With each Sonic film, Paramount has drawn closer inspiration from Sega’s game series, teasing characters in each post-credits scene to set up the next. That’s no different with the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
The first film, for instance, introduced Sonic’s sidekick Tails in its post-credit scene, who was joined by Knuckles in the second film for a plot inspired by Mega Drive game Sonic 3. The second film, meanwhile, ended with a Shadow the Hedgehog reveal, making way for the newly-released film inspired by Sonic Adventure 2.
So what does the post-credits scene in the Sonic 3 film mean for the future of the franchise? Which game might be next?
This is your final spoiler warning!
Who’s teased for the next film?
At the end of Sonic 3, Shadow the Hedgehog and Eggman are presumed dead after the film’s climactic Eclipse Cannon explosion. Cue the Sonic R inspired credits.
The first post-credits scene sees Sonic running through a forest at night where he encounters not one but multiple Metal Sonics – that’s reveal number one. And who should save him, but a mysterious caped figure with a giant hammer who then reveals herself to be Amy Rose – reveal number two! Fans had already speculated these characters would feature in the next film as they’re the most likely candidates yet to be included in the film series. Amy especially is a major character bringing some much-needed feminine energy to the cast of critters.
There’s a second post-credits scene too showing some familiar sneakers – yes, Shadow isn’t gone after all!
Both Metal Sonic and Amy Rose were introduced to the game series in Sonic CD. Could that be the inspiration for Sonic 4?
A Sonic gem
Sonic CD was originally developed as a port of the original Mega Drive game for the Mega CD add-on, but later became its own project by Sonic Team in Japan directed by Sonic designer Naoto Ohshima. The original game’s lead programmer Yuji Naka, meanwhile, headed to Sega of America to develop what became Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Sonic CD released in 1993, a year after the “proper” sequel, with the CD format allowing for animated cutscenes and a higher quality soundtrack. Though less popular than other Sonic games due to its release platform, it received critical acclaim and has since been re-released multiple times – it’s included in the 2022 collection Sonic Origins.
Where Sonic the Hedgehog 2 introduced Tails, Sonic CD introduced the blue blur’s self-proclaimed girlfriend Amy Rose and new antagonist Metal Sonic (an invention from Robotnik, of course) who kidnaps Amy. Metal Sonic is the game’s most iconic boss, who Sonic must outrun in the Stardust Speedway zone to save Amy.
With the Sonic 3 film teasing both characters, Sonic CD could well form the basis of the next film.
Travelling through space and time
So what does that mean for the next film’s plot? Firstly, the films don’t directly replicate the games, as evidenced by the post-credits scenes. Amy storms in wielding the hammer weapon she’s since become known for, meaning she won’t be a mere damsel in distress. Her presence will certainly provide a welcome foil to the boisterous Sonic, though. And with a whole army of Metal Sonics for the blue hedgehog to contend with, the stakes have certainly been raised.