Hybrid animation and live action filmChip n' Dale: Rescue Rangerspremiered on May 20 across the United States following a limited debut in Orlando, Florida on May 16. The film, which drew inspiration from the 1989 animated series of the same name, is currently available for streaming via theDisney+ service. Fans were excited to watch the movie due to the promise of cameos from other animated properties. However, viewers were surprised by one rather unexpected - and less than pleasing - cameo appearance.The film, which takes place thirty years after the airing of the original show, sees an estranged Chip and Dale forced to team up once again to investigate a rash of toon kidnappings. In addition to otherRescue Rangerscharacters such as Gadget Hackwrench and Monterey Jack, the film features appearances fromBeauty and the Beast’sLumiere, the titular family fromThe Simpsons,the “mane” cast ofMy Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,and even a Banzai Bill from theMariofranchise. Other referenced properties includePAW Patrol, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe,Kingdom Hearts,and the original toon-live action hybrid filmWho Framed Roger Rabbit?RELATED:Sega Will Share More Sonic Frontiers News ‘Soon’When Chip and Dale visit a fan convention to look for clues, they run into none other than “Ugly Sonic,” the prototype design for the title character from the 2020 filmSonic the Hedgehog.This version of the character, who was slammed by fans for his small eyes, narrow body and human-like hands and feet, has fully embraced the “Ugly Sonic” moniker, and makes money selling autographs to fans and starring in his own reality show where he helps the FBI solve “even uglier crimes.” Like many other characters in the film, he is voiced by a comedian: long-timeSaturday Night Livewriter Tim Robinson.
“Ugly Sonic” first appeared in posters and previews for the film in early 2019, and was immediately met with negative fan reaction. Fans felt that this Sonic, who had two separate eyes and a taller, rangier frame, was too realistic and “human-like,” making him appear unsettling rather than cute. In particular, this Sonic was criticized for his “human teeth,” an element which is called out by name in theRescue Rangersfilm. Ultimately,Sonic was redesigned in response to criticism, bringing his appearance in the film more in line with his look from the original video game series. TheSonic the Hedgehogfilm was a success, grossing over $300 million worldwide and spawning a sequel which released in 2022.
The prototype design’s appearance inChip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangerscaused the hashtag #UglySonic to trend on Twitter. Most fans were amused to see the uncanny valley version of the Blue Blur return, with some feeling that it was a positive thing that even the creators of the original design were now able to laugh at it and acknowledge it as ugly. Others were horrified, expressing that they had no wish to see Ugly Sonic ever again and that they hope he does not make further cameos in the plannedSonic the Hedgehogcinematic universe.
Chip n' Dale: Rescue Rangersis currently available to stream via Disney+.
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