Sonic the Hedgehog has at all times been a goofy cartoon animal with a pension for ‘tude. But with his leap from video game protagonist to video game protagonist and star of a pair of extremely popular films, we’re seeing how his fast-moving persona can have an effect on individuals.
In a stay present for the Dead Eyes podcast (the place comic Connor Ratliff tries to determine why Tom Hanks fired him from Band of Brothers) Nicole Byer appeared on stage with fellow comic Ben Schwartz — the film voice for Sonic.
Byer, in a joking however honest approach, talked about how the Sonic movies made her cry a number of instances. Not essentially due to the plot, however as a result of Sonic made her — somebody with ADHD — really feel seen.
“Sometimes I feel like I move too fast to make real connections,” mentioned Byer. “And I just love that Sonic wanted a friend and got a friend, and now I’m crying now. I love Sonic.”
Schwartz then proceeded to speak to Byer in character, telling her about how he needs to go quick similar to she does. And how his friendship to Tom — also referred to as The Donut Lord — offers him somebody to only be himself round.
Happy Birthday #Sonic! You’ve come a good distance since I performed you on the Fernandez’s Genesis in 1991! I’m so proud to be part of your historical past. To have a good time, this is a clip from @connorratliff‘s Dead Eyes Live present the place we came upon @nicolebyer is a gigantic Sonic fan. pic.twitter.com/8hxfN6kbZI
— Ben Schwartz (@rejectedjokes) June 23, 2022
The whole clip (posted by Schwartz on Twitter) is shockingly candy for being a panel of comedians speaking a few pretend, blue rodent with superpowers. But it serves as a robust reminder of what characters like Sonic can imply to individuals.
Sonic doesn’t essentially have ADHD in the movies, nevertheless it’s straightforward to make the comparability when you’ve ever identified somebody with ADHD — or, like in Byer’s case, you could have it your self. Seeing not solely what Sonic is ready to accomplish despite his high-energy “gotta go fast mentality,” but in addition as a result of of it, makes for highly effective on-screen illustration.
What’s even higher is that these movies are aimed toward children — children at the age the place they’re doubtlessly getting in bother for being “overactive” already. And what Sonic does is give them a personality to whom they’ll relate and make a connection. He offers them hope and acknowledges that not solely are they not alone, however that they’re additionally not damaged.
Dismissing characters like Sonic or different fictional cartoons is a simple mistake to make. But these characters matter as a result of they act and sound like actual individuals. And their reputation can assist validate those that’re consistently instructed by academics, co-workers, or even relations to be much less “animated.”
