The live action Sonic the Hedgehog movies have proven to be huge surprises. They’ve been better than fans had initially assumed, which has led to the franchise hitting massive success and expanding into a cinematic universe. Continuing the excitement, the trailer for the next film, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, has finally been released. Let’s take a look at the biggest details it has to offer.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 – Official Trailer

Sonic With His Family

The heart of the first two films is clearly still present. Sonic may have lost family as a part of his backstory, but he’s gained one over time. Tom and Maddie, and now Tails and Knuckles, have become Sonic’s family, and seeing them interact is sure to lead to plenty of touching moments throughout the story.

Shadow the Hedgehog

Thanks to the post-credits scene in the second movie, it’s been no secret that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is meant to introduce Shadow the Hedgehog, and this trailer heavily confirms it. Shadow is an anti-hero and rival to Sonic, and is easily one of the most popular characters from the video games. His superspeed and other powers, along with how strong he is, is on full display in the trailer. His inclusion will definitely lead to some incredible action sequences.

Team Sonic

G.U.N., the government agency, calls on Team Sonic to help out with the Shadow situation. Referring to them as Team Sonic may be a nod to what Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails were referred to in Sonic Heroes and a handful of games following. It’s an obvious name to call them, but the nod to the source material is appreciated. 

It’s interesting to see G.U.N. call on the heroes. The agency is often willing to do some terrible things if it fits their goals or if they deem it necessary to protect the Earth, like even attacking Sonic.

Maria

This trailer shows that Shadow’s tragic backstory is relatively intact. His friend, a young girl named Maria, is seen in the trailer. Her demise sets Shadow down a bad path and makes him a much angrier, more distrusting, and more brutal character. She’s a key part of Shadow’s backstory, so many fans were wondering how the movie would incorporate her character. Many fans were worried that the movie would hold back with their approach to what happens to Maria in the games, but it appears that they’re not.

Darker Tone

The tone of the film appears to be a bit darker than the previous installments. This is appropriate given Shadow’s character and backstory being so much of the focus. This movie is sure to be more dramatic than what we’ve seen so far in this franchise. That being said, the humor still manages to be there, and a few of the jokes in the trailer are especially funny. Balancing humor and drama can be tough, but they seem to be pulling it off.

Team-Up With Robotnik

Sonic and his friends will have to team up with Dr. Robotnik so they can stand a chance against Shadow. The hero and villain teaming up to take on a new threat is always a fun trope. It can lead to tense moments and added conflict that’s interesting to see played out.

Speaking of Robotnik, he’s gained some weight and looks slightly closer to his video game counterpart (but still not close enough). It’s also worth noting that a mech he uses in the trailer is a giant crab. Robotnik uses plenty of animal-based mechs in many boss fights against him, and this feels just like that.

Space Colony ARK

What looks to be the Space Colony ARK is seen in a couple of very brief shots in the trailer. The Space Colony ARK is a satellite that served as a government base in outer space where Shadow was created. In the Sonic Adventure 2 video game, Gerald Robotnik, Ivo Robotnik (Eggman)’s grandfather, turns it into a weapon to use against the Earth. It also serves as some of the coolest levels in the video game series. This could very well be where the final battle takes place, like in the game this movie is heavily based on.

Chao Garden

Fans can rejoice! Chao Garden seems to have made it into the movie. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the take on Chao Garden we’ve wanted. Instead of ancient alien creatures, the Chao just seem to be cute mascots in a Chuck E. Cheese type of restaurant or children’s entertainment venue. There are even Chao stuffed animals there. Chao Garden looks to be the name of this colorful place. On one hand, it’s cool to see the Chao acknowledged at all. On the other hand, it’s a bummer that there’s still a hesitance to fully embrace the source material.

Gerald Robotnik

Gerald Robotnik, grandfather of Jim Carrey’s Ivo Robotnik and creator of Shadow the Hedgehog also makes his appearance in the trailer. He’s sure to add a lot of dramatic moments and necessary exposition to the story. He’ll also probably be hilarious since he’s also played by Jim Carrey. Having two Jim Carreys playing opposite of each other is going to be undeniably entertaining.

Something that is worth mentioning, though, is that Gerald looks to clearly be alive in the movie. In Sonic Adventure 2, as a part of the backstory of Shadow and the Space Colony ARK, he met his demise. This is an intriguing change. Hopefully it works for this version of the story.

Lack of Amy and Rouge

A slight issue that hasn’t gone unnoticed in the trailer is the distinct lack of Amy Rose or Rouge the Bat. Both play important roles in the story of Sonic Adventure 2, which this game is pulling a lot from, as well as serve as vital elements in Shadow’s character development. It’ll feel weird if these two are absent from the movie. On top of that, Amy is one of the central characters and is essentially the fourth member of Team Sonic. Having three live action movies and a TV series of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise and not one of them including Amy is truly an odd decision.

There are surely plenty of details that the trailer hasn’t revealed, so the movie will certainly be worth the wait. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 hits theaters on December 20th, 2024.

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