Sonic 3 cameos explained: two legendary video game characters appear, but with a twist

EntertainmentMoviesFamily MoviesSonic the Hedgehog 3Sonic 3 cameos explained: two legendary video game characters appear, but with a twistWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

EntertainmentMoviesFamily MoviesSonic the Hedgehog 3Sonic 3 cameos explained: two legendary video game characters appear, but with a twistWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Paramount)

Keanu Reeves as Shadow in Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Sonic 3features a lot of characters. We’re talking major parts for Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Tom, Maddie, and Agent Stone; the introduction of Keanu Reeves' Shadow and Krysten Ritter’s Director Rockwell; and appearances from three members of the Robotnik clan (Eggman, Gerald, and Maria).

Still, director Jeff Fowler goes one step further and introduces a few more key characters in the firstSonic the Hedgehog 3 post-credits scene. Indeed, the moment serves a similar purpose to thesecond Sonic movie’s post-credits,bringing famous characters from the games to the big screen for the first time.

But before we dive into those Sonic 3 cameos, here’s yourspoiler warning: the following contains major revelations from Sonic the Hedgehog 3, including a deep dive into the characters who appear in that post-credits scene.If you haven’t watched the latest instalment in the franchise, then make like Sonic and zoom out of here until you have.

Who is Amy Rose?

(Image credit: SEGA)

Amy Rose in the Sonic games

The mid-credits scene for Sonic 3 introduces us to a pink-haired, hammer-wielding hedgehog who game fans will immediately recognize as Amy Rose. She was first created as part of the Sonic manga series that ran between 1992 and 1993 before being introduced in the games in 1993’s Sonic CD, originally the flagship game of theSegaCD, itself a CD-ROM-reading accessory for the Sega Genesis.

Amy was notable for one major reason; she was the first female character in the Sonic games. Unfortunately, her portrayal was, shall we say, of the time… In Sonic CD, she’s something of a damsel in distress who needs rescuing from Doctor Robotnik after she proclaims herself to be Sonic’s girlfriend.

In the years since then, she’s become a more three-dimensional character, though her defining characteristic remains being besotted with Sonic. That, though, has somewhat matured in recent years, thanks partly to her portrayal in the TV show Sonic Boom. In the 2010s series, Amy is more coy about her love for Sonic while also being a more hardy adventurer herself.

It’s too early to say how she will be portrayed in the upcomingSonic 4, but there’s no doubt her charming personality and delight in helping others will be key parts of her character. As seen in the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 post-credits scene, she will have her trusty Piko Piko Hammer with her.

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It’s also worth noting that she’s wearing a hood, which implies that she’s perhaps been undercover on Earth for some time. Could she have been watching Sonic for a number of years? Maybe she’s been secretly harboring a crush…

Who is Metal Sonic? And what is The Brotherhood of Metallix?

(Image credit: SEGA)

Metal Sonic

We also see Metal Sonic in the post-credits scene. The character was also introduced in Sonic CD as a creation of Eggman, who made the metallic Sonic recreation as a way of besting the Blue Blur. Metal Sonic was classically portrayed as an Eggman stooge, though came to have a personal vendetta against Sonic, hoping to one day best the hedgehog and prove himself superior. Over the years, their rivalry has been a key part of the games.

There is, however, one major issue with the movie’s version of Metal Sonic – there’s only ever been one Metal Sonic in the games, whereas the movie introduces a whole swarm of robots. There is, however, precedent for this within Sonic media.

In the comic book series Sonic the Comic, released between 1993 and 2002, multiple Metal Sonics, known as Metallix, make an appearance. They are all failed creations of Robotnik and, once he abandons them, they form together to create The Brotherhood of Metallix. In fact, they go on to create a leader of their own, Emperor Metallix, who is something of a match for Sonic.

Could this be the storyline that inspires Sonic 4? That remains to be seen. Director Jeff Fowler could be going really off-book for the next one, though The Brotherhood of Metallix would certainly be an entertaining antagonist for Team Sonic to face.

That jumper fan theory…

(Image credit: Paramount)

James Marsden and Tika Sumpter in Sonic 3

Now, a look at something surprisingly silly that came true.We reportedbefore the release of Sonic 3 that some fans were speculating that Amy could appear in the post-credits because of the color of Tika Sumpter’s jumper in a marketing poster. Yes, really.

Sumpter plays Sonic’s adopted mother, Maddie, in the Sonic movies, and in the first Sonic film, her character wears a yellow jacket. Then, for Sonic 2, she wore a black and red combination. In her character poster for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, she’s wearing pink.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is out in US theaters now, before hitting UK shores on December 21.

For more, check out ourSonic the Hedgehog 3 review, ourSonic 3 ending explained guide, and our picks of thebest video game moviesof all time.

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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS

1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

Nemesis board game models and tokens laid out on a board

1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

1

Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

2

Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

3

Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

4

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

5

Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

Shadow brandishes a gun in Sonic The Hedgehog 3

1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

1

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

2

Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

3

Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

4

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

5

Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”

Squid Game season 2

1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”

1

Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”

2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

2

Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

3

Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

4

Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

5

Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

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