TheSonic the Hedgehogfilm series is a fairly excellent lesson in making video game movies. They strike an excellent balance between giving longtime fans what they want and providing a fresh experience for newcomers. They’re straightforward, fun, and charming films for a mixed audience of kids and their nostalgic parents. There are plenty of little nods to details from the games, some of which are more engaging than others. One popular fan theory suggests thatSonic the Hedgehog 3might feature the debut of Metal Sonic, but those who enjoyed the previous entry may recall a similar sensation.
If Paramount is planning toturnSonicinto a decades-long media franchiselike all of its main competitors, then it’s worth applauding the studio for their restraint.Soniccertainly doesn’t need to be a massive cinematic universe. It could easily continue its consistent stream of high-quality projects in a straightforward series. The first movie felt like a solid start and both of its sequels sold themselves on a big new character reveal. That process can continue for several years. Fans could be getting excited aboutSonic 6in the 2030s if Paramount plays their cards right.
Pat Casey, Josh Miller, and John Whittington
Release Date
July 17, 2025
When the trailers forSonic the Hedgehog 2came out, most fans could accurately map the basic plot. It’s a storyline that the franchise has used on several occasions.Idris Elba’s Knuckles was the big new sellingpoint of the sequel. The trailers saw him partnering with Jim Carrey’s Robotnik to attack Sonic. This is the outline of his debut inSonic the Hedgehog 3as well. Eggman tricks him into fighting Sonic for a bit, but he realizes the error of his ways and becomes one of the Blue Blur’s greatest allies. Many fans believed that Metal Sonic would emerge as a threat that could push Sonic and Knuckles onto the same team. The trailer depicted Sonic and Tails fighting one of Eggman’s giant robots, but something about the scene’s framing made it seem like a false final boss.Metal Sonic could have beenthe final villain that forced even Eggman aside, leaving the heroes to fight together. Instead, the film saw Robotnik gain the power of the Master Emerald and fight as one with his giant robot. It was a fine fight, and like most fan theories, it disappeared into the ether as soon as it proved incorrect.
Sonic 3fans see hints again
A few details in the first trailer forSonic the Hedgehog 3suggest the possibility of a Metal Sonic appearance. Once again, Sonic is matched against an enemy that he will almost certainly come to befriend.Shadow the Hedgehogis an antagonistic presence who almost always turns to the good side. Like Knuckles, he’ll fight Sonic for a while, then join him to oppose a greater foe. The trailer depicts Sonic teaming up with Eggman to fight Shadow, but that partnership can only be temporary. The new prevailing theory is that the quill Eggman asked for as part of their arrangement will be the central ingredient of Eggman’s new Metal Sonic. The same idea propelled the theory in the previous film. The presence of Gerald Robotnik, who is dead in the source material, also suggests that Eggman will turn against his temporary allies, possibly motivated by his grandfather’s justifiable outrage.Eggman will almost certainly bethe antagonist and Shadow will almost certainly join the heroes, but the fine details aren’t set in stone.
Could Metal Sonic appear inSonic the Hedgehog 3?
Metal Sonic certainly could appear inSonic the Hedgehog 3, but there isn’t too much evidence to suggest that possibility. The addition of another threat might be a bit too complicated for the runtime of a filmthat also has to establish Shadowand Gerald Robotnik. The main source material forSonic the Hedgehog 3isSonic Adventure 2, which invents a potentially apocalyptic space monster to serve as the final boss. Shadow and Sonic need some excuse to set aside their differences, adopt their super forms, and let loose for a massive final conflict. Metal Sonic would be a solid way to make that happen, buthe’s far from the only option.
Metal Sonic might be the final boss ofSonic the Hedgehog 3, but it could just as easily be a new threat or another of Eggman’s robots. Metal Sonic might also be a big enough threat to justify a feature film to himself.Maybe Metal Sonic will bring Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Shadow together for an eventual final battle. He’s done so before in games, but there’s still plenty of time. Fan theories often rhyme, but the community can only guess so many times before they get it right.
