Summary
TheSonic the Hedgehogfilm franchise has introduced many Sonic characters to a wider general audience. While most people not familiar with the games are familiar with Sonic and maybe even Tails, the introduction of Knuckles inSonic the Hedgehog 2and Shadow in the upcomingSonic the Hedgehog 3film, have opened the door to the franchise’s expansive cast of characters. Now that the waters have been tested, the question becomes what characters are next?Can audiences expect to see Amy and Rougein the upcoming third film? Or how about the detectives ofTeam Choatix as part of a post-credits sequence? The film franchise has gone on long enough that the possibilities to introduce other characters are becoming more expansive.
Of course, there’s more to theSonicfranchise than the games and the film franchise. Fans might remember theSonic the HedgehogSaturday morning cartoon (SatAM) and the much goofier seriesThe Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, both of whichhelped solidify Sonic’s love of chili dogs on screen. There are also the more recent animated adaptations, such as the quotableSonic Boomand the multiverse hoppingSonic Prime. That said, Sonic also has a rich comic history and, as a result, there are a plethora of characters. If theSonicfilms really want to dig deep into the lore of the Blue Blur, they have no farther to look than the comics for many interesting possibilities. So what kind of characters might the creatives behind the films choose to add to the film franchise?
Surge the Tenrec
This article will be focusing on characters from the IDW comics. The Archie comics have their own sprawling mythology regarding Earth transforming into Mobius and, while it might not be impossible to have characters from that universe repurposed for the films, it might be a little difficult. Speaking of, the IDW comics have introduced a relatively new character to theSonicfranchise in Surge. However, fans of the Archie comic might think her design is reminiscent of Scourge, formerly Anti-Sonic, who similarly had green fur and a punk attitude. Scourge became a fan favorite villain, but once one of the writers, Ken Penders, decided to license the character, it seemed unlikely that Scourge would return in canon Sonic media. Surge is therefore seen as IDW’s answer to Scourge. She considers herselfSonic’s great rivaland seemingly an “evil” version of Sonic. Surge is the creation of Dr. Starline, who intended to basically take over Robotnik’s role as antagonist. He decided to do this by essentially “replacing” Sonic with a new counterpart, Surge, and Tails with Kit the Fennec. However, Surge questions her programming to hate Sonic despite never having met him. Dr. Starline controls both her and Kit to continue to do his bidding. Funnily enough, at one point, she comes face to face withMetal Sonic, the original “evil” Sonic. Of course, once she went toe to toe with Sonic, she lost. Sonic has had a lot of so-called “evil” counterparts over the years, but there’s something particularly fun about Surge. She’s a fun looking character with a rude attitude and there could be a way to incorporate her, Kit, and Dr. Starline going forward even ifJim Carrey decides to step down as Robotnik.
The Neo Diamond Cutters
The Neo Diamond Cutters are a rapid response team that works with the Restoration. The Restoration are a rebuilding organization and are the successors of the Resistance against Dr. Robotnik. The original Diamond Cutters consisted of quite a few characters, including Mimic the Octopus, who eventually defected to Robotnik’s side. Of these original members, only Whisper the Wolf is part of the second formation of the team. She’s the more reserved of her teammates. Tangle the Lemur, on the other hand, is loud, energetic, and prone to run headlong into battle. Lanolin the Sheep serves as their de facto leader. Although she takes her job seriously, she’s not the best judge of character and is fooled by Mimic later on. (To be fair though,he is a shapeshifter.) This trio is another example of theSonicfranchise’s strength in building teams. Seeing them on the big screen would definitely be fun further down the line.
Mimic the Octopus
Speaking of Mimic, his shapeshifting abilities and inability to stop backstabbing make for great villain material. The majority of the animals in the Sonic franchise don’t carry over a lot of traits from the animals they’re based on. (For one thing, there’s appearance. Arguably thefunniest line in the firstSonic the Hedgehogfilmis when Tom asks Sonic what he’s supposed to be, and he replies with,“I’m a hedgehog! I feel like that’s obvious.") Mimic, on the other hand, is actually a mimic octopus. Mimic octupuses change color to disguise themselves. Mimic being a shapeshifter takes that idea to its logical extreme by granting the ability to transform into other species. He takes up the name Duo the Cat to trick Lanolin, for instance. He’s also a trained actor, but ironically, isn’t great at impersonating others, which could be used to great comic effect. Mimic would no doubt fit into the film universe quite well.
TheSonic the Hedgehogfranchise is rich with a lot of unique and interesting characters. While there are plenty to choose from in the games and cartoons, the comics offer a variety of characters that could be included as well.Sonic the Hedgehog 3may be too early to introduce them properly, but a hint of them could key audiences in on what they can expect in the film franchise going forward. This couldcome in the form of Easter eggs, seemingly innocuous lines of dialogue, or even a post-credits sequence. Regardless, it possibilities are more expansive than ever and it seems like the film franchise might just be getting started.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)
Cast
Directed by Jeff Fowler, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 sets up a new threat for Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails by introducing Shadow the Hedgehog. Shadow presents such a big danger to planet Earth, that the heroes have to team up with Dr. Robotnik.
Sega
Paramount
Paramount is a fairly recent (2019 founding) mass media company that used to operate under the name ViacomCBS. They have grow into their own production company and are also producing original content via a streaming service called Paramount Plus.
