Paramount Pictures is prepping “ Sonic the Hedgehog 4,” with the studio anticipating a spring 2027 release date for the latest entry in the family-friendly franchise.

There are action sequences, plenty of clever puns (Gromit reads “Virginia Woof”), and sweet messages about real human (or animal) connection and work being more satisfying than any “smart” device.

The film unwrapped $7.5 million on Tuesday from 3,700 North American theaters. “Sonic 3” is projected to bring in $50 million between Wednesday and Sunday. So far, the animated threequel about a blue ...