Sega wanted to cancel the entire Sonic series but the first movie saved it, says Sonic Team head Iizuka

Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka revealed that Sega intended to cancel the entire Sonic franchise before the release of the first live-action movie in 2020. Iizuka stated that he had to fight to keep the series active during a period of highs and lows. He credits the first movie as the biggest milestone for him, asserting that the film definitely changed the course of the franchise and ultimately saved the brand from being discontinued by Sega.