This article contains spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog 3!Sonic the Hedgehog 3’s franchise writers address the future of Dr. Robotnik in a sequel.Sonic the Hedgehog 3was released on December 20, and featured Jim Carrey returning to his role as Ivo Robotnik, as well as playing Ivo’s grandfather, Gerald. In addition to Carrey,Sonic the Hedgehog 3features a leading castincluding Ben Schwartz, Keanu Reeves, Idris Elda, Tika Sumpter, and James Marsden.
In an exclusive interview withScreenRant, franchise writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller speak on Dr. Robotnik’s potential future in theSonic the Hedgehogfranchise. Miller notes that they planned to wrap upSonic the Hedgehog3’s story in a way that “would be an ending that felt right” if it were to be an ending. At the same time, they wanted to leave itambiguous enough so that it “could maybe not be an ending” after all. Casey echoes a similar statement, while coyly asserting “I will say this, he’s definitely, definitely, definitely dead… unless he survives somehow.” Check out the full quotes from Miller and Casey below:
Miller: Well, obviously, we can’t talk about what is or isn’t in the future, but I think it was the idea that, if it had to be an ending, what would be an ending that felt right, but obviously could maybe not be an ending?
Casey: We knew there was a very real possibility that this might be his last one, and it might be for real, but we wanted to make it a satisfying capper for him. So, if this is the last we saw of Ivo, he had a good, complete story with a real ending that that feels satisfying and felt earned.
Miller: But we all hope it’s not. [Laughs]
Casey: I will say this, he’s definitely, definitely, definitely dead… unless he survives somehow. [Laughs]
Miller: We always know. Remember, Neal Moritz is producing these movies, and he also does Fast and the Furious, which has definitely demonstrated that life will find a way. If you make enough movies, that’s a reason for fans to keep coming out.
What This Means For Sonic The Hedgehog’s Future
Dr. Robotnik Has Come Back Before
While neither writer provided a concrete update as to what is happening afterSonic the Hedgehog 3’s ending, their statements are relevant due to recent news.Sonic the Hedgehog 4was given the green lightafter speculation that the third film might be the last. This will allow Shadow and the other key characters to continue the story into another film, with an anticipated release in spring 2027. As such, figuring out how to write future storylines for the key characters will be of the utmost importance.
Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Release Date, Cast, Story & Everything We Know
Sega’s beloved blue speedster is already set to return in yet another sequel, and here’s everything to know about Sonic the Hedgehog 4.
As for Dr. Robotnik,Ivo seemingly died at the end ofSonic the Hedgehog 3.This would seemingly suggest that the character would not appear inSonic the Hedgehog 4, but Miller and Casey’s conflicting response hints that they could find another way to bring Ivo back. TheSonic the Hedgehogmovies have already set this precedent, asSonic the Hedgehog 2seemed to kill him after the Giant Eggman Robot was destroyed, but he returned for the next movie.
Our Take On Dr. Robotnik’s Future
The Writers Could Bring Him Back Fairly Easily
TheSonic the Hedgehogwriters have written themselves a solution if they are to follow precedent. Though his death is hinted at in the second movie, Dr. Robotnik returns toSonic the Hedgehog 3with no real explanation. His death is a bit more overt in the third film, but the second film’s resolution nonetheless means thatSonic the Hedgehog 4could likely bring Robotnik back with minimal challenge. Carrey’s version of the character is popular enough that the team might be inclined to do so.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Cast
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 reunites Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as they face a formidable new adversary, Shadow. With Shadow’s unprecedented powers posing a significant threat, Team Sonic seeks an unexpected alliance to thwart his plans and safeguard the planet.
