There's a nightmarish Sonic the Hedgehog movie in the works

As if the Sonic franchise were not sufficiently diluted by ill-conceived reboots, spin-offs and cross-media, a new movie is in the works.

The project comes courtesy of Sony Pictures, collaborating with Sega Sammy's Marza Animation Planet, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The phrase "hybrid computer-animated/live-action feature" hasn't resulted in anything but pure nightmare fuel since 1988's Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and yet here we are. That's what's being made.

Total Recall, Fast & Furious and I am Legend producer Neal Moritz is behind the Original Film project, which is being written by Evan Susser and Van Robichaux of Upright Citizens Brigade fame.

No further details have been confirmed as yet beyond word that Dr Eggman (or Robotnik) will be included.

"There are limitless stories to tell with a character like Sonic the Hedgehog and a built-in international fan base," Columbia Pictures president of production Hannah Minghella said.

"Along with our wonderful creative partners at Marza, we're looking to capture everything that generations of fans know and love about Sonic while also growing his audience wider than ever before."

"Sonic has had dozens of adventures on the console and the small screen, and we're thrilled that he's now coming to the big screen. Sony Pictures has had great success with hybrid animated and live-action features, and we're confident that this collaboration will bring a fresh take to Sonic, while still capturing everything that the fans love about him," said Marza CEO Masanao Maeda, apparently referring to The Smurfs series. Gosh.