‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’ End Credits Explained

You might be finding yourself doing some cost-benefit analysis in terms of going to see Sonic the Hedgehog. How astronomically does Idris Elba playing Knuckles affect my desires? What are my chances of spoilers if I didn’t see the film on opening weekend? If I did go see it opening weekend, will I spend my time pretending like I’m not assessing how closely people are sitting to me out of the corner of my eye? Do I really want to pay $15 to sit in chairs that look more comfortable than they feel? And, if you’re like me, there’s the most important question of all: will Shadow be in it?

The short answer is no. No, Shadow the Hedgehog, a “dark version” and anti-hero of Sonic, is not in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 proper. He is, however, present. And the film boasts two new major characters from the games who do join the cast and are worth the time, money, and trip to the theater. As teased in the first film’s post-credits scene, one is Tails, played by Colleen O’Shaughnessey, who voices Tails in the games. The other addition is Knuckles, voiced by Idris Elba, who does not voice Knuckles in the games, but is still an immaculate casting voice.

The longer and more complicated answer to the Shadow question involves going into spoiler-land. If you would not like to board this train, you should get off right now. However, to be honest, just by bringing up this lame metaphor, I’ve already clearly insinuated Shadow has a cameo. So … I promise that’s the extent of the spoiler. I haven’t seen the movie yet, either, so I can’t spoil too much of anything. I can just tell you that, yes, he has a cameo.

You see, a couple of weeks ago, Sonic the Hedgehog 2’s post-credit scene leaked online. The video in question was captured on a phone at a press screening, but it’s decent enough quality. And if the first film’s post-credits scene featured about five seconds of Tails, who do you think gets their five seconds of glory this time? Yes. Yes, it’s Shadow. He doesn’t talk. He just emerges and glares. But he is glorious.

In short, if you’re wanting to break open your wallet and your heart for a big appearance from our favorite genetically engineered emo boy, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will disappoint you. The good news is that the movie apparently won’t disappoint in many other places! And the better news is that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will almost certainly be Shadow-centric. This gives me exactly one reason to look forward to 2024-ish.

(Image credit: Sega)

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