Sonic 3's Ending Secrets You Need to Know
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has hit theaters, and like its predecessors, it features a post-credit scene that hints at what's coming in the next film, slated for 2027. However, this scene isn't as clear as those in the first two movies, which might leave new fans a bit puzzled. Don't worry, though, because we're here to fill in the gaps and speculate on what it all means. Spoilers ahead!
First Post-Credit Scene: A New Challenger Appears
The first post-credit scene is the most substantial. It kicks off with Sonic racing against Tails and Knuckles. In his haste, Sonic takes a wrong turn and ends up in a New York State park, far from his home in Green Hills, Montana. There, he's greeted by Metal Sonic, an evil synthetic recreation of our hero, created by Dr. Eggman in the games to match Sonic's speed and power.
Initially, Sonic dodges Metal Sonic, but soon finds himself surrounded by robotic duplicates. Just as they prepare to attack, they're struck by a flying hammer covered in pink chaos energy, similar to Sonic and Shadow's. The hammer returns to its owner, a hooded figure revealed to be a pink hedgehog before the scene cuts to black.
Meet Amy Rose
If you're not a long-time fan, this hammer-wielding vigilante is Amy Rose. She debuted alongside Metal Sonic in Sonic the Hedgehog CD back in 1993. Over the years, Amy has evolved into a well-rounded character and a leader in her own right. Historically, she's added a much-needed feminine touch to the Sonic universe, which has been a boys' club for three films.
What's Amy Doing Here?
But why are Amy and Metal Sonic in the live-action films? This scene feels disconnected from the rest of the movie, offering few clues. Since Sonic traveled to another part of the country, it's possible Amy has been on Earth for a while, acting as a vigilante in New York. How she got here, where she's from, and her feelings about other alien animals remain to be seen. Given that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 emphasizes Sonic and his species as aliens, it's reasonable to think Amy isn't from Earth either.
Second Post-Credit Scene: Shadow's Return
The second post-credit scene is shorter and more straightforward. We see one of Shadow's inhibitor rings creating a small crater on Earth after falling during the final space battle. The image lingers briefly before Shadow appears to retrieve it. It's not much, but it confirms Shadow survived the Eclipse Cannon's destruction and will be in the next film. This isn't too surprising, as Sonic the Hedgehog 3 heavily draws from Sonic Adventure 2, where Shadow is presumed dead after the final battle, only to return in Sonic Heroes.
Looking Ahead: Sonic 4 and Beyond
Overall, I'm starting to wonder if Sonic 4 might be a loose adaptation of Sonic Heroes. Metal Sonic is the main antagonist in that game, and if the Shadow-centric spin-off introduces the rest of his team, they're already halfway to having most of the Heroes characters. Either way, Sonic fans have plenty to chew on after the end of Sonic 3.
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