Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has confirmed Shadow and Dr. Robotnik’s involvement as antagonists, which could suggest another one of their villainous allies is due for an appearance in the film franchise. Based on the game series of the same name the Sonic the Hedgehog films has been steadily adding more elements of the Sega games into the film series. The cast of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 seems to indicate that the next film will be pulling more from games of the 21st century than just the earlier titles.

The decision to bring Shadow to the franchise suggests the story will adapt from a Dreamcast classic instead of remaining in the earlier era of the series. If that’s indeed the case, then the film will introduce some darker concepts (like the fate of Maria Robotnik) to the typically bright and vibrant world of Sonic. Among them is a wild card thief who could expand Sonic the Hedgehog 3‘s villain roster and could become the franchise’s secret weapon going forward.

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Sonic 3 Seems To Be Adapting Sonic Adventure 2

Shadow & Dr. Eggman Drove The Plot Of Sonic Adventure 2

The confirmation that Shadow and Dr. Robotnik will be central antagonists of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 suggests the film will be primarily pulling from Sonic Adventure 2 — which means the film could perfectly set up for an appearance from Rouge the Bat. Sonic Adventure 2 was initially released for the Sega Dreamcast in 2001, with a rotating cast of playable characters. The game featured two different distinct campaigns, “Hero” and “Dark.” Each followed the same story about Robotnik (Dr. Eggman in Sonic Adventure 2) attempting to take over the world, albeit from different perspectives.

The “Hero” campaign followed Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, with players alternating between the three for separate missions. Similarly, the “Dark” path gave players control of Shadow, Dr. Eggman, and Rouge. This was the debut for Shadow and explored his origins. This makes sense, given how the mid-credits scene of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 seemed to fit the game’s origin. That story also featured Dr. Eggman in all his bombastic glory, which fits with recent confirmations about Jim Carrey’s latest version of Dr. Robotnik. That game notably also introduced Rouge, which suggests she could factor into the film.

Sonic’s Rouge The Bat, Explained

How Rouge The Bat Became A Recurring Fixture In Sonic The Hedgehog

Established in Sonic Adventure 2 as a jewel thief (that later games would expand into a history of spycraft), Rouge sought the Master Emerald shards for her own gain. A wild card in the overall plot, Rouge initially agrees to work with Dr. Eggman in Sonic Adventure 2 in exchange for the Master Emerald. Following Sonic Adventure 2, Rouge became a frequent side character in games like Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic Heroes, which cemented her as an occasional ally and frequent rival to the more heroic characters. Alongside Shadow and the robotic E-123 Omega, Rouge formed Team Dark.

Rouge has also featured in television adaptations of the franchise that have aired since her debut, like Sonic X and Sonic Prime. The character has developed a fan-favorite popularity in the fandom. She helped expand the number of recurring playable female characters in the series while bringing a fun gray perspective to the franchise’s typically black-and-white approach to morality. Rouge was a fun addition to the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, and she could bring that fun to the big screen if she’s in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

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Why Rouge Needs To Appear In Sonic 3

How Rouge Could Improve Sonic The Hedgehog 3

Adapting Sonic Adventure 2 for the big screen might be the best chance Rouge has to make it into the cinematic universe, and it’d be a shame if the film didn’t follow through with it. Rouge’s unique morality compared to the rest of the more straightforward cast makes her a strong wild card to throw into Sonic’s world. Her connection to Shadow, although explored more thoroughly in later games, was a solid way to bring the melodramatic Shadow back down to Earth. Rouge has proven to be a fun romantic interest for Knuckles, pulling the typically taciturn fighter out of his shell.

An appearance in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 could set the stage for Rouge to appear in future stories or even crossover into shows like Knuckles if the TV series receives a continuation. Her skills in the games could make her an ideal figure to feature in the new film, especially as her loyalty can shift around as the plot progresses. Rouge was a fun way to flesh out the “Dark” camping in Sonic Adventure 2, and she could bring some big personality to Sonic The Hedgehog 3‘s villainous characters.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the sequel to the 2022 comedy-adventure movie that featured the Blue Blur and his companions on an adventure to stop Dr. Robotnik from taking over the world. The new film sees the new antagonist Shadow the Hedgehog, arriving to cause trouble for the newly formed trio of heroes, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, as they adjust to their earthly lives.

Director

Jeff Fowler

Writers

Pat Casey , Josh Miller , John Whittington