‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ Isn’t Just a Video Game. Here’s What You Need To Know About the Movie.

The Sonic the Hedgehog movies have come a long way to get to Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Once, fans feared the original Sonic design would doom the live-action adaptation to the dustbin of cinematic history.

Instead, Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 have been universally praised as two of the best silver-screen adaptations of a classic video game series yet. Clearly, director Jeff Fowler is doing something right.

We’ve known for quite some time that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was also on the way. A trilogy seemed like a no-brainer after Sonic 2’s runaway success, and Paramount hasn’t been cagey about its plans for a trilogy. Want to learn more about Sonic 3 and what you can expect? Read on for everything officially (and unofficially) confirmed about the upcoming movie.

What is the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 release date?

Good news: Sonic 3 has an official release date. We’re getting the third Sonic the Hedgehog installment on December 20, 2024.

This news isn’t exactly new, as the film had its release date set all the way back in August 2022. However, the official Sonic the Hedgehog movie series Twitter account once again confirmed the film’s December 2024 release plans in late 2023, solidifying the sequel’s launch.

So yes, clear your schedule for December 20, 2024. That date is official, and it looks like it’s here to stay as the film’s premiere.

What’s the cast for Sonic 3?

Ben Schwartz will reprise his role as Sonic, as will James Marsden, who plays Sonic’s friend Tom Wachowski. When discussing his role in the Sonic films in 2020, Marsden told Variety that he was set to star in “as many as they want to make.” Idris Elba will also return as Knuckles for the film and will star in his own spinoff TV series, Knuckles. Colleen O’Shaughnessey will also return as Tails, as will Tika Sumpter as Maddie.

But the big news is Jim Carrey’s return as Dr. Robotnik! After saying he was retiring from acting, Carrey was convinced to rejoin the third film. Which is awesome because he’s ridiculously good in the role.

Alyla Browne joins the cast as Maria Robotnik, Gerald Robotnik’s granddaughter. Browne announced her casting via social media. Maria plays a major role in Shadow the Hedgehog’s story, so it’s a safe bet that Shadow will make an appearance. Shadow’s voice has yet to be cast, but that hasn’t stopped fans from speculating.

So, what’s the plot for Sonic 3?

We don’t quite know yet what the movie’s plot will be. During a mid-credits scene in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, fans famously caught their first glimpse at Shadow the Hedgehog within the cinematic universe. A teaser from November further shows Shadow with his fists clenched next to a Sonic 3 clapperboard, implying Shadow will play a pivotal role in the upcoming film.

Other than that, no official plot details have been given.

According to a synopsis shared by Production Weekly in 2022, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will involve Shadow the Hedgehog and Robotnik working together against Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails. Along the way, Metal Sonic will also appear as a core villain. Amy Rose and Big the Cat are both supposedly set to appear in the film as well. But again, none of this has been confirmed by the studio.

Sonic 3 may feature Metal Sonic, Amy, and more. Anything is possible! But no official plot has been revealed, so any claims made in the wild should be taken with a grain of salt.

Expect to learn more about the film over 2024, as Sonic 3 draws closer to its holiday release.

(featured image: Paramount Pictures)