The writers behind Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Pat Casey and Josh Miller, have now revealed the video game inspiration behind the upcoming threequel, Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Appearing at the Klamath Community College Comic Con 2022, Casey and Miller discussed the release of the hugely successful video game sequel, which hit screens last month, before revealing the source material they will turn to when bringing that surprise mid-credits character into the fray in a future installment.
“The fact that Shadow is clearly going to be in the franchise moving forward, I don’t think it’s revealing anything to say we’d love to incorporate elements from Sonic Adventure 2 and Shadow the Hedgehog, his solo spinoff game.”
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 picks up with the titular video game icon having now settled in Green Hills. Sonic is eager to prove that he has what it takes to be a true hero, and his first test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns with a new partner, Knuckles, in search of a mystical emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands, while also contending with the military organization G.U.N.
In case bringing in both Tails and Knuckles was not enough, the final moments of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 sees Shadow the Hedgehog make his debut. Taken into G.U.N. headquarters, we are privy to the revelation that they have come across a secret research facility from decades ago, which houses the mysterious Project: Shadow.
Shadow the Hedgehog is Sure to Play a Major Part in Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Introduced in the 2001 game Sonic Adventure 2, Shadow the Hedgehog was created as the "Ultimate Life Form" and is often depicted as an antagonist to Sonic. Genetically created by the grandfather of Dr. Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik as a way to potentially develop a cure for incurable deadly illnesses, Shadow is left in stasis for 50 years before being awakened by Robotnik and dragged into his world-conquering schemes.
The character has appeared in a whole host of Sonic the Hedgehog-based video games and was even given his own standalone outing in 2005. Shadow is Sonic the Hedgehog's equal in almost every way, possessing all manner of abilities including, of course, super speed. No doubt that should Shadow emerge as the main villain in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, he will be a force to be reckoned with.
Shadow the Hedgehog is likely to be the first of many new characters introduced as the studio begins to lay the foundations for a shared Sonic universe. “We're creating a Sonic cinematic universe, so we knew we were going to add characters, like Tails and Knuckles; new to the films but beloved by gamers all over the world,” producer Toby Ascher said recently, with fellow producer Neal H. Moritz adding, “[Sonic 1] was a great experience for us as filmmakers, and as movie lovers. Now, we're even more excited to expand that world, adding new characters, bigger worlds, a new, incredible journey, and more action and adventure. There are so many places we can go with Sonic.”
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 grossed over $385 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing video game movie, and is expected to be released on DVD, Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray on August 9, 2022.