Ben Schwartz Reveals Cut Parks & Recreation Reference in Sonic The Hedgehog 2: “We Almost Got [It]”

Ben Schwartz recently disclosed a humorous anecdote regarding a Parks and Recreation homage that was ultimately excluded from Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Before lending his voice to the beloved video game character, Schwartz gained recognition for his role as Jean-Ralphio Saperstein, a character known for eliciting both laughter and discomfort in equal measure. Jean-Ralphio’s outrageous antics were later overshadowed by his equally insufferable sister, Mona Lisa, portrayed by Jenny Slate.

In a recent revelation, Schwartz shared that a nod to the notorious sibling duo from Parks and Rec was meant to appear in Sonic 2. Specifically, a reference to their memorable “Don’t be suspicious” sequence was originally scripted for the film. Unfortunately, director Jeff Fowler decided to remove this particular joke, leaving Schwartz to humorously lament the director’s choices regarding the film’s comedic elements, as highlighted in his tweet:

“He kept in the wooooorst. So I don’t think there are any legal reasons. We almost got a don’t be suspicious in 2. But it got cut.”

He kept in the wooooorst. So I don’t think there are any legal reasons. We almost got a don’t be suspicious in 2. But it got cut. — Ben Schwartz (@rejectedjokes) January 4, 2025

Implications for Schwartz, Sonic, and Parks and Recreation

A Different Tribute to the Beloved Sitcom in Sonic 2

Watch the clip here

The omitted joke referenced a scene from Season 7, Episode 12 of Parks and Rec, titled “One Last Ride (Part 1).” In this episode, Jean-Ralphio and Mona Lisa concoct a scheme to fake Jean-Ralphio’s death. In a farcical turn, he mistakenly attends his own mock funeral, leading to a comedic crescendo where the siblings perform a ridiculous song-and-dance number centered around the phrase “Don’t be suspicious,” only to be chased away.

While Schwartz couldn’t insert this particular reference into his $405 million box office success, he did manage to incorporate another signature Jean-Ralphio line. He explained in a 2022 interview with Entertainment Weekly:

“There’s this scene where Sonic and the dog are watching a movie, and he’s talking about it. So I did like a hundred alternate takes for all these different movies that we were trying to get the rights to… But then Jeff Fowler and Toby Ascher suggested, what if we just did Jean-Ralphio’s ‘the wooorst’? Which means that Jean-Ralphio is canon in the Sonic universe, which is very exciting for me. His taste is mostly ’90s, and then Parks and Recreation.”

Despite securing one iconic Parks and Rec Easter egg, Schwartz’s enthusiasm for including the “don’t be suspicious” reference underscores his deep appreciation for the sitcom and its characters. His playful critique of the director hints at a desire for more such tributes in future projects.

Reflecting on the Omission of Parks and Rec in Sonic 2

No Such Thing as Too Many Parks and Rec Easter Eggs

Sonic looking worried alongside Ugly Sonic from the trailer — Custom image by Nick Bythrow

Ben Schwartz has secured his place as a prominent voice in video game adaptations through his role as Sonic. Nevertheless, his fondness for Parks and Recreation remains a significant part of his identity. While he was able to embed a delightful Jean-Ralphio reference in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the inclusion of a nod to both Saperstein siblings would have certainly elevated the film’s comedic quality. With the potential for sequels, fans remain hopeful that future installations may finally capture the essence of “Don’t be suspicious” in a memorable Easter egg.

Source: @rejectedjokes/X

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