Sonic Designer and Dragon Ball Studio Team Up for Movie

Fans of classic video games and anime are in for a treat as Naoto Oshima, the original designer of Sonic the Hedgehog, has joined forces with Toei Animation, the powerhouse behind Dragon Ball, to create a new CG animated film, Hypergalactic. This ambitious project will bring together a multicultural adventure tale with a Japanese anime aesthetic and a Western approach to storytelling. Oscar-nominated screenwriter David N. Weiss of Shrek 2 and The Smurfs fame is on board to direct.

The film boasts an impressive lineup, featuring stars like Adam Devine, J.K. Simmons, Sam Richardson, and Elsie Fisher. With a narrative that hints at inspiration from the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West," the same source that inspired the original Dragon Ball series, the film will follow the story of an adventurous teenage girl and her baby in the future, who stumble upon the forgotten protector of Earth.

Producer Yoshi Ikezawa expressed excitement about delivering quality animation to a global audience with Hypergalactic, blending memorable global characters with distinctive animation styles. While no release date has been announced yet, the project promises to cater to both nostalgic fans and newcomers alike.

Naoto Oshima is best known for designing Sega's iconic character Sonic the Hedgehog. His collaboration with Toei Animation is significant as it merges the talents of a legendary game designer with a studio renowned for its work on Dragon Ball, creating a promising new venture in the world of animated films.

Extra background information:

Sonic the Hedgehog is an iconic character that debuted in 1991 as Sega's answer to Nintendo's Mario. Created by Naoto Oshima, programmer Yuji Naka, and designer Hirokazu Yasuhara, Sonic is best known for his super speed and his rebellious, adventurous attitude, which defined a generation of gaming. Toei Animation, with a rich history spanning several decades, is a staple in the anime industry, famous for series such as Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, and One Piece. The collaboration between Oshima and Toei Animation signifies a blend of gaming and anime cultures, offering potential for a unique and engaging film experience.