It is a simple question on the surface. You'd think there would be one guy. One definitive voice that pops into everyone’s head when that blue blur streaks across the screen. But honestly? It depends entirely on how old you are and whether you’re sitting in a movie theater, holding a controller, or watching Netflix on your phone.
The truth is that the "voice" of Sonic isn't a person. It's a legacy. Right now, in 2026, we are living through a weirdly crowded era where three different men are technically the "current" voice of the character depending on the project.
The Three Kings of the Modern Era
If you’re playing the latest video games like Sonic Frontiers or the 35th-anniversary titles coming out this year, you’re hearing Roger Craig Smith. He’s the veteran. The guy has been at this since 2010. He actually "retired" from the role back in 2021, which sent the internet into a total meltdown. Then, a few months later, he just... came back. It was like he never left. He’s the longest-running voice in the history of the games, and he’s evolved the character from a quippy teenager to a slightly more somber, grounded hero.
Then you have the Hollywood side of things.
When you go to the movies to see the live-action/CGI hybrids, the voice coming out of those realistically furred ears is Ben Schwartz. You might know him as Jean-Ralphio from Parks and Recreation. He brings this kinetic, almost caffeinated energy to Sonic that feels very "movie star." It’s a different vibe. It’s younger. It’s a Sonic who is still figuring out how to be a hero while living in a small town in Montana.
And then there's the animation world.
Deven Mack stepped into the sneakers for the Netflix series Sonic Prime. He had a massive job because he had to play multiple versions of Sonic across different dimensions. His take is kind of a bridge between the classic 90s attitude and the modern professional hero.
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The Complete List of Sonic’s Voices
If we’re being thorough—and since you're here, I'm assuming you want the deep cut—the list of people who have officially voiced the Blue Blur in English is surprisingly long.
- Jaleel White: The legend himself. If you grew up in the 90s, Sonic sounds like Steve Urkel. He voiced him in Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, the "SatAM" series, and Sonic Underground.
- Ryan Drummond: The first voice of the "Modern" era. He started with Sonic Adventure on the Dreamcast in 1999. To many fans, he is the definitive "cool" Sonic.
- Jason Griffith: He took over in 2003 for the Sonic X anime and eventually moved into the games. He’s the voice of the Shadow the Hedgehog era and Sonic Unleashed.
- Martin Burke: He voiced Sonic in the 1999 OVA (the anime movie). He’s got a very specific, slightly higher-pitched New York-esque accent that fans either love or find hilariously weird.
- Jun'ichi Kanemaru: We have to mention him. While the English cast changes every decade like clockwork, Kanemaru has been the Japanese voice of Sonic since 1998 without a single break. That’s consistency.
Why does the voice keep changing?
It’s a bit of a sore spot for the fandom. Unlike Mario, where Charles Martinet held the fort for decades (until recently), Sega has a habit of "refreshing" the cast. Usually, this happens when they change production studios or move to a different union contract.
When the games moved from the Sonic Adventure style to the Sonic X era, they brought in the 4Kids cast. When Sega moved their operations again around 2010, they brought in Roger Craig Smith and a whole new crew.
It isn't always about the performance. Sometimes it’s just business.
The Ben Schwartz Factor
Schwartz is a huge Sonic fan in real life. That matters. When he got the role for the 2020 film, there was a lot of skepticism. People wondered why they wouldn't just use Roger Craig Smith since he was already the voice in the games.
Hollywood likes "names," sure. But Schwartz actually put in the work to make the character feel like a kid. In the movies, Sonic is basically a lonely ten-year-old with God-like powers. Schwartz’s voice carries that vulnerability. If you listen to his performance in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024) and the subsequent spin-offs, you can hear him maturing alongside the character. He isn't just doing a "cartoon voice"; he’s acting.
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Who is the "Best" Voice?
This is where you start fights on Reddit.
Honestly, it's a generational thing. If you grew up with the Sega Genesis and Saturday morning cartoons, Jaleel White is your Sonic. He gave the character that "way past cool" 90s edge.
If you grew up with the GameCube and the Wii, you probably swear by Jason Griffith. He had a certain raspiness that fit the more "edgy" storylines of the mid-2000s.
But if we’re looking at technical skill and longevity, Roger Craig Smith has a strong case. His performance in Sonic Frontiers was a turning point. He dropped the pitch of his voice. He slowed down his delivery. He made Sonic feel like a character who has actually seen some things and lived a long life. It was a "prestige" performance in a series that is usually known for being loud and fast.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often think there is some huge rivalry between these actors. It's the opposite. Ben Schwartz has gone on record multiple times praising Roger Craig Smith. Deven Mack and Roger have shared stages at conventions. They all seem to view it as a brotherhood.
Another common misconception? That the movie voice will eventually take over the games.
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Sega seems very happy keeping the "Brand" voices separate. They want the Movie Sonic to be its own thing and the Game Sonic to maintain its 15-year continuity. It keeps the fans happy, and it allows for different tones of storytelling.
Where the Voice Goes From Here
As we move through 2026, the franchise is bigger than it’s ever been. We have the "Sonic 35" celebrations happening, new DLC for the major games, and more animated content on the horizon.
If you want to keep track of who is currently voicing the hedgehog, here is your quick cheat sheet:
- For Games: Look for Roger Craig Smith. He is the anchor of the franchise right now.
- For Movies: It’s Ben Schwartz. He’s likely locked in for as long as Paramount keeps making these films.
- For Japanese Media: It’s still Jun'ichi Kanemaru, the undisputed king of longevity.
If you’re a fan, the best thing you can do is check out the "Behind the Scenes" features on the recent game releases. Hearing Roger talk about his process for Frontiers or seeing Ben Schwartz in the recording booth for the movies gives you a lot of respect for what they do. It’s not just talking fast; it’s about capturing the heart of a character that has been a global icon for three and a half decades.
Keep an eye on the credits of the next "Sonic Team" announcement. While Roger is firmly in the seat for now, history shows us that in the world of Sonic, things can change at the speed of sound.