Sonic the Hedgehog (Paramount Pictures)
Release date: U.K., February 14; U.S., February 14
Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog character has starred in video games that have sold millions of copies since his 1991 debut, and after multiple animated series and comic books the blue-furred hedgehog is starring in his first feature film. Ben Schwartz voices Sonic opposite the villainous Dr. Robotnik, played by Jim Carrey. Special Effects Supervisor Alex Burdett, Visual Effects Producer Jennifer Thompson and Visual Effects Supervisor Ged Wright had their work cut out for them after fan reaction to Sonic’s look in the first trailer, but character redesign from Shade VFX (Visual Effects Producers Molly Pabian and Albert Testani), DMG (Visual Effects Supervisor Lisa Deaner), Blur Studio, Marza Animation Planet and Trixter should be the fix. Previs was provided by Digital Domain.
Fantasy Island (Sony Pictures)
Release date: U.K., February 14; U.S., February 14
While the classic Fantasy Island television series that aired from 1977 to 1984 starring Ricardo Montalbán’s Mr. Roarke had a mysterious nuance, the concept receives a supernatural horror makeover in director/co-writer Jeff Wadlow’s feature film starring Michael Peña as Roarke. Helping to reimagine Fantasy Island are Special Effects Supervisor Dean Clarke and Visual Effects Supervisor Simon Maddison.
Bloodshot (Sony Pictures)
Release date: U.K., February 21; U.S., February 21
Valiant Comics is the latest comic book company to bring its characters to cinemas with Bloodshot, starring Vin Diesel as a murder victim who is resurrected and reborn as the ultimate weapon with superhuman abilities. Introducing the world of Valiant Comics to the screen are Special Effects Supervisor Cordell McQueen and Visual Effects Supervisor Ruslan Borysov with Clear Angle Studios, Day for Nite, Method Studios and RodeoFX.
Call of the Wild (20th Century Fox)
Release date: U.K., February 21; U.S., February 21
Several film adaptations of Call of the Wild have been previously released, and director Chris Sanders makes his live-action directing debut with this latest version of Jack London’s adventure novel. The film features Terry Notary portraying the dog Buck via motion capture, with Special Effects Supervisor Jeremy Hays, Visual Effects Producer Ryan Stafford, Visual Effects Supervisors Erik Nash and Ryan Cook creating the visuals for Buck’s journey. VFX contributors include Gentle Giant Studios (Visual Effects Supervisor Yoshi DeHerrera), Halon Entertainment, MPC, Proof, Inc. and Trace VFX.
The Invisible Man (Universal Pictures)
Release date: U.K., February 28; U.S., February 28
Writer/director Leigh Whannel’s adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic sci-fi novel also serves as an update to Universal’s timeless 1933 film starring Claude Rains. This modern retelling stars Elisabeth Moss opposite Oliver Jackson-Cohen, who portrays the titular character.
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