A day after announcing the commencement of production for Sonic the Hedgehog 4, it has come to light that Academy award-winning actor Ben Kingsley has reportedly joined the cast of the live-action film. While a confirmation is awaited, it is being said that he has been cast in a "key role" with fans speculating that he could be playing either Eggman Nega or the voice of Metal Sonic.

While Ben Schwartz voices the titular character in the fourth instalment, Idris Elba joined Sonic 2 as the voice of Knuckles and Keanu Reeves came in for Sonic 3, voicing Shadow. Jim Carrey plays the evil Dr Robotnik, while James Marsden and Tika Sumpter portray Sonic's parents. Lee Majdoub will be seen as Agent Stone. It was also recently announced that Sonic's pink hedgehog Amy Rose will be voiced by Kristen Bell.

Jeff Fowler, who has directed all three films, which were released from 2020 to 2024, will return to helm the fourth. Plot details are currently under wraps. Returning as producers are Neal H Moritz and Toby Ascher of Original Films and Toru Nakahara.

Sonic 4 is slated for a release in theatres worldwide on March 19, 2027.

Ben Kingsley was last seen in Desert Warrior, directed by Rupert Wyatt which was released last year. Up next, he has a long list of films including Young Washington, The Way of the Wind , Deep Water and Fortitude, among others. In TV, he played a key role in Wonder Man miniseries, released recently on Disney+ (JioHotstar in India).