It’s disappointing for fans to see James Marsden’s character, Tom Wachowski, omitted from the Knuckles spin-off series. While he is referenced by name, his absence is notable, especially considering his significant role in the Sonic movies.
The likely reason for this absence is budget constraints. With the series focusing on delivering high-quality visual effects and CGI for Knuckles, there may not have been enough resources left in the budget to accommodate Marsden’s salary, which could be higher than his co-stars in the Sonic movies.
While Marsden has worked in television before, Paramount+ may have been unwilling or unable to meet his salary demands for the series. Additionally, any recent controversies surrounding Marsden, such as his involvement in the Brian Peck controversy, likely did not impact his potential appearance in Knuckles, as the series was developed and filmed before these details came to light.
However, fans can rest assured that James Marsden will return as Tom Wachowski in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, where his character plays a crucial role. Despite his absence in Knuckles, the series focuses on Knuckles forging new friendships, battling villains, and finding his purpose on Earth, offering an exciting new perspective for fans of the Sonic universe.