The face that launched oh-so-many memes and ultimately a change in Sonics appearance in the Sonic the Hedgehog movies has gone from something Paramount Pictures would want to forget to an important touchstone of the franchises history. And its all thanks to the fans of the beloved Sega video games legacy who knew that Ugly Sonic wasnt their Sonic. During an interview with the Hollywood Reporter at the premiere for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the films voice of Sonic, Ben Schwartz, talked about how Ugly Sonic is something he embraces now: Maybe sometimes you need a little push to really look in the mirror and to hear the fans, to then really figure out if you want to adjust. And we did. It was really as if an internet audience composed of Sonic fans and casual moviegoers gave out a collective scream in horror at the teeth, the eyes, and just sheer eerie countenance of the movies botched abomination upgrade on Sonics classic look. Thankfully the studio and creative team quickly worked to reshape the icon into his real form. How often can you think of a film that really listens to fans and the studio takes money and time to change it because they think it would better the film? I think its rarely ever happened before, if ever, Schwartz said.But Ugly Sonic never truly died. The memes continue and audiences are quick to quake in social discourse fear thanks to Ugly Sonic PTSD when it comes to turning beloved characters into live-action. One Piece fans are holding their breath that Netflix doesnt pull an Ugly Sonic on live-action Tony Tony Chopper for example in season two. And both How to Train Your Dragons Toothless and Lilo & Stitchs Stitch retained their original cuteness in recent teasers for their upcoming live-action features. It truly is all thanks to Ugly Sonics cautionary tale, because hey: if it aint broke, dont fix it. Ugly Sonic would go on to be featured as a supporting character in Disneys 2022 hybrid film live-action Chip n Dale: Rescue Rangers and hes most recently been seen in a Christmas sweater officially released by Paramount Pictures in a giveaway. At the premiere, Sonic 3 director Jeff Fowler also gave Ugly Sonic his due: It was out of the ashes of Ugly Sonic that this beautiful trilogy of films, this phoenix, had to rise. It was a necessary sacrifice but yes, thank you Ugly Sonic for the memories. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 opens in theaters this Friday. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.