Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Filming Begins, Sparking Theories About Jim Carrey's Appearance

The upcoming sequel has fans wondering if Dr. Robotnik's actor used a body double at a recent awards show.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Paramount has confirmed that production has started on Sonic the Hedgehog 4, with director Jeff Fowler sharing a photo from the set that has fans excited. However, the news has also sparked a wave of conspiracy theories about actor Jim Carrey, who plays the villainous Dr. Robotnik in the franchise, after he appeared at the César Awards in France looking slightly different than usual, leading some to speculate he used a body double.

Why it matters

The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has become a major success for Paramount, with the first two films grossing over $700 million worldwide. The upcoming fourth installment is highly anticipated by fans, who are now also intrigued by the rumors surrounding Jim Carrey's recent public appearance.

The details

Director Jeff Fowler shared a photo on Instagram showing a prop of Amy Rose's iconic Piko Piko Hammer, confirming that production on Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is underway. This comes just two weeks after Kristen Bell was announced to be voicing the character of Amy Rose in the sequel. Meanwhile, some fans have been speculating that Jim Carrey, who plays Dr. Robotnik, used a body double when he appeared at the César Awards in France to accept an honorary award, due to slight differences in his appearance. However, the César Awards organization and Carrey's representative have both stated that it was indeed the actor who attended the event.

  • Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is set to hit theaters on March 19, 2027.
  • Jeff Fowler shared the Sonic 4 production update on social media on March 2, 2026.
  • Jim Carrey attended the César Awards in France on February 26, 2026 to accept an honorary award.

The players

Jeff Fowler

The director of the Sonic the Hedgehog films and the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 4.

Jim Carrey

The actor who portrays the villainous Dr. Robotnik in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.

Kristen Bell

The actress who has been cast to voice the character of Amy Rose in Sonic the Hedgehog 4.

Gregory Caulier

The general delegate of the César Awards, the French equivalent of the Oscars.

Min Ah

Jim Carrey's companion who attended the César Awards with him.

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What they’re saying

“Jim Carrey's visit has been planned since this summer. From the outset, he was extremely touched by the Academy's invitation. Eight months of ongoing, constructive discussions. He worked on his speech in French for months, asking me about the exact pronunciation of certain words. He came with his partner, his daughter, his grandson and 12 close friends and family members.”

— Gregory Caulier, General Delegate, César Awards (Variety)

“Jim Carrey attended the César Awards, where he accepted his Honorary César Award.”

— Jim Carrey's Representative (People)

What’s next

The release date for Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is set for March 19, 2027, so fans can expect more updates and casting announcements in the coming months as production continues.

The takeaway

The start of production on Sonic the Hedgehog 4 has generated excitement among fans, but the rumors surrounding Jim Carrey's appearance at the César Awards have added an intriguing layer of mystery to the franchise's future. As the sequel moves forward, the studio and filmmakers will need to address these theories and reassure audiences that Carrey remains fully committed to reprising his role as the iconic Dr. Robotnik.