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The third installment of the Sonic the Hedgehog film series has delighted critics, largely due to a beloved character stepping into the spotlight for an epic showdown with Team Sonic. This new adventure promises to be unlike any before it.
When Shadow the Hedgehog is awakened from a 50-year slumber by a mysterious force, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles must unravel the plot to prevent impending doom.
The first two Sonic films hinted at major storylines during their credits, leaving fans curious if Sonic the Hedgehog 3 follows suit. I’ve watched the movie and can guide you on how long to stay seated.
I’ve also provided a comprehensive breakdown of the ending and its implications for the Sonic live-action universe, with spoiler alerts for those who want to avoid them.
You can check out Tech Advisor’s official review of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 here.
Does Sonic the Hedgehog 3 have a post-credits scene?
Don’t rush out of the theater just yet—Sonic the Hedgehog 3 features two post-credits scenes.
The first scene appears midway through the credits, after the animated segment. But don’t leave right after that; there’s another teaser at the very end of the credits.
Both scenes hint at what’s next for the series, including Sonic the Hedgehog 4, which is reportedly aiming for a 2027 release according to Variety. They might also suggest a new spin-off series on Paramount+, akin to the standalone Knuckles show.
If you want to avoid spoilers for the ending of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, stop reading here.
What happens in the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 mid-credits scene?
The scene unfolds after Sonic concludes a race with Tails and Knuckles. In typical Sonic fashion, he finds himself far from home, in New York.
Suddenly, Sonic is confronted by a robot that seems oddly familiar—a character fans will recognize as Metal Sonic, a frequent antagonist in the Sonic games and media.
But it’s not just one Metal Sonic; multiple glowing red eyes emerge from the shadows, surrounding him.
As Sonic braces for battle, a hammer unexpectedly destroys the Metal Sonics. A hooded figure leaps into the air, catching the hammer.
Sonic asks for their identity, and the figure reveals herself as Amy Rose, a key character from the games who has yet to appear in the Jeff Fowler-led films.
Metal Sonic and Amy Rose were first introduced in Sonic CD, where Sonic saves Amy from the robotic villain. The storyline involves time travel, with the player needing to prevent a future controlled by Robotnik.
What happens in the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 final post-credits scene?
The scene reveals a crater with one of Shadow’s inhibitor rings—a symbol of his ultimate power to save Earth when he and Robotnik sacrificed themselves.
But Shadow isn’t finished yet. We see his iconic jet shoes before the scene cuts to black.
Fans of the games know Shadow’s fate is never final. He seemingly perished at the end of Sonic Adventure 2, which inspired this film, but returned in Sonic Heroes, raising questions about his origins.
The introduction of New York and these characters suggests they will play a crucial role in Sonic 4.
Metal Sonic will likely be the primary antagonist, known for mimicking Sonic’s abilities and occasionally defying his creator, Doctor Eggman.
In later games like Sonic Heroes, Metal Sonic gains even more power using chaos emeralds, transforming into formidable forms like Neo Metal Sonic and Metal Overlord.
Amy Rose’s debut deviates from her traditional game introduction. Originally portrayed as a damsel in distress and Sonic’s biggest fan, she evolves into an independent heroine in later games.
Her presence in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 hints at a more self-sufficient character, though her relationship with Sonic remains to be seen.
Both Metal Sonic and Amy Rose feature prominently in Sonic CD and Sonic Heroes, likely serving as inspiration for Sonic 4’s storyline. Amy also appears in Sonic Adventure, forming unexpected alliances that challenge her bond with Sonic.
Shadow’s survival suggests his return, though his role in the fourth film is uncertain. Producer Toby Ascher has hinted at more spin-offs, which could explore Shadow’s backstory in a series.
In the games, Shadow becomes an agent for G.U.N. With Krysten Ritter portraying a new leader of this organization, her character could serve as a foe or ally in future stories.
But if Metal Sonic is the villain, who created him? In the games, it’s Eggman—but his fate in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 seemed definitive…or was it?
Is Doctor Eggman really dead in Sonic the Hedgehog 3?
While an explosion in space seems impossible to survive, the final post-credits scene confirmed at least Shadow did.
It’s possible Shadow teleported Robotnik to safety, or perhaps there’s a cloned version of the villain lurking somewhere.
Eggman’s return could also involve time travel, as seen in Sonic CD, where Robotnik used Time Stones to create a robotic utopia.
All three characters might hail from the future or an alternate timeline if the creators opt for a new narrative direction.
Jim Carrey’s potential return for a fourth film could hinge on the story, as he expressed willingness to reprise his role as Robotnik if the right idea comes along.
Jim Carrey is a major attraction for audiences, and his enjoyment of the role suggests he could make a comeback.
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