Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has been in development for quite some time, even predating the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in theaters. Rest assured, the third installment of the franchise is in progress, and we guarantee its arrival. Additionally, there is an upcoming spin-off series centered around Knuckles, who made his first appearance in the second film with the talented voice acting of Idris Elba.
In April of this year, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 made its debut and received both critical acclaim and impressive financial success. With a box office revenue of $402 million, it secured the title of the highest-grossing video game movie in the United States. These remarkable accomplishments bode well for the future of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise at Paramount. Fans can look forward to a spinoff series featuring Knuckles the Echidna, set to be released on Paramount+ in the following year. Furthermore, the highly anticipated Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is scheduled for release in December 2024.
While specific details regarding the third Sonic movie have not been officially revealed, we do have knowledge of its release date. It’s important to note that any other information about the film is currently based on speculation and educated guesses. We can make assumptions about certain aspects of the movie, but until official announcements are made, it’s best to treat them as speculative.
So, bearing this uncertainty in mind, here’s what we know so far, and what we can glean, about Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Plot
The official story summary for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has not been released at this time. However, based on the conclusion of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and an intriguing post-credits scene, it is possible to speculate that Shadow the Hedgehog might emerge as the antagonist in the next film, creating a formidable opposition to our beloved blue hero.
At the conclusion of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Dr. Robotnik was defeated as Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails united their strengths to overcome him. With the recovery of the Master Emerald, an ancient power source, Sonic and his newfound family pledge to safeguard this precious jewel. Notably, Dr. Robotnik’s body was not discovered, leaving room for the possibility of a future encounter with the villainous genius.
In addition to Dr. Robotnik’s inevitable pursuit of the Master Emerald, the post-credits scene in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 introduced a new antagonist named Shadow. GUN (the Guardian Units of Nations) discovered hidden coordinates to an abandoned facility where ‘Project Shadow’ had been underway for 50 years, following the aftermath of Sonic and Dr. Robotnik’s recent clash. The teaser video depicts a black hedgehog awakening and preparing to unleash chaos, setting the stage for potential mayhem in the future.
How Much Wilder Can The Sonic Franchise Get?
The Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise has incorporated various eccentric elements, drawing inspiration from the games as well as introducing unique elements specific to the movie universe. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 introduced the Chaos Emeralds and Master Emerald, maintaining their connection to the echidnas. However, the film also presents a conflict between echidnas and owls, with the latter having stolen the Master Emerald from the echidnas and hidden it on Earth, along with the sealed Chaos Emeralds. Due to the significant presence of Earth in the lore of the Sonic the Hedgehog films, it is likely that further adjustments to the game series’ story will be made as more game elements are introduced in future movies.
A significant change was established in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 through a post-credits scene, where the newly-formed G.U.N. organization discovers notes from Dr. Robotnik hinting at a secretive facility linked to Project Shadow. This introduction of Shadow the Hedgehog suggests that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will incorporate elements from the Sonic Adventure 2 video game. However, Sonic Adventure 2 also features prominent characters, namely Amy Rose and Rouge the Bat, who have yet to be introduced in the film franchise. To remain faithful to the plot elements in Shadow’s debut game, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 would need to include the introduction of Amy and Rouge. Additionally, Shadow’s backstory and motivations, which involve the Space Colony ARK and the death of Maria Robotnik, would also need to be explored in the upcoming third film.
Shadow’s presence in the film series as a government project tied to Robotnik’s family aligns with the game canon, but it does create a contradiction with the notion that Sonic is the first extraterrestrial from his world to arrive on Earth. As a result, the introduction of Shadow in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 would require delving into his backstory and providing an explanation for Earth’s seemingly long-standing connection to Sonic’s world. This means that Casey and Miller, the filmmakers, will need to navigate both the established lore of the Sonic universe and the new world they have constructed in the film series. The upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is bound to be an exhilarating experience for fans of both the games and the films, as it promises to be a rollercoaster ride that blends elements from both worlds.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 cast
Sonic fans will be delighted to hear that two familiar faces, Ben Schwartz and James Marsden, are reprising their roles in the upcoming film. Ben Schwartz lends his voice to the beloved blue hero, Sonic, while James Marsden portrays Tom, Sheriff Tom, Sonic’s close friend and ally. Their return to the cast will surely bring joy to fans of the franchise.
Idris Elba, the actor who voices Knuckles, has already confirmed his commitment to portraying the character in the sequel’s upcoming TV series. This indicates that if Knuckles were to make an appearance in the forthcoming movie, he would likely have a recurring presence throughout the franchise. Elba’s involvement in multiple productions suggests a continued portrayal of Knuckles beyond just a single appearance, providing fans with the prospect of seeing more of the character in future installments.
In addition to the returning cast members, Colleen O’Shaughnessey will reprise her role as Miles “Tails” Prower, the lovable yellow fox.
It is highly likely that Tika Sumpter will return as Maddie, Tom’s wife, and Natasha Rothwell will reprise her role as Rachel, Maddie’s sassy sister. If Rachel joins the cast of the upcoming movie, we may also have the opportunity to see Shemar Moore return as her fiancé and undercover GUN agent.
The return of these characters and actors suggests a continuation of their storylines and adds to the anticipation of their involvement in the forthcoming film.
Regrettably, there is unfortunate news regarding the casting of Sonic’s iconic nemesis, Dr. Robotnik. Jim Carrey, who brilliantly portrayed the character in the previous two Sonic movies, is unlikely to return for future installments. In a 2022 interview, Carrey expressed his intention to retire from acting after Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Consequently, this may lead to either the replacement of Dr. Robotnik’s role by another actor or the temporary absence of the character from the movie franchise.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 release date
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is scheduled to race into theaters on December 20, 2024, barring any unforeseen delays. This confirmation came in early August 2022, signaling a slightly longer wait for fans accustomed to the speedy big-screen adventures of Sonic.
Unlike the previous two movies, which were released in the earlier part of the year (February 2020 and April 2022), Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will take a different approach with a Christmas release. The success of the previous films at the box office demonstrates that a holiday release for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a logical choice.
Although no official announcement has been made regarding the start of production for the third Sonic movie, it is reasonable to speculate that it would need to commence by 2023 at the latest. Similar to the previous two films, a considerable amount of time will be dedicated to the visual effects, necessitating ample production time to ensure the desired quality and visual spectacle.
