Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Movie Ending, Mid-Credits And Post Credits Explained

As a lifelong fan of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, I must say that the latest film installment, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” has certainly left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, it was thrilling to see some of my favorite characters from the video games make their big-screen debut, such as Shadow and Amy Rose. However, on the other hand, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu, as much of the plot seemed to draw heavily from the 2001 SEGA Dreamcast game “Sonic Adventure 2.”

That being said, I am still hopeful for the future of the franchise. With the introduction of new characters like Amy Rose and the hints at time travel in the post-credits scenes, I can’t help but get excited about what lies ahead. Who knows? Perhaps we’ll even see some of Sonic’s other loyal allies make an appearance in a future film.

One thing that gives me hope is the fact that Jim Carrey’s semi-retirement from acting means that Ivo Robotnik is likely dead and won’t be coming back to haunt our favorite blue hedgehog. And let’s not forget about the indomitable Shadow, who survived the Eclipse Cannon explosion and will undoubtedly return for another adventure.

In closing, while “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” may have left me feeling a bit nostalgic, I am optimistic that the franchise still has plenty of speed and excitement in store for us in the future. Just remember, as they say in my neck of the woods, when life gives you lemons, make Sonic-ade and keep on running!

Contains spoilers for “Sonic the Hedgehog 3”

As a diehard fan, I can confidently say that the 2024 movie adaptation of “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is an undeniable, box-office sensation! It even outshone Disney’s much-hyped prequel to “The Lion King,” titled “Mufasa,” during its debut weekend. What’s more, this video game movie has garnered one of the highest ratings on Rotten Tomatoes that any video game adaptation has ever received – a staggering 88%! In fact, it surpasses or matches the expectations set by other blockbusters released this year, such as Gladiator II and Wicked.

Given the impressive commercial and critical reception of the “Sonic the Hedgehog” films, it’s hard to imagine there won’t be sequels in the future. In fact, Jeff Fowler, director of the Sonic series, seems open to the idea, telling Collider that Sonic’s extensive roster of characters offers plenty of opportunities for fan favorites to appear.

As a long-time fan of Sonic the Hedgehog, I can confidently say that the upcoming sequels promise to be nothing short of exhilarating! With countless “Sonic” games under my belt, from mainline titles to spin-offs, I’ve witnessed the evolution of our favorite blue blur and his companions. Just like most modern franchise blockbusters, “Sonic 3” left us on a cliffhanger with multiple post-credits sequences, leaving fans eager for more! Based on these tantalizing glimpses into the future, I believe we’ll see a compelling story unfold in “Sonic 4.” Fingers crossed for some screen time with fan favorites like Big the Cat too!

What happens in Sonic the Hedgehog 3?

In the opening scenes of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, we encounter Shadow the Hedgehog, a brooding character with black quills, who is on a mission for vengeance. He has just broken free from a heavily fortified G.U.N. prison island situated off the coast of Japan. His anger stems from being held captive by them for more than five decades. As the story unfolds, we learn that his release was orchestrated by Dr. Ivo Robotnik’s grandfather, Gerald Robotnik, who had also just been freed from G.U.N.’s custody. The duo intends to bring destruction upon the world using Gerald’s massive space laser weapon, known as “The Eclipse Cannon.” This devastating weapon is a response to the G.U.N. soldiers’ past actions, which resulted in the death of Maria Robotnik 50 years ago before either of their imprisonments. Jim Carrey portrays both Dr. Ivo Robotnik and Gerald Robotnik in this installment.

Later in the story, we encounter Team Sonic once more. Sonic the Hedgehog, played by Ben Schwartz, Miles “Tails” Prower voiced by Colleen O’Shaughnessey, and Knuckles (Idris Elba) decide to go for a casual jog, supposedly to determine who is the quickest among them. However, this run was actually a trick by Sonic to organize his surprise birthday party. Yes, it’s not an error; “Bearthday” is used instead of “Birthday” because Sonic’s human parents Maddie (Tika Sumpter) and Tom (James Marsden) Wachowski don’t know Sonic’s actual birthday, so they are celebrating the day Tom first met Sonic on Earth, hence “earth” in “Bearthday”.

Ultimately, Team Sonic receives an assignment from G.U.N., as Shadow goes on a destructive rampage through Tokyo, Japan, leaving G.U.N. soldiers in ruins. Unfortunately for them, all three members of the team suffer a swift and embarrassing defeat at the hands of Shadow.

What happens at the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 3?

Following their loss, Team Sonic encounters robotic assaults orchestrated by Dr. Ivo Robotnik. Upon encountering him directly, however, it becomes clear that he is deeply depressed – having gained weight (now resembling his video game persona) and spending most of his time watching soap operas. An unexpected twist reveals that the drones attacking Team Sonic were actually stolen by his grandfather, Gerald. Temporarily joining forces with Sonic and his companions, Dr. Robotnik soon switches allegiance to Gerald and Shadow, betraying Sonic in the process. Despite this, he believes Shadow and Gerald aim to rule the world rather than destroy it. Upon discovering the true intention of the Eclipse Cannon, he ultimately teams up with Sonic again, choosing self-sacrifice by declaring, “If I can’t rule the world… I might as well save it!

Shadow undergoes a transformation when Sonic overpowers him in his radiant “Super Sonic” state and chooses to spare Shadow’s life despite his earlier attempt on Tom’s life. This act of mercy by Sonic demonstrates to Shadow that compassion surpasses revenge, leading Shadow to join forces with Team Sonic and Ivo in their efforts to thwart Gerald’s destructive laser weapon. In the final showdown, Shadow appears to perish together with Ivo following the detonation of the Eclipse Cannon.

Ultimately, Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails compete in a rematch race with high stakes. This time it’s for keeps, and they run towards the setting sun as the ending credits roll in – all while a somewhat disappointing tune from Jelly Roll plays.

What happens in the mid-credits sequence?

Following the final credits (with the Jelly Roll tune gratefully fading away), we’re treated to a mid-credits scene. The action resumes shortly after the movie’s conclusion, as Sonic inadvertently gets carried away during the race and ends up zipping through time to land in New York City at night. At first, he finds this amusing, but then a robotic version of himself, Metal Sonic, appears, looking just like his video game counterpart, and prepares to fire a missile at him with lethal intent.

Following that, we notice an explosion in the distance, suggesting Metal Sonic accomplished its task. Yet, Sonic swiftly moved away towards safety, eventually destroying Metal Sonic, reducing it to a pile of scraps. Regrettably, Sonic finds himself encircled by numerous Metal Sonics, and his face shows fear as they all ascend, ready to attack. Thankfully, before the story could leave us hanging for a sequel, one-by-one, the Metal Sonics started to explode mysteriously.

In a different phrasing, Sonic feels a sense of relief as he notices his rescuer is adorned in an impressive hood and cloak, carrying a massive hammer, and assuming a powerful superhero stance. However, when this savior dramatically removes their hood, it’s none other than the beloved female pink hedgehog, Amy Rose!

Who is Metal Sonic?

Metal Sonic first appeared in the game “Sonic the Hedgehog CD,” released in 1993, following “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” from 1992 and before “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” in 1994. This game was initially designed as an add-on for the SEGA Genesis console, enabling it to play CD-ROM games. Later, it evolved into a separate, alas unsuccessful, standalone device known as the Sega CD.

Since its debut, Metal Sonic has been a recurring character in almost every subsequent Sonic game, including spin-offs like “Sonic Fighters,” “Sonic R,” and “The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog” visual novel. It can also be found in numerous other Sonic media, such as various comic book series and cartoon shows.

Metal Sonic was engineered by Dr. Robotnik with the intention of surpassing and duplicating Sonic the Hedgehog, making it one of Sonic’s most formidable foes. As a robot created to serve Robotnik, Metal Sonic exhibits a distinctly cruel demeanor, aiming to eliminate and conquer the genuine Sonic the Hedgehog as proof of its superiority over the original. Disconcertingly, Metal Sonic often resurfaces after being defeated, upgraded and more powerful than ever before.

It’s still unclear what part Metal Sonic will take in the movies, given the uncertain fate of Dr. Robotnik in the film’s storyline. Could it be that G.U.N. creates Metal Sonic, modeling him after Shadow instead of Sonic, as a precautionary measure? We’ll have to wait and see.

Who is Amy Rose?

Amy Rose, the adorable pink-quilled female hedgehog, debuted in the 1993 video game “Sonic the Hedgehog CD” for SEGA CD. However, her first official appearance was actually in an early “Sonic the Hedgehog” manga from 1992. SEGA decided to introduce Amy as a companion to Sonic, similar to how Minnie is to Mickey Mouse. In her debut game, she wasn’t a playable character, but fans quickly took a liking to her. Amy became a playable character in “Sonic Drift” for the SEGA Game Gear in 1994, the console’s handheld version. Today, Amy is a regular main character in modern 3D “Sonic the Hedgehog” games like “Sonic Generations,” which was released in 2023. She also stars as the main character in most related media, such as the CG-animated kids’ series “Sonic Prime.”

Amy Rose consistently exudes optimism, liveliness, and courage. Often unrequited by Sonic, the blue speedster, her affection for him is well-known. Despite occasional impulsive actions, she proves herself to be a formidable combatant, utilizing her swiftness, agility, and potent Piko Piko Hammer (glimpsed in the mid-credits scene of “Sonic the Hedgehog 3”) to dispatch foes effortlessly. In later games within the “Sonic” series, she assumes a leadership role in the resistance against Dr. Robotnik. The future films are anticipated for how they will portray her character.

What happens in the post-credits scene?

Compared to the lengthy mid-credits scene preceding it, the post-credits sequence is quite short, even considering typical post-credit sequences. In this brief moment, we witness a crater in the heart of a desert filled with flaming debris, likely from the obliterated Eclipse Cannon that descended to Earth following its destruction. As the camera zooms in on something buried under the dirt… a metallic object, viewers gradually comprehend that it’s one of Shadow the Hedgehog’s golden metal bracelets he wore throughout the movie – known as “Limiter Rings” in the game, but not mentioned within the film itself.

As a longtime fan of Neil Gaiman’s “Sandman” series, I can confidently say that the adaptation of “Lucifer Morningstar and the Endless” is nothing short of breathtaking. The scene where Shadow retrieves the Limiter Ring is particularly captivating, especially for someone who has followed the story since its inception.

The attention to detail, from the iconic rocket shoes to the white-gloved hand picking up the ring, was truly immersive and transported me right back into the world of the Endless. The sound of the metal “clink” as the ring connected sent shivers down my spine, evoking memories of countless hours spent engrossed in the comic books.

Overall, I am beyond thrilled with the direction the show has taken and can’t wait to see what other magical moments await us in this captivating adaptation.

What the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 means

Looking at the conclusion of “Sonic the Hedgehog 3”, it appears that the contrast between Sonic and Shadow the Hedgehog will provide us with a significant insight into the film’s main message. Initially, as Commander Walters (Tom Butler) informs Sonic in the movie, both hedgehogs share a similar origin story, being powerful extraterrestrials who found themselves marooned on Earth. The contrast arises because while Sonic eventually discovered love and family by being adopted by Tom and Maddie, Shadow was isolated at a secret military base, with young Maddie Robotnik as his only real companion until she was lost to G.U.N., after which he was imprisoned for many years.

Due to these occurrences, Shadow developed a resentful and angry disposition, which was understandable. When Sonic mistakenly thought Shadow had killed Tom, his anger and thirst for vengeance intensified. Using the Master Emerald, Sonic transformed into Super Sonic with the intention of killing Shadow in a heartless act. However, upon learning that Shadow acted out of a similar decision as himself, Sonic recognized revenge was not the path, and chose to spare Shadow’s life instead. This merciful act allowed Shadow to contemplate how Maddie’s love influenced him, rather than dwelling solely on her demise. As Sonic told Shadow, although the pain of her loss would persist, it could be overshadowed by the wisdom her presence imparted upon him.

Fundamentally, it’s normal to feel pain and anger in response to a tragic event, but don’t let these emotions dictate your actions instead of you.

Another possible explanation of the ending

As a long-time fan of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, I have always been moved by the way family is portrayed in these films. Having grown up without a stable family myself, I find solace and inspiration in the relationships formed between characters like Sonic and Tom in the first movie. Sonic’s search for connection after losing Longclaw, his guardian on his home world, resonates deeply with me as I too have had to navigate loss and loneliness.

The bond that forms between Sonic and Tom during their road trip is one of my favorite aspects of the film. It serves as a powerful reminder that love and harmony can be found in unexpected places, even in the most unlikely of friendships. This theme of family being synonymous with love and unity is further emphasized through Jim Carrey’s portrayal of Dr. Robotnik as a character driven by resentment and bitterness due to his own experiences as an orphan.

The expansion of the Sonic family in “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” with the addition of Knuckles and Tails is a testament to the enduring power of found families, and I am excited to see how their relationships develop in future installments. For me, these films serve as a source of inspiration and hope, demonstrating that even in the darkest of times, love and connection can bring light and unity.

Conversely, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” presents another perspective: Family can sometimes serve as a tool for mistreatment, manipulation, and suffering. Gerald Robotnik initially appears to aid Ivo, but in reality, he exploits him for his technology. He further torments Ivo by mocking his adoration, calling it pathetic and stating that he’s “no Maria.” Eventually, Gerald even resorts to physical violence to compel Ivo to comply with his wishes. Interestingly, the nurturing family depicted in the movie — the Wachowskis and Team Sonic — is a chosen family, while the abusive one consists of blood relatives.

What has the cast and crew said about the ending?

In an interview with ScreenRant, director Jeff Fowler casually discussed why Metal Sonic and Amy Rose were included in the mid-credits scenes for “Sonic the Hedgehog 3”. He explained that when deciding which characters to feature, they ask themselves questions like, “What’s fresh? What’s intriguing? What would be an entertaining direction for our world?” Just as Shadow was introduced at the end of “Sonics 2”, they knew he would bring something exciting and shake things up in the films. The decision to include these characters was straightforward.

The point Fowler made is crucial since the major elements in “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” are strongly influenced by the 2001 SEGA Dreamcast game, “Sonic Adventure 2.” Characters like Shadow the Hedgehog, G.U.N., Gerald Robotnik, the Eclipse Cannon, and Maria Robotnik all trace their roots to this game. Although changes were made to the story to make it more cinematic and compatible with the first two Sonic movies, it’s clear that “Sonic Adventure 2” served as the foundation for the third installment in the series.

In the same vein, it was in the 1993 Sega CD game “Sonic the Hedgehog CD” that Metal Sonic and Amy Rose first appeared, suggesting this game as the primary inspiration for the fourth Sonic film. The narrative of this game revolves around Dr. Robotnik’s quest to seize the magical Time Stones, which leads to themes of time-travel and alternate realities. If correct, the time travel aspect could open up exciting opportunities for visually striking scenes.

What do these scenes mean for the Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise?

As a longtime fan of the “Sonic the Hedgehog” franchise, I’ve been following its developments for decades. While the “Sonic the Hedgehog CD” theory has sparked much discussion among fans, I must admit that I’m not entirely convinced about where the series is heading next. That being said, I have high hopes for the future of this beloved franchise.

I can confidently predict that Amy Rose will be included in a hypothetical “Sonic the Hedgehog 4”, and I’d love to see an A-list actor lend their voice to her character. Additionally, I expect more appearances from Metal Sonic, given his recurring role throughout the series.

In terms of my personal experience, I remember playing the original “Sonic games” on my Sega Genesis as a child and feeling a sense of excitement and adventure that has stayed with me to this day. The franchise holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Sonic and his friends.

One possible interpretation of these scenes is that they might hint at the possibility of introducing additional characters from the “Sonic the Hedgehog” video games alongside Amy. This could potentially involve a significant number of Sonic’s resistance allies, like Rouge the Bat, Big the Cat, Vector the Crocodile, and others. The storyline could then revolve around them coming to Earth to seek Sonic’s aid on his home world. Escaping Earth could provide a new lease of life for the “Sonic the Hedgehog” film franchise, given that Ivo Robotnik appears to be deceased now (and it’s likely he’ll stay that way, unlike Shadow, because he lacks Shadow’s abilities that would allow him to survive the Eclipse Cannon’s explosion, and also due to Jim Carrey’s semi-retirement from acting).

Discussing Shadow, it appears that the post-credit scenes imply his survival, given the popularity of this character among “Sonic the Hedgehog” enthusiasts and his continued presence in the game series. It’s only logical to expect him to appear again in a future film sequel.

2024-12-29 06:08