When it comes to adapting Knuckles in aSonic the HedgehogTV show, fans haven’t always had much to cheer for - until Idris Elba took over, that is. The live-actionKnucklesspin-off series on Paramount+ continues the winning streak started in the secondSonic the Hedgehogmovie, bringing the powerful red echidna to life in a way that finally gives him the depth and dignity he deserves. Idris Elba’s portrayal of Knuckles is both hilarious and heartfelt, a combination of deadpan humor and fierce loyalty that makes him a standout in a franchise known for its speed-obsessed blue blur.
TheKnucklesseries doubles down on this interpretation, expanding his character in ways that feel both earned and long overdue. However, while many fans are praising this as a fresh and faithful version of Knuckles, it’s not the first time the character has been handled right. Long before Idris Elba donned the red dreadlocks (figuratively, of course), another Sonic adaptation quietly nailed what made Knuckles such a compelling figure in the first place. That show wasSonic X- the early 2000s anime that brought Sonic and friends into the human world. Looking back,it’s clearSonic XwalkedsoKnucklescould run.
Idris Elba’s Knuckles Is A Much Better Take On The Character Than Previous Versions
Elba’s Serious, Warrior-Like Knuckles Is The Perfect Evolution Of A Character Often Played For Laughs
For years, Knuckles inaSonicTV showmeant one thing: comic relief. Shows likeSonic Boomturned the once-fearsome guardian of the Master Emerald into a muscle-bound goofball with little more to do than provide punchlines. While this worked for the comedic tone ofBoom, it led to Knuckles being sidelined in the eyes of longtime fans. The proud echidna who once stood toe-to-toe with Sonic became a parody of himself - the butt of every joke, the oafish sidekick, the loveable idiot.
He has the dramatic gravitas of a Marvel superhero dropped into a Nickelodeon show, and it works brilliantly.
Enter Idris Elba.First appearing in 2022’sSonic the Hedgehog 2, Elba’s Knuckles immediately stood out as something different.He was serious. He was intense. He took his duty as a warrior seriously, even if his lack of understanding about Earth customs made for plenty of laughs. However, there’s a key difference between the comic relief of Elba’s Knuckles and the version seen in shows likeSonic Boom: Knuckles isn’t trying to be funny in the live-action movies andKnuckles. His humor comes naturally from his fish-out-of-water mindset. He has the dramatic gravitas of a Marvel superhero dropped into a Nickelodeon show, and it works brilliantly.
TheKnucklesseries doubles downon this version.He’s stoic, loyal, and deeply honorable - but still inadvertently hilarious thanks to his rigid sense of honor and complete lack of social awareness. It’s a character type that could’ve fallen flat if not for Elba’s committed performance. The actor brings depth and nuance to every line, giving Knuckles a quiet dignity even when he’s talking about chili dogs.
Knuckles isn’t just a funny side character anymore in the live-actionSonicuniverse. He’s the emotional heart of the story.What Elba’s Knuckles proves is that the character works best when hebelieveshe’s the most serious person in the room.That sincerity, combined with the absurdity of his surroundings, is where the magic lies. It’s not a reinvention. It’s a reminder of what Knuckles was always meant to be.
Sonic X’s Serious And Solitary Knuckles Laid The Groundwork For Idris Elba’s Modern Take
Knuckles wasn’t always a punchline inthe variousSonicTV shows. In fact, the most faithful take on the character before the movies came from an unlikely place:Sonic X, the 2003 anime series that followed Sonic and friends as they ended up stranded on Earth. While the show mainly focused on Sonic’s bond with human kid Chris Thorndyke, it didn’t skimp on giving the supporting characters their due - and that includes Knuckles, voiced in the English dub by Dan Green.
TheSonic Xversion of Knuckles was surprisingly complex.He was a lone wolf, dedicated to his duty as the guardian of the Master Emerald but often conflicted about his place in the wider world. He distrusted others, clashed with Sonic (voiced by Jason Griffith) more than once, and preferred to act on his own. This wasn’t just a character flaw - it was core to his identity. Like Elba’s Knuckles, he was proud, noble, and at times, hilariously unaware of social norms, but never the butt of the joke.
TheKnucklesshow may be the most recent adaptation of the games to do the character justice, butSonic Xlaid the groundwork almost two decades ago
Episodes like “Cracking Knuckles” and “A Dastardly Deed” showcase howSonic Xtreated the echidna seriously.Knuckles wasn’t a background character inSonic X- he had his own story arcs, emotional beats, and moments of real introspection.He even teamed up with Rouge the Bat (voiced by Kathleen Delaney) in episodes that showed off his strategic side and inner turmoil. The character had a clear code of honor and a sense of responsibility that made him stand out from the rest of the cast.
It’s no surprise, then, that Elba’s Knuckles feels so familiar.Both versions lean into the same core traits: seriousness, loyalty, pride, and an accidental knack for comedy.TheKnucklesshow may be the most recent adaptation of the games to do the character justice, butSonic Xlaid the groundwork almost two decades ago - and in doing so, quietly gave fans the first truly great Knuckles in aSonicTV show.
Sonic X Is A Great Way To Get Into The World Of Sonic If You’re A Fan Of The Movies
Fans Of The Sonic Movies Will Find A Lot To Love In Sonic X’s Character-Driven, Action-Packed Episodes
If you’re a fan of the live-actionSonicmovies and theKnucklesseries, diving into the older TV shows might seem like a gamble. However,Sonic Xis the clear standout - not only for how it handlesKnucklesin aSonicTV show, but for how well it captures the spirit of the entire franchise. First airing in Japan in 2003 and later dubbed for English-speaking audiences,Sonic Xcombines the high-octane actionof the games with a surprising amount of emotional depth.
The show kicks off with Sonic and friends being transported from their world to Earth, where they meet a young boy named Chris. While that setup might sound cheesy, it gives the series a narrative throughline that works. Characters like Tails (Amy Palant), Amy (Lisa Ortiz), and Knuckles get actual development across the series, and there’s a strong focus on character relationships and personal growth. Unlike earlier cartoons,Sonic Xtreats its story seriously, often pulling from actual game plots - particularlySonic AdventureandSonic Adventure 2- and adapting them into serialized arcs.
Knuckles benefits massively from this format. His storylines are filled with tension, betrayal, and redemption - elements that mirror whattheKnucklesshow didwith Elba’s live-action version of the crimson echidna. However,Sonic Xalso gives room for quieter moments: scenes where Knuckles wrestles with his decisions, confronts his rivals, and shows flashes of vulnerability that make him feel real.
For fans coming from the movies,Sonic Xis the perfect gateway into Sonic’s wider universe. It balances humor, action, and drama just like the films -and yes, it even nails Knuckles. It might be nearly 20 years old, butSonic Xstill understands exactly what makesKnucklesin aSonic the HedgehogTV show or movie such an endearing character..
