Tika Sumpter embarked on an extraordinary journey when getting ready for her significant role as Sonic's mom, Maddie Wachowski, in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. This experience not only showcased her dedication but also highlighted the unique bond she shares with her daughter.

Discovering the Power of Family in Sonic's World

Preparing with Expertise

During the Los Angeles premiere of the animated film held at the TCL Chinese Theatre on Monday, Dec. 16, Tika Sumpter opened up about her preparation process. She revealed that her 8-year-old daughter, Ella-Loren, has been an invaluable source of knowledge. "First of all, my daughter teaches me," Sumpter shared. "She knows more about Sonic than I do and everybody else does." This shows the depth of her daughter's passion and connection to the franchise.The star further explained that Ella-Loren has been "obsessed" with the Sonic franchise since she was 4 years old. She plays all the video games and has watched the first movie multiple times. Now, at 8, her love for Sonic has only grown stronger.

Educating Through Shared Interests

Sumpter also mentioned that her daughter has taken it upon herself to educate her on more of the characters. "She told me she needs to educate me on more of the characters," Sumpter added. This shows the importance of shared interests in a family and how it can lead to learning and growth.It's not just about Sonic; Ella-Loren is also passionate about the entire franchise. From the video games to all three movies, she has immersed herself in the world of Sonic.

Family Discussions on Race and Identity

Sumpter shares Ella-Loren with her husband Nicholas James. In August, she opened up to PEOPLE about how the couple discusses race and identity with their mixed-race daughter. "We're already talking to Ella about race," Sumpter said. "Nick actually went to the library the other day and got a bunch of books on Pharaoh and Africa, and then one on civil rights. He's reading this civil rights book out loud and he's like, 'This is infuriating!' And Ella can't even imagine that time. She's like, 'How could people do such a thing?'"Sumpter emphasized the importance of informing their daughter in an age-appropriate way. "You don't want to scare her, but you want to inform her in a way that is age-appropriate," she said.Sonic the Hedgehog 3 premieres in theaters on Friday, Dec. 20, and it's clear that Tika Sumpter's family connection to the movie will make it a truly special experience.