“It’s a true actor’s dream getting a small part and then having the chance to expand it”: Adam Pally on Knuckles

For die-hard fans of the Sonic the Hedgehog games and now cinematic world, you are in for a treat. Picking up the narrative between the last Sonic movie and the forthcoming third, Knuckles is the new spin-off six-part show putting the red echidna into the limelight. Idris Elba returns as the voice of Knuckles, alongside Adam Pally (Happy Endings, The Mindy Project) as Wade Wipple, who is taken under his wing to master the echidna warrior ways. Delivering a delightful combo of humour, action-packed scenes and cleverly integrated CGI animation with live-action, the show manages to hit both its comedic and emotional beats, exploring the backstories of both characters and their battles with identity and sense of place in the world. Pally is particularly brilliant as Wipple, bringing his aptitude for comic timing to bear on every scene and line, the family comedy working both on the newer generation being introduced to the Sonic world and the older one who grew up playing the games, with many a nostalgic music and pop cultural reference. 

The Upcoming had a blast chatting to the quick-witted Pally, who shared insights into his role as dim-witted Wade Wipple, and his journey from a comedic sheriff to a warrior under Knuckles’s mentorship. He expressed nostalgia for the Sonic universe, lauded Idris Elba’s comedic talent as Knuckles, and highlighted the blend of action, comedy and emotional depth in the series. Pally also teased future projects and his excitement for potential continuations of his character’s story.

Sarah Bradbury

Knuckles is released on Paramount+ on 27^th April 2024.

Watch the trailer for Knuckles here: