If only there were some pre-existing computer generated 3D models that the artists making movie Sonic could use to help them render the hedgehog in an appealing way
You just know there's some jerk screaming at the artists, "No! I want a REALISTIC Sonic!" while they beg and plead, no, they can't really make him realistic, he's not real, he's a weird rubberhose creature like Mickey Mouse, except filtered through Japanese culture and repackaged for Americans.
"See?" they said after the first trailer was released. "We told you he would look weird."
"Fine! I still want him to have HAIR!" the executive thunders. "Hedgehogs should be SHAGGY and FLUFFY!"
I guess the main issue is that Sonic's integument is very finely detailed hair and fur, which gives him a texture I don't want to think about. Sonic is probably best when he looks like he is made out of hard matte plastic, like a shell.