Latest Sonic the Hedgehog Voice Actor Jason Griffith Parting Ways with SEGA’s Iconic Character?

The recent web chatter on several hardcore Sonic fan sites revolves around the possibility of the character’s voice actor since 2005, Jason Griffith, parting ways with SEGA’s iconic figure.

A video clip from Sonic Colors was posted to Jason’s Facebook page with a comment stating “This isn’t you, is it?” The question posing poster also noted that Sonic’s former voice actor (1998-2004), Ryan Drummond, voiced his opinion on being “canned” as soon as it happened — asking Jason why he didn’t do the same. Jason responded by stating:

“Thanks for sending [a video of Sonic Colours]. Not sure who is voicing Sonic, unfortunately, so I can’t really say. Also, we have all signed NDA’s in the past, so I don’t really “speak up” on a lot of things involving SEGA.”

I’ve recently reached out to SEGA for comment, and will let you know as soon as we hear back from them. However, in the mean time, as someone who has worked on the ad agency side for many years, I feel it important to add that this may not be as cut and dry as it seems. A quick look at Jason’s IMDB page reveals that the actor is currently working on another game in the production phase, so it is very possible that a scheduling conflict prevented him from reprising his role.

Of course, it is also possible that SEGA has simply decided to head in a different direction by giving another voice actor a go. And to be completely fair, Jason was once that new guy himself.

Change can be a difficult thing to accept, as fans of Ryan Drummond’s work continue to make clear years later. But it certainly happens in every walk of life, and if nothing else, it makes for interesting forum banter when it does.

[Source: SonicStadium via: GoNintendo]