Paramount’s marketing blitz for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is underway, and recent TV spots have unveiled fresh footage not seen in the initial trailers. This new content has ignited excitement, but eagle-eyed fans have spotted something peculiar in one commercial, sparking widespread speculation. A mysterious pink-haired woman appears briefly in a digital advertisement within a Tokyo setting. While unnamed, this character has been a topic of discussion among Sonic enthusiasts for almost three years.
The pink-haired enigma first surfaced in March 2022 during the inaugural episode of Sega’s TailsTube series on YouTube. In this episode, Tails clarified how humans and Sonic’s world coexist, settling a long-standing fan debate. While showcasing a group of generic humans, one pink-haired individual stood out, capturing the fandom’s imagination and inspiring a flurry of fan art. Many speculated she might eventually appear in a game like Sonic Frontiers.
Sonic Stadium recently highlighted the character’s reappearance on Bluesky, comparing a still from the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 TV spot with the original TailsTube image.
Notably, this character hasn’t appeared in official Sonic media since that TailsTube episode. Her resurgence in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 promotional material is unexpected, raising numerous questions among fans. One theory suggests she’s related to Maria Robotnik, perhaps a niece. Sonic x Shadow Generations recently disclosed that Maria has a sister. Given the 50-year gap between Shadow’s suspended animation and his revival, this pink-haired character might be too young to be Maria’s sister, but a niece seems plausible.
However, this appearance could simply be a playful Easter egg for fans. While less exciting, it wouldn’t be unprecedented. The first Sonic movie featured the infamous “Sanic” meme, so another nod to fan culture isn’t out of the question.
With Sonic the Hedgehog 3 hitting theaters on December 20th, answers may be forthcoming.
Is this a simple Easter egg, or a hint of a significant new character? Share your thoughts directly with me on Twitter @Marcdachamp, on Bluesky @Marcdachamp, or on Instagram @Dachampgaming!
