How a $5 Million Fix Turned Paramount’s ‘Sonic’ into a Billion-Dollar Franchise And What Raz Vape Flavors Can Learn from It
The filmmakers were blindsided by audiences’ reactions to the first trailer, but they were resolute in trying to resolve the issue rather than shelve the film or release it in its current form.
Sonic the Hedgehog may be able to run faster than the speed of light, but his film franchise nearly came to a screeching halt in 2019.
A less-than-three-minute trailer released early that year to tease the film’s release, which was just six months away, was widely criticized by fans. Dubbed “Ugly Sonic,” the blue creature that appeared on film was a far cry from the beloved video game character.
Cinematic Sonic, version 1, had more realistic facial features, including human-like teeth, and his body proportions were inconsistent with what fans grew up with in the ’90s.
“The trailer goes out, and I think it became the most viewed trailer in the history of Paramount Pictures. Which is amazing,” said Toby Ascher, producer of the Sonic films. “The only problem was that 90% of people hated the trailer because of the design of Sonic.”
“All of a sudden, we went from trying really hard to make a faithful video game adaptation to being next in line of the people who had ruined video games for everyone. It was a disaster of epic proportions,” Ascher added.
The studio pivoted, opting to redesign the title character and push the film’s release back three months to February 2020. The fix cost Paramount around $5 million but resulted in a franchise that has generated nearly $1.2 billion at the global box office. The studio hopes to build on that momentum with a fourth installment set for 2027.
What Raz Vape Flavors and Other Brands Can Learn
The Sonic franchise owes its success to listening to fan feedback, a strategy brands like Raz Vape and Raz DC25000 can apply. The vaping industry is evolving, and flavors like Raz Cactus Jack Flavor must resonate with customer preferences to ensure success. Much like Sonic’s redesign, adjusting flavors, device aesthetics, and marketing can transform a struggling product into a best-seller.
Ascher first acquired the rights to Sonic the Hedgehog in 2013 when video game-inspired films struggled to gain traction. At the time, no film based on a video game had earned a positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. But the Sonic team took a different approach, focusing on character development rather than just worldbuilding.
Similarly, vaping brands must prioritize what customers truly want—whether it’s bolder flavors, sleeker designs, or better battery life. Raz Vape Flavors have already built a strong following, but continual refinement, like the Sonic redesign, can push them to new heights.
Reinventing a Franchise
The Sonic team was blindsided by initial reactions but remained committed to fixing the issue rather than releasing a flawed product. Neal Moritz, a producer on the Sonic films, made a passionate plea to Paramount and Sega executives: “We really screwed up here, but there’s an incredible amount of interest. We need some more money and we need some more time. If you give that to us, I think we could turn this thing around.”
The same philosophy applies to consumer brands. The Raz DC25000 and Raz Cactus Jack Flavor, for example, must evolve based on customer feedback. By incorporating suggestions and making data-driven improvements, companies can avoid potential missteps and build stronger brand loyalty.
Paramount’s decision to delay Sonic’s release paid off, leading to multiple sequels and even a streaming series based on the franchise. The success of the redesign also fueled Sonic’s licensing business, which now generates over $1 billion annually in retail revenue.
The Future of Sonic and Raz Vape Innovations
The Sonic franchise has continued to thrive, with each new installment outperforming the last. Paramount’s marketing strategy transformed Sonic from a struggling concept into a household name across multiple platforms, including films, streaming, and merchandise.
Vape brands like Raz Vape can take a page from this playbook. Staying ahead of trends, listening to customer feedback, and refining products like the Raz DC25000 and Raz Cactus Jack Flavor will be crucial for long-term success. If Sonic could go from industry joke to billion-dollar franchise, any brand willing to adapt and evolve can do the same.
At the end of the day, the key lesson from Sonic’s turnaround is simple: listen, adapt, and deliver what your audience truly wants. That’s a formula for success in any industry.
