‘Knuckles’ is a 2024 action comedy series from Paramount+, continuing the story of Knuckles the Echidna after ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2.’ Created by John Whittington and Toby Ascher, this show is inspired by Sega’s ‘Sonic’ video games. The series shows Knuckles settling on Earth, in a small town, where he trains Deputy Wade Whipple to become a brave warrior. Their peaceful training is disrupted when a former henchman of Robotnik targets Knuckles for his special powers. Let’s take a look at where this exciting series was filmed.
Main Filming Locations
Filming for ‘Knuckles’ took place between April and June 2023, blending the modern technology of Pinewood Studios in England with the lovely cityscape of Reno, Nevada. The show’s production team made great use of these locales to create Knuckles’ vivid universe. From high-tech animations in Buckinghamshire to the picturesque streets of Reno, each location enhances the series’ excitement and adventure. Prepare to accompany Knuckles on his amazing adventure through these fascinating locations in this new series!
Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire, England
A big part of ‘Knuckles’ was filmed at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England. This famous studio, located on Pinewood Road in Slough, Iver, is known for its advanced facilities and high-tech equipment. Pinewood Studios was the perfect place for creating the complex animations and live-action scenes in ‘Knuckles.’
The series used a lot of special effects and had around 1,600 animated shots, 300 more than the first ‘Sonic’ movie. To speed up the animation process, the team partnered with multiple vendors like Outpost, Untold, ILM, RSP, Fin, and their in-house team. This helped them complete the six-episode season quickly, in just two months.
Director Jeff Fowler explained that for ‘Knuckles,’ they used a puppet on set instead of just a tennis ball on a stick. This puppet helped actors interact more naturally with the character, improving the show’s comedy and action scenes.
Reno, Nevada
To capture the small-town feel of the series, the crew went to Reno, Nevada. Reno is a city on the northwestern border of Nevada, surrounded by the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains and close to Lake Tahoe. Known as The Biggest Little City in the World, Reno provided the perfect setting for Knuckles’ adventures.
Many outdoor action scenes were shot in downtown Reno. Key landmarks like the Silver Legacy Resort Casino, Eldorado, Circus-Circus Hotel, National Bowling Stadium, and Palace Jewelry & Loan Company can be spotted in the show. One exciting scene takes place at the National Bowling Stadium at 300 University Way. Here, Knuckles and Wade go bowling but are interrupted by the villain’s henchmen. The stadium, with its four stories and 78 bowling lanes, is often called the Taj Mahal of Tenpins. A massive ball sculpture on top of the stadium dramatically crashes down in one of the action scenes.
Reno’s downtown is lively, with casinos, restaurants, bars, and live music venues, making it a great filming location. Reno has also been featured in other films like ‘Austin Powers in Goldmember,’ ‘Kingpin,’ and ‘Sister Act.’
The filming locations for ‘Knuckles’ combine the advanced technology of Pinewood Studios in England with the charming cityscape of Reno, Nevada. From high-tech animations to the scenic streets of Reno, each location adds to the excitement and adventure of the series. Whether it’s the sophisticated studios in Buckinghamshire or the vibrant atmosphere of Reno, these locations bring Knuckles’ story to life. Get ready to join Knuckles on his thrilling journey through these fascinating places in this new series!
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Knuckles
Q: Where was ‘Knuckles’ filmed?
A: ‘Knuckles’ was filmed in two main locations:
- Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire, England: This is where the majority of the indoor scenes and special effects were done.
- Reno, Nevada, USA: The outdoor and small-town scenes were shot in this city, which provided the perfect backdrop for the series.
Q: When was ‘Knuckles’ filmed?
A: Filming for ‘Knuckles’ took place from April 2023 to June 2023. The shooting happened back-to-back with ‘Sonic 3,’ using some of the same production setups.
Q: When will ‘Knuckles’ be released?
A: ‘Knuckles’ was released on Paramount+ in April 26, 2024.
Q: What is Pinewood Studios known for?
A: Pinewood Studios, located in Buckinghamshire, England, is famous for its advanced production facilities and has been used for many blockbuster films and TV shows. It’s particularly known for its high-tech equipment and ability to handle complex special effects and animations.
Q: Why was Reno chosen as a filming location for ‘Knuckles’?
A: Reno was chosen because of its charming small-town vibe and beautiful surrounding landscapes, like the Sierra Nevada mountains and Lake Tahoe. These settings were perfect for capturing the town where Knuckles and Deputy Wade have their adventures.
