UPDATE: It seems like Sega is reversing their decision and Roger Craig Smith is once again voicing Sonic the Hedgehog. The news was confirmed Craig Smith’s Twitter account, saying “I can’t fully express my gratitude for the @sonic_hedgehog crew and community.”
I can't fully express my gratitude for the @sonic_hedgehog crew and community.🙏
I hope to honor your support and passion as I'm officially back voicing #SonicTheHedgehog in games.
Can't wait for ya to see what we have planned!
THANK YOU…from the bottom of my blue heart.💙 pic.twitter.com/KOLi2MJnUi
— Roger Craing Smith (@RogerCraigSmith) May 26, 2021
Original story follows:
One of my personal favourite voice actors, Roger Craig Smith, has revealed he is no longer the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog.
Welp, 10 years was an amazing run.
Onward to new zones!Much love to the fans who've been so kind.💙
It's been an honor.
🦔 pic.twitter.com/7Rn9PVA92m— Roger Craing Smith (@RogerCraigSmith) January 28, 2021
In a post on Twitter, the always interesting voice actor announced his departure. Known for voicing iconic characters such as Ezio Auditore, Chris Redfield, Captain America and Sonic, the tweet seemingly suggests the move was not entirely by choice.
It’s hard to gauge what is happening behind the scenes and the fact of the matter is Smith has voiced the blue blur for a decade across video games and television. Last year saw Ben Schwartz take over the role when the Sonic the Hedgehog movie hit theatres. With Sega seemingly working on a game to celebrate Sonic’s 30th anniversary in 2021, the studio may likely decide to move in a different direction but it’s purely speculation at this point.
While I enjoyed Schwartz’s take on Sonic, for me, the definitive take was Smith’s version and it’s going to be hard hearing another voice coming from Sonic.