Sonic's second theatrical release was released today (April 1) in the UK and April 8 in the US, but I was able to catch a premiere the day before where the post-credits scene was shown on all its splendor.
It's a sequel that's vastly better than the first: there's heart, there's humor, and nothing feels dated or out of place. Everything works and the dynamic between Sonic, Tails and Knuckles is excellent.
The voice acting helps convince you that Knuckles has had some dark moments lately, with Idris Elba giving arguably the best performance in the film, with Jim Carrey's second time playing Robotnik right after.
However, there was one more thing for us once the credits rolled. Here's his final warning before going into all the details of why the movie went to another level in its final moments.
(*two*)
(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)chaos control
After Sonic absorbs the Chaos Emeralds and goes Super Sonic to destroy Robotnik's Death Egg Robot, the battlefield where this took place in Green Hills is in ruins.
The post-credits scene begins with the army cleaning up the remains of the robot and a scientist appearing before the general.
"While we were cleaning up the remains, our team went through Robotnik's files in his lab and we discovered something from 50 years ago."
The scene cuts to an underground lab, with what looks like a prison rising from the ground in the lab. The camera pans down so we can see who's inside, and it's Shadow the Hedgehog, in a deep sleep.
With a third Sonic movie confirmed before this sequel, his logo had the number three in a red outline.
Some fans, myself included, wondered if Metal Sonic, who first appeared in Sonic CD, would make an appearance. The battle of who would be the fastest, with a race through the Stardust Speedway, would have been a great story for Sonic.
However, Shadow works better on a narrative level. When he first appeared in Sonic Adventure 2, released for the SEGA Dreamcast in June 2001, it was an experiment by Eggman's grandfather named Gerald Robotnik, 50 years before the game began.
Shadow is equal to Sonic in looks, speed, and power. Instead of being blue, he has a red and black hue, with a voice that makes him appear older than he appears.
There was also a connection between Shadow and Gerald's daughter, named Maria. But in a violent twist on the game, soldiers shot Maria to death, her last words being "Sayonara, Shadow the Hedgehog." Shadow became a loner after that, eventually teaming up with Robotnik.
Sonic talks throughout the second movie about the family he now has, with Knuckles joining the team after losing his own family. Having a parallel to Shadow, and Robotnik to a greater extent, could tell a very different story than what the first two movies brought. Having a history with Robotnik's family, while also showing what could happen if Sonic tragically loses his now-adopted family, especially since he's now happy knowing who he has in his little circle, is a dynamic that's an interesting path. to follow.
But the next part to consider is who might voice Shadow.
(*two*)
(Image credit: future)Casting Idris Elba as Knuckles was an excellent cast, and since Shadow has a sibilant voice compared to the others, Keanu Reeves could be the perfect cast here.
The ending scenes of Sonic 2 were fantastic - they made the games great fun, with the Death Egg robot and Super Sonic flying around, with parts of the Labyrinth Zone shown while searching for the Master Emerald.
Sonic talks throughout the second movie about the family he now has, with Knuckles joining the team after losing his own family. Having a parallel to Shadow, and Robotnik to a greater extent, could tell a very different story than what the first two films brought.
Shadow in Sonic 3 makes me want to see the movie even more - we got to see quotes from the adventure games like "Faker!" and 'Chaos Control' will be scattered throughout the film. But on the other hand, it's a perfect opportunity for SEGA to finally re-release both Sonic Adventure games or remake them for the movie release.
Or, as fans have been asking since the release of Sonic Adventure, a third entry to complete the Adventure series.
Either way, it's a great time to be a Sonic fan, and after Sonic 2 is a great watch for the ages, Shadow in Sonic 3 is going to be a movie you don't want to miss.