Jeff Fowler is an American film director and animator. He is best known for directing the live-action adaptations of Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), its sequels Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022), and the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024).[1][2] He also wrote and directed the short film Gopher Broke (2004), which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.[3][4]
Jeff Fowler | |
|---|---|
| Alma mater | Ringling College of Art and Design |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2002–present |
Career
editFowler was an animator for the 2003 short film Rockfish and the 2009 film Where the Wild Things Are. In 2004, he wrote, directed, storyboarded, did the art layout, and animated Gopher Broke. He also wrote and animated A Gentleman's Duel. Fowler worked on the CGI movie production for the 2005 video game Shadow the Hedgehog.
Later, he directed Sonic the Hedgehog, a film based on the video game series of the same name. The film was originally set to release in November 2019, but due to widespread criticism toward Sonic's design, it was delayed to February 14, 2020, to change the design. The new design for Sonic was revealed in November 2019, garnering far more positive responses from fans and critics. Fowler directed a sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog titled Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which released on April 8, 2022. He is set to direct a reboot of The Pink Panther, which is in development.[5] He directed the pilot episode and executive-produced the TV series Knuckles, and directed Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which is slated for release in December 2024.
Filmography
editDirector
editShort film
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Gopher Broke | Also writer, storyboard artist, layout artist, and animator |
Feature film
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Sonic the Hedgehog | |
| 2022 | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Also cameo as news reporter (deleted scene) |
| 2024 | Sonic the Hedgehog 3 |
Television
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Knuckles | Miniseries Episode "The Warrior"; Also executive producer |
Other credits
editShort film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Rockfish | Animator |
| 2006 | A Gentlemen's Duel | Writer and animator |
Video game
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Shadow the Hedgehog | CGI movie production[6] |
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Where the Wild Things Are | Animation research and development |
References
edit- ^ Amidi, Amid (May 2, 2019). "'Sonic the Hedgehog' Director Jeff Fowler Says Sonic Will Be Re-Designed". Cartoon Brew. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
- ^ Ames, Jeff (February 11, 2020). "Sonic The Hedgehog Director Jeff Fowler on Redesigning Sonic". ComingSoon.net. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
- ^ "2005 | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences". Oscars.org. October 5, 2014. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
Short Film (Animated) (...) Gopher Broke - Jeff Fowler and Tim Miller
- ^ Short Film Winners: 2005 Oscars, Oscars.org, February 19, 2015, retrieved February 25, 2023
- ^ Gonzalez, Umberto (November 19, 2020). "Jeff Fowler to Direct Live-Action CGI-Hybrid 'Pink Panther' for MGM". TheWrap. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
- ^ Sega Studios USA (November 15, 2005). Shadow the Hedgehog (GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox). SEGA. Scene: Staff credits.