Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has just hit theaters, but fans are already buzzing with excitement about the confirmed 2027 release of Sonic 4. This naturally raises questions about how Sonic 3 sets the stage for its sequel. Let’s dive in and explore the possibilities, but be warned: MAJOR SPOILERS ahead!
The Aftermath of Sonic 3: Openings for Sonic 4
Sonic 3 culminates in a dramatic showdown to save Earth from Professor Gerald Robotnik, the brilliant but unstable grandfather of Dr. Ivo Robotnik. Gerald manipulates Shadow the Hedgehog into activating the devastating Eclipse Cannon, a space-based weapon capable of destroying the planet. Ivo, initially driven by world domination, ultimately chooses to protect Earth, turning against his grandfather. Super Sonic and Super Shadow clash across the globe, even battling on the moon, before joining forces with Knuckles, Tails, and Ivo to stop Gerald. Ivo and Shadow seemingly sacrifice themselves to divert the Eclipse Cannon, saving Earth from its destructive power. However, the post-credits scene reveals Shadow retrieving his signature bracelet from the crash site, hinting at his survival.
Mid-Credits Scene: Metal Sonic and Amy Rose’s Debut
Sonic 3‘s mid-credits scene offers a more direct glimpse into the future of the franchise and lays the groundwork for Sonic 4. Mirroring the film’s opening woodland race, Sonic races Knuckles and Tails, only this time it’s not a surprise party ruse. Pushing his speed to the limit, Sonic ventures into a darker part of the woods where he’s ambushed by Metal Sonic. Their battle reaches a stalemate as Sonic finds himself surrounded by an army of robotic duplicates. Just as they prepare to attack, a mysterious cloaked figure intervenes, wielding a powerful hammer to destroy the robots and reveal herself as Amy Rose.
Sonic 4: Adapting Game Storylines?
Both Amy Rose and Metal Sonic debuted in the 1993 video game Sonic CD. The game’s narrative revolves around Robotnik’s attempt to conquer Little Planet using time stones and his Metal Sonic enforcer. Amy Rose became a playable character in the highly acclaimed 1998 game Sonic Adventure. This game explores the Master Emerald’s origins and its connection to the Chaos Emeralds, the echidnas, the Chao, and their powerful protector, Chaos. Robotnik shatters the Master Emerald, unleashing Chaos upon Station Square. The game also features subplots involving Amy Rose, such as her influencing some of Robotnik’s robots, like E-102 Gamma, to join her side.
Fans of the games quickly noticed Sonic 3‘s adaptation of story elements from Sonic Adventure 2, including Shadow’s introduction and Gerald Robotnik’s Eclipse Cannon. It seems logical that Sonic 4 might draw inspiration from Sonic Adventure‘s storyline, giving Amy Rose a more prominent role, and potentially incorporating elements from Sonic CD, which introduced both Amy and Metal Sonic.
The Future of the Sonic Cinematic Universe
The Sonic the Hedgehog film producers have demonstrated a knack for weaving key elements from the games into compelling cinematic narratives. Introducing Amy Rose opens up exciting possibilities for future installments, including numerous opportunities to pay homage to popular Sonic games.
Sonic 3 is currently playing in theaters, with Sonic 4 slated for release in 2027.
