The Future of Sonic the Hedgehog Films Beyond Sonic 3’s Post-Credits Tease

This article contains major spoilers regarding Sonic 3 and its post-credit segment, proceed at your own risk!

With each Sonic film, Paramount has increasingly taken inspiration from Sega’s gaming franchise, hinting at characters in each post-credit scene to set up the following installment. This continues with the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

The first film, for instance, introduced Sonic’s ally Tails in its post-credit scene, who was subsequently accompanied by Knuckles in the sequel, inspired by the gameplay of Sonic 3. The subsequent film, on the other hand, concluded with a reveal of Shadow the Hedgehog, paving the way for the forthcoming movie inspired by Sonic Rush 2.

So, what does the post-credit scene in the Sonic 3 film indicate for the future of the franchise? Which game might be next?

Here’s your final spoiler alert!

Who’s hinted at for the upcoming film?

At the end of Sonic 3, Shadow the Hedgehog and Eggman are presumed to be dead following the movie’s intense Eclipse Cannon explosion. Cue the Sonic R inspired credits.

The first post-credit scene features Sonic racing through a forest at night, where he encounters not one but several Steel Sonics – that’s reveal number one. And who should come to his aid, but a mysterious cloaked figure wielding a massive hammer who then reveals herself to be Amy Rose – reveal number two! Fans had already speculated these characters would appear in the next movie as they are the likely candidates for inclusion in the film franchise. Amy, in particular, is a significant character, providing some much-needed female representation to the cast of critters.

There is also a second post-credit scene showcasing some recognizable shoes – yes, Shadow isn’t gone after all!

Both Steel Sonic and Amy Rose were introduced in the gaming franchise during Sonic CD. Could that set the stage for Sonic 4?

A Sonic masterpiece

Sonic CD was originally developed as a port of the original Mega Drive game for the Mega CD add-on, but soon became its own project by Sonic Team in Japan, led by Sonic designer Naoto Ohshima. The original game’s lead programmer Yuji Naka, on the other hand, went to Sega of America to create what became Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Sonic CD was released in 1993, a year after the “official” sequel, featuring the CD format that allowed for animated cutscenes and a superior quality soundtrack. Although it was less popular compared to many Sonic titles due to its launching platform, it received critical acclaim and has since been re-released multiple times – it’s included in the 2022 compilation Sonic Origins.

While Sonic the Hedgehog 2 introduced Tails, Sonic CD introduced the blue blur’s self-proclaimed love interest Amy Rose and new foe Steel Sonic (a creation of Robotnik, of course) who kidnaps Amy. Steel Sonic serves as the game’s most iconic boss, whom Sonic must outpace in the Stardust Speedway stage to rescue Amy.

With the Sonic 3 film hinting at both characters, Sonic CD may very well provide the storyline for the next movie.

Traveling through time and space

What does this suggest for the plot of the forthcoming film? Firstly, the films do not directly replicate the games, as evidenced by the post-credit scenes. Amy storms in wielding the hammer she is now famous for, indicating she won’t be merely a damsel in distress. Her addition will undoubtedly create an interesting contrast to the brash Sonic. Moreover, with a full army of Steel Sonics for the blue hedgehog to contend with, the stakes have certainly been elevated.

Sonic CD is set on Little Planet, which Robotnik has chained to Earth and is transforming into a stronghold for his robotic army. We witness this in the game’s iconic animated introduction. In the films, however, everyone already knows that Sonic and his friends are technically aliens from different worlds, so it wouldn’t be far-fetched to include another planet. I’d genuinely enjoy a departure from actual Earth for the next film. Yet at the climax of the film, we see the Eclipse Cannon slicing a chunk from the moon – what if the moon thus becomes reminiscent of Little Planet?

Sonic CD is also renowned for its time-traveling mechanic. By speeding past specific signs, Sonic can jump to past, present, and future versions of each zone, dismantling Robotnik’s machines in the past to secure a better future. Should Sonic 4 be based on this game, time travel would likely feature in some form, possibly with Sonic reclaiming the Time Stones from Robotnik. This could lead to a fun, albeit complex, storyline and would allow the writers to retroactively adjust details from the previous films if necessary – especially if Jim Carrey decides to retire again. Young Robotnik anyone?

A Sonic anthem

Thanks to the Mega CD, Sonic CD boasted a rich and extensive soundtrack, with each zone having its own theme reflecting the time period. Notably, the soundtrack varied between its Japanese and American versions, leading to divided opinions among fans on their preference. The Japanese release featured “You Can Do Anything” as its theme song and a soundtrack influenced by house music, while the American release included “Sonic Boost” with a funk-rock sound. Both possess charm from the retro 90s that I hope the films will embrace.

Sonic Boost may be a cheesy anthem, but I unapologetically love it and can easily see it becoming the theme for the next film, much like the use of “Live and Learn” from Sonic Rush 2 in Sonic 3. “You Can Do Anything” is also a catchy tune, though its rap part…