Our favorite blue ball of speed is apparently branching out these days. While we know that Sonic the Hedgehog just got his first merchandise store in Europe with a North American store coming soon, this isn’t the only way that Sonic is branching out.

Apparently, Sonic has decided to try his hand at acting; and what better way to do this than acting in a commercial. Yes, that’s right: Sonic is featured in the latest commercial hawking insurance for Progressive insurance company. (Given the kind of damage that Sonic causes, we can see the relationship between him and insurance; but we don’t know much about Sonic’s driving abilities other than his Sonic & Sega Racing All-Stars title, and we were not aware that insurance was required in this title.)

While his dialog is limited and he spends most of the time doing what he does best, which is running at tip top speed, the commercial does seem effective. While Sonic has appeared in his own cartoon series before, this is really the first time that Sonic has ventured into trying this type of acting. You have to hand it to Sega - it is a great way to make a few extra bucks and at the same time promote the Sonic brand. No word yet if Sonic plans any additional acting appearances or not.