New 'Sonic The Hedgehog' trailer shows revamped design following backlash

A new trailer for the forthcoming Sonic The Hedgehog film reveals a dramatically different version of the animated character, after the original design drew criticism from fans. Watch it above.

The first trailer for the live-action version of the '90s video game, starring Ben Schwartz and Jim Carrey, was released in April but its depiction of the title character did not prove popular with hardcore fans.

Producers used computer animation for Sonic and fan criticism focused on his teeth and "disproportionate" legs.

Animators went back to the studio to tweak the design after director Jeff Fowler told fans he had heard their criticism "loud and clear".

The new Sonic design features bigger eyes, fewer teeth, the character’s trademark white gloves and red trainers, and less-humanoid legs.

Sega and Paramount Pictures delayed the film's release date by three months to take account for the CGI work needed, pushing it to Valentine's Day 2020.

Read more: Jim Carrey ‘concerned’ by studio reaction to backlash

The new trailer, which features the Ramones song Blitzkrieg Bop, sees Sonic battle Jim Carrey’s Dr Robotnik and the US army on the road and in the sky.

Fowler announced the arrival of the new trailer on Twitter on Tuesday.

He said: "Today is the DAY! Could not be more excited to share our new Sonic with you. THANK YOU for your patience and support. This wouldn't have been possible without the fans."

Sonic the Hedgehog first appeared in a 1991 video game of the same name. He is known for being able to run at extremely high speeds.

Schwartz will voice Sonic in the forthcoming film, while Carrey stars as his nemesis, Dr Robotnik.

Terminator: Dark Fate director Tim Miller, who is producing Sonic, told Variety back in July that he expected fans to approve of the new design.

“I think the fans will be pleased,” Miller said. “Look, I was with the fans and so was Jeff. This is a franchise and it has to be great. The most important thing to do is say 'I f***** up'.”

“He's (Fowler) a good man. It was exactly the right way to handle that. The fans have a voice in this too. There's a right way to listen.”

Jonathan H Gray, a Sonic The Hedgehog comics artist, praised the new look design described it as “way more appealing and fun”.

Synopsis: Based on the global blockbuster videogame franchise from Sega, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG tells the story of the world’s speediest hedgehog as he embraces his new home on Earth. In this live-action adventure comedy, Sonic and his new best friend Tom (James Marsden) team up to defend the planet from the evil genius Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and his plans for world domination. The family-friendly film also stars Tika Sumpter and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic.

Sonic The Hedgehog speeds into UK cinemas on 14 February, 2020. See the previous trailer below.