Which actor voices Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 from 2022?

Idris Elba voices Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the 2022 live-action film. His Knuckles is an echidna warrior who arrives seeking the Master Emerald and initially allies with Dr. Robotnik.

The character is introduced as a powerful, highly disciplined fighter driven by honor and revenge. Knuckles believes Sonic possesses information connected to the Master Emerald, while Robotnik exploits that belief for his own ambitions. Their rivalry eventually gives way to an alliance among Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles.

Elba approached the role by exploring Knuckles’ identity and motivations rather than treating him only as a comic side character. Director Jeff Fowler described the film’s version as closer to Knuckles’ early game portrayals: a formidable guardian and force of nature with a strong warrior code.

Knuckles first appeared in the 1994 video game Sonic the Hedgehog 3, where he served as an antagonist before becoming playable and joining Sonic’s team. Elba later reprised the voice in the Paramount+ series Knuckles, a spin-off set after Sonic the Hedgehog 2.