Knuckles (TV series)

Knuckles is an American television miniseries for Paramount+ that serves as a spin-off of the *Sonic the Hedgehog* film series and the first live-action Sonic TV show. The story follows Knuckles the Echidna as he teaches deputy sheriff Wade Whipple the skills of an Echidna warrior. Whittington acted as head writer, with Ascher serving as showrunner. Idris Elba reprises his film role as Knuckles, starring alongside Adam Pally as Wade. The project was announced in February 2022 at a ViacomCBS investor event, with Elba already attached. Tom Howe composed the score. Over its debut weekend, it became Paramount+’s most-watched original series. Critics gave it generally positive reviews, praising the action sequences and performances by Elba and Pally, though some found the writing lacking and felt the show did not focus enough on Knuckles.

**Cast and characters**

**Main** - Idris Elba voices Knuckles the Echidna, a serious, hot-headed red echidna with super strength. Elba noted the series would explore Knuckles feeling like a “fish out of water” after arriving on Earth at the end of *Sonic the Hedgehog 2*, and would dig deeper into his character. He ad-libbed some of his dialogue during recording. - Adam Pally plays Wade Whipple, a dimwitted deputy sheriff from Green Hills whom Knuckles trains in Echidna warrior ways. Kit Rakusen portrays a young Wade, and Michael Bolton provides Wade’s singing voice.

**Recurring** - Ellie Taylor as Willoughby, a former extraterrestrial researcher and corrupt G.U.N. agent working for the Buyer. - Scott Mescudi as Mason, a former underground fighter and corrupt G.U.N. agent working for the Buyer. Mescudi (Kid Cudi) previously performed the credits theme for *Sonic the Hedgehog 2*, “Stars in the Sky”. - Stockard Channing as Wendy Whipple, Wade’s mother. - Edi Patterson as Wanda Whipple, an FBI agent and Wade’s immature sister who constantly mistreats him. Darcy Castle portrays a young Wanda.