'Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie 2018: Sega, Sony Releasing Live-Action & Animation Hybrid

In an attempt to adapt to the changing times and rebuild the Sega brand, Hajime Satomi, president and CEO of Sega Sammy Holdings Inc, shared that their renewed focus will center on the entertainment industry.

One of the next-generation projects the company will be undertaking is the "Sonic" film slated to be released a couple of years from now, according to a report from Destructoid.

"Sega Sammy Group is currently planning with Sony Pictures to create a live-action and animation hybrid "Sonic the Hedgehog" movie scheduled for release in 2018," Satomi told The World Folio. "Like with this CG animation production, we would like to expand our business into other entertainment areas beyond what we are currently involved."

The gaming exec was clear on saying that the "Sonic" movie in the works is going to be cartoon-filled, but live-action at the same time. This means fans can expect a format much like the 1996 Warner Bros. Film "Space Jam" where Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes gang mingled with basketball superstar Michael Jordan in the real world, and vice versa.

The film will be produced in partnership with Sony Pictures, which is also known for some of the popular animated films like "Open Season," "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," "The Smurfs," "Surf's Up," "Monster House" and "Hotel Transylvania." The Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. Top brass did not elaborate on other details for the upcoming film.

The Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. Is a merger between the Tokyo-based video game developer and publisher Sega, and Sammy Corporation. Sega is known for other game franchises like the "Virtua Fighter," "Phantasy Star" and "Yakuza," while Sammy released video games like the "Guilty Gear," "The Rumble Fish" and "Survival Arts."

Sega Sammy's plan to produce the "Sonic" film is part of the company's goal to remain focus in entertainment moving forward. The group also own the biggest institutional share of Sanrio with Hello Kitty as its most famous attraction.

Satomi believes that even if they withdrew from the arcade machine and home video game consoles, the Sonic character remains very popular. He would like the Sega Sammy group to be known globally in the entertainment industry.

"Our name and brand are still out there because of the famous characters from people's childhood. We would like to change, adjust or shift our product, brand and business with the current era to be a leader again in the future," said Satomi.