Sonic the Hedgehog 3

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wasted no time teasing the next installment of the franchise during its post-credits scenes, officially introducing Metal Sonic and longtime fan-favorite Amy on the big screen. And thanks to a bountiful box office run thus far, Sonic 4 is well on its way. However, several major aspects of the fourth film are up in the air, especially Jim Carrey's potential return as Dr. Robotnik aka Eggman. While fans anxiously anticipate another follow-up in the Sonic franchise, new concept art may have just revealed what the next film will be about, and who will be featured in it.

New concept art from the home release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (via SAAC_News) reveals a presumably alternate version of the post-credits scene. This iteration features Eggman and Metal Sonic ruling over an alternate/future timeline, with Amy encountering Sonic much in the same way she does in the final cut. However, there is a specific post-apocalyptic tone to the two images, possibly revealing the true context behind the scene in the film that has Amy save Sonic from a Metal Sonic army.

Although it is possible that the concept art was left on the cutting room floor for good reason, it lines up with what fans have long speculated Sonic 4 will be about. There is a chance that the next sequel will partly adapt Sonic CD, the 1993 title that includes the Time Stones, which combined have the power to control time itself. The game was well known for its unique time-traveling mechanic, allowing players to shift through different timelines. It also introduced Amy Rose and Metal Sonic, the former of which became a staple part of the franchise moving forward. If this is the case, Sonic 3's post-credits scene likely takes place in the future, where Eggman reigns supreme over Earth, allowing Carrey to reprise his villainous role once again.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 already has a tentative . Of course, it may change sometime soon, especially given that it was only recently announced. Still, the last two Sonic movies have gone through development and production without a hitch, so fans should expect the same for the fourth film. Meanwhile, it's speculated that Sonic 4 won't be the only time we'll be seeing the lovable cast of furry characters. After Paramount+'s Knuckles, another television series may also be in the cards, with an Idris Elba and Keanu Reeves-led spinoff being the heavy favorite.

When it comes to Jim Carrey possibly postponing his retirement for Sonic 4, everything is on the table for now. As with every film, Carrey goes in with an open mind, but it's up to the director and writers to generate an idea good enough to warrant him coming back a fourth time. His own words:

"I’m open to the idea. and generally, they come to me with the next idea and if I go, 'That sounds fun,' then I’ll do it."