pore to sell sex drugs Life F1 Singapore Grand Prix: Music acts Lewis Capaldi, Clean Bandit, Spice Girls' Melanie C added Before the announcement, online speculation had been rife that American trans actress Hunter Schafer, known for hit HBO show Euphoria (2019 to present), might be picked for the part of Zelda. The movie, directed by American film-maker Wes Ball of the Maze Runner (2014 to 2018) film trilogy, is a big-screen first for Zelda, although the game was adapted for a 13-episode animated series in 1989. Movie adaptations of hit video games have become big business, with Nintendo's The Super Mario Bros. Movie the second-highest grossing film of 2023, with US$1.36 billion (S$1.75 billion). Among other titles being developed into films are Japan's Elden Ring (2022 to present) and US life-simulation game series The Sims (2000 to present). AFP
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Sega sets sights on global revival with Sonic remakes, movie hits, and a ‘Super Game'
TOKYO, July 17 — The big-screen success of 1990s video game speedster 'Sonic the Hedgehog' has brought new fans to Japan's Sega, which says it is poised for a comeback after two tough decades. This year all eyes have been on Nintendo, whose Switch 2 recently became the fastest-selling console in history. But unlike its former arch-rival, Sega has not sold gaming hardware since its Dreamcast console was discontinued in 2001, instead focusing on making games for other platforms. Now, as record tourism to Japan helps boost global appetite for the country's pop culture, the company sees a chance to reinvent itself — including through nostalgic game remakes and movie adaptations like the hit 'Sonic' series. Sega opens its first flagship merchandise store in Japan on Friday, having launched a similar shop in Shanghai in May. 'Opportunities are expanding,' chief operating officer Shuji Utsumi told AFP. 'We've been struggling... for a while, but now we are coming back.' The company aims 'to expand our business globally rather than focusing on the Japanese market', he said. Sega was a top industry player in the 1980s and 1990s, its name synonymous with noisy arcades, home consoles and game franchises, such as beat-em-up 'Streets of Rage' and ninja series 'Shinobi'. But it struggled to keep up with intense competition, falling on hard times financially as multiplayer online titles from US publishers, such as 'World of Warcraft', took off in the 2000s. 'Persona' movie? After Sega quit the hardware business, its game offerings 'got a little stale', said David Cole of the US-based games market research firm DFC Intelligence. But 'the kids who grew up in the 1990s are now in their 30s, 40s, even older, and really like those franchises' — and are introducing them to their own children — he told AFP. 'It's untapped value' that Sega — just like its Japanese peers including Nintendo — is trying to capitalise on through new movies, stores and theme park rides, Cole added. Last year, the film Sonic the Hedgehog 3 starring Jim Carrey as the villain zipped to the top of the North American box office in one of the best December openings in years. It followed the first live-action Sonic movie in 2020, as Sega cashes in on a video-game movie craze that saw The Super Mario Bros. Movie, based on the Nintendo characters, become the second-highest grossing film of 2023. 'Shinobi' is also being turned into a film, while Sega's 'Yakuza' game series has been adapted for television. When asked if cult franchise 'Persona' could be next, Sega's Utsumi said fans should 'stay tuned'. 'We are talking to a lot of interesting potential partners. So we are under some discussions, but I can't say too much about it,' he said. Sega — just like its Japanese peers including Nintendo — is trying to capitalise on through new movies, stores and theme park rides. — AFP pic Super Game Sega bought Finland's Rovio, creator of 'Angry Birds', in 2023, seeking to expand into the mobile gaming market. 'Gamers' behaviour has been changing' since Sega's original heyday, going beyond TV-connected consoles, Utsumi said. But Cole said that in the long run Sega should concentrate on 'high-end' gaming: larger-scale, more involved titles that encourage brand loyalty. Sega is working on what it calls a 'Super Game' with big-budget international ambition and a scope that is 'not only just a game — communication, social, maybe potentially AI', Utsumi said. 'The competition in the game market is very fierce,' he cautioned. 'It's important to really have a fan base close to us. But at the same time, when we develop a great game, it takes time.' Sega's parent company Sega Sammy also makes arcade and gambling machines, including those used in Japanese 'pachinko' parlours, whose numbers are in decline. That makes Sega's entertainment business 'really the growth opportunity for the company', Cole said. Sega Sammy said in May its 'Sonic' intellectual property 'has contributed to an increase in both game and character licensing revenue'. Young tourists in Tokyo shopping near Sega's new store ahead of the opening seemed to confirm this. 'I've always liked Sega. I kind of grew up around their games,' said 19-year-old American Danny Villasenor. 'They're pretty retro. But I think they've evolved with time pretty well.' William Harrington, 24, who lives in Los Angeles, said his father 'put me on to a lot of the older games back in the day', and so to him, Sega 'feels like childhood'. — AFP
France 24
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- France 24
Lead actors announced for 'Legend of Zelda' movie
The film's release is set for May 2027, joining a stream of game adaptations from "Super Mario" to "Sonic the Hedgehog" that have stormed the box office in recent years. Bo Bragason will play Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will play Link -- an elf warrior who swordfights his way through a monster-filled fantasy world -- Nintendo said on social media platform X on Wednesday. "I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen," said the post attributed to game designer and Nintendo executive Shigeru Miyamoto. Miyamoto, the co-producer of "Super Mario", created the "Zelda" universe in 1986. Since then, the hugely popular series has sold more than 140 million games worldwide. Its latest installment, 2024's "The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom", saw the titular character shed her role as a damsel in distress to be the heroine for the first time. Bragason has previously starred in the British TV series "Three Girls" and "Renegade Nell", while Ainsworth was the voice of Pinocchio in a 2022 movie remake. Before the announcement, online speculation had been rife that US trans actress Hunter Schafer, known for HBO hit show "Euphoria", might be picked for the part of Zelda. The movie, directed by Wes Ball of the "Maze Runner" trilogy, is a big-screen first for Zelda, although the game was adapted for a 13-episode animated series in 1989. Movie adaptations of hit video games have become big business, with Nintendo's "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" the second-highest grossing film of 2023.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Sonic The Hedgehog creator Sega eyes return to 1990s gaming glory
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The big-screen success of 1990s video game speedster Sonic The Hedgehog has brought new fans to Japan's Sega. TOKYO – The big-screen success of 1990s video game speedster Sonic The Hedgehog has brought new fans to Japan's Sega, which says it is poised for a comeback after two tough decades. In 2025, all eyes have been on Nintendo, whose Switch 2 recently became the fastest-selling console in history. But unlike its former arch-rival, Sega has not sold gaming hardware since its Dreamcast console was discontinued in 2001, instead focusing on making games for other platforms. Now, as record tourism to Japan helps boost global appetite for the country's pop culture, the company sees a chance to reinvent itself – including through nostalgic game remakes and movie adaptations like the hit Sonic series. Sega opens its first flagship merchandise store in Japan on July 18, having launched a similar shop in Shanghai in May. 'Opportunities are expanding,' Sega chief operating officer Shuji Utsumi told AFP. 'We've been struggling... for a while, but now we are coming back.' The company aims to expand its business globally 'rather than focusing on the Japanese market', he said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore HSA launches anti-vaping checks near 5 institutes of higher learning Singapore Kpod vapes, zombie kids: Why it's time to raise the alarm Singapore NEA monitoring E. coli at Sentosa after elevated bacteria levels delays World Aquatics events Opinion The workplace needs to step up on mental health to match Singapore's efforts at the national level Life First look at the new Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa Singapore Singapore Zoo celebrates reptile baby boom, including hatchings of endangered species Business Market versus mission: What will Income Insurance choose? Business Singapore key exports surprise with 13% rebound in June amid tariff uncertainty Sega was a top industry player in the 1980s and 1990s, its name synonymous with noisy arcades, home consoles and game franchises, such as beat-em-up Streets Of Rage and ninja series Shinobi. But it struggled to keep up with intense competition, falling on hard times financially as multiplayer online titles from US publishers, such as World Of Warcraft, took off in the 2000s. After Sega quit the hardware business, its game offerings 'got a little stale', said Mr David Cole of US-based games market research firm DFC Intelligence. But 'the kids who grew up in the 1990s are now in their 30s, 40s, even older, and really like those franchises' – and are introducing them to their own children. It is 'untapped value' that Sega is trying to capitalise on through new movies, stores and theme park rides, Mr Cole added. In 2024, the film Sonic The Hedgehog 3, starring Jim Carrey as the villain, zipped to the top of the North American box office in one of the best December openings in years. It followed the first live-action Sonic movie in 2020, as Sega cashes in on a video-game movie craze that saw The Super Mario Bros. Movie, based on the Nintendo characters, become the second-highest grossing film of 2023. Shinobi is also being turned into a film, while Sega's Yakuza game series has been adapted for television. When asked if cult franchise 'Persona' could be next, Sega's Mr Utsumi said fans should 'stay tuned'. Sega is working on what it calls a 'Super Game' with big-budget international ambition and a scope that is 'not only just a game – communication, social, maybe potentially AI', Mr Utsumi said. 'The competition in the game market is very fierce,' he cautioned. Parent company Sega Sammy said in May its 'Sonic' intellectual property 'has contributed to an increase in both game and character licensing revenue'. Young tourists in Tokyo shopping near Sega's new store ahead of the opening seemed to confirm this. 'I've always liked Sega. I kind of grew up around their games,' said 19-year-old American Danny Villasenor. 'They're pretty retro. But I think they've evolved with time pretty well.' AFP
The Australian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Australian
Japan's Sega eyes return to 1990s gaming glory
The big-screen success of 1990s video game speedster "Sonic the Hedgehog" has brought new fans to Japan's Sega, which says it is poised for a comeback after two tough decades. This year all eyes have been on Nintendo, whose Switch 2 recently became the fastest-selling console in history. But unlike its former arch-rival, Sega has not sold gaming hardware since its Dreamcast console was discontinued in 2001, instead focusing on making games for other platforms. Now, as record tourism to Japan helps boost global appetite for the country's pop culture, the company sees a chance to reinvent itself -- including through nostalgic game remakes and movie adaptations like the hit "Sonic" series. Sega opens its first flagship merchandise store in Japan on Friday, having launched a similar shop in Shanghai in May. "Opportunities are expanding," chief operating officer Shuji Utsumi told AFP. "We've been struggling... for a while, but now we are coming back." The company aims "to expand our business globally rather than focusing on the Japanese market", he said. Sega was a top industry player in the 1980s and 1990s, its name synonymous with noisy arcades, home consoles and game franchises, such as beat-em-up "Streets of Rage" and ninja series "Shinobi". But it struggled to keep up with intense competition, falling on hard times financially as multiplayer online titles from US publishers, such as "World of Warcraft", took off in the 2000s. - 'Persona' movie? - After Sega quit the hardware business, its game offerings "got a little stale", said David Cole of the US-based games market research firm DFC Intelligence. But "the kids who grew up in the 1990s are now in their 30s, 40s, even older, and really like those franchises" -- and are introducing them to their own children -- he told AFP. "It's untapped value" that Sega -- just like its Japanese peers including Nintendo -- is trying to capitalise on through new movies, stores and theme park rides, Cole added. Last year, the film "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" starring Jim Carrey as the villain zipped to the top of the North American box office in one of the best December openings in years. It followed the first live-action "Sonic" movie in 2020, as Sega cashes in on a video-game movie craze that saw "The Super Mario Bros. Movie", based on the Nintendo characters, become the second-highest grossing film of 2023. "Shinobi" is also being turned into a film, while Sega's "Yakuza" game series has been adapted for television. When asked if cult franchise "Persona" could be next, Sega's Utsumi said fans should "stay tuned". "We are talking to a lot of interesting potential partners. So we are under some discussions, but I can't say too much about it," he said. - Super Game - Sega bought Finland's Rovio, creator of "Angry Birds", in 2023, seeking to expand into the mobile gaming market. "Gamers' behaviour has been changing" since Sega's original heyday, going beyond TV-connected consoles, Utsumi said. But Cole said that in the long run Sega should concentrate on "high-end" gaming: larger-scale, more involved titles that encourage brand loyalty. Sega is working on what it calls a "Super Game" with big-budget international ambition and a scope that is "not only just a game -- communication, social, maybe potentially AI", Utsumi said. "The competition in the game market is very fierce," he cautioned. "It's important to really have a fan base close to us. But at the same time, when we develop a great game, it takes time." Sega's parent company Sega Sammy also makes arcade and gambling machines, including those used in Japanese "pachinko" parlours, whose numbers are in decline. That makes Sega's entertainment business "really the growth opportunity for the company", Cole said. Sega Sammy said in May its "Sonic" intellectual property "has contributed to an increase in both game and character licensing revenue". Young tourists in Tokyo shopping near Sega's new store ahead of the opening seemed to confirm this. "I've always liked Sega. I kind of grew up around their games," said 19-year-old American Danny Villasenor. "They're pretty retro. But I think they've evolved with time pretty well." William Harrington, 24, who lives in Los Angeles, said his father "put me on to a lot of the older games back in the day", and so to him, Sega "feels like childhood". kaf/dhw/sco
