Sonic The Hedgehog 3’s Subtle Terminator Reference Teases 1 Major Story Element In Sonic 4

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Sonic the Hedgehog 3

T-800 wearing sunglasses looking serious in Terminator Dark Fate next to Sonic screaming in Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog 3's post-credits scene contained a subtle nod to The Terminator, a reference that teases a major story element in the fourth movie. The story of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 follows Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles as they go up against a new adversary in the form of Shadow, a black-and-red hedgehog intent on destroying the world. The film has become a global success at the box office, while also earning an 87% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes as of writing. Some of this praise includes acclaim for its ending and post-credits scenes.

The end of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 sees Shadow working with Sonic to stop Gerald Robotnik from destroying the world with the Eclipse Cannon. Following the Ultimate Lifeform's apparent sacrifice, alongside that of Dr. Eggman, Team Sonic celebrate their victory with a family race. This leads into Sonic the Hedgehog 3's post-credits scene, where the titular protagonist gets attacked by a plethora of Metal Sonic copies, before being saved by Amy Rose. However, the scene features a very stealthy reference to The Terminator, which could reveal a key story element in the fourth installment.

An edited image of Sonic smiling next to him and Shadow fighting in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Has The Most Epic Ending Of The Entire Franchise

The fight between Sonic and Shadow and Ivo Robotnik's emotional sacrifice ensure that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 easily has the best ending of the series.

A Core Hint At What The Story Might Be

Metal Sonic is captured in Sonic, with his arms restrained.

When Metal Sonic first shows up, he appears in a thunderous flash of blue light and smoke, kneeling on the ground behind Sonic. This appears to be a subtle reference to The Terminator, when Arnold Schwarzenegger's T-800 first appeared in flash of light, kneeling on the ground, much akin to the Sonic the Hedgehog antagonist. This reference appears to be intentional, too, with Metal Sonic trying to kill his organic counterpart, much like the T-800 tried assassinating Sarah Connor in his own movie. Both robotic characters have someone they're targeting, clearly for a larger purpose.

Much like the T-800 was sent back in time by SkyNet, Metal Sonic could have been sent back to kill Sonic.

However, this reference may also serve as a hint to what will happen in the next movie's story. With Sonic the Hedgehog 4 confirmed for Spring 2027, there's clearly a plan for where the series will progress from here. One direction Metal Sonic's appearance hints at is him possibly being from the future. Much like the T-800 was sent back in time by SkyNet, Metal Sonic could have been sent back to kill Sonic. This would explain why The Terminator reference was made, working both because they're both antagonistic robots, but also because they're both from the future.

Sonic’s Game History Proves Time Travel Can Happen In The Movies

There Are 2 Sonic Games With Important Time Travel Elements

Metal Sonic glaring in the Sonic the Hedgehog comics and Sonic looking worried in Sonic the Hedgehog movie

It wouldn't be surprising if Metal Sonic's appearance is connected to time travel, since the concept was first introduced during his first game. In 1993, Sega released Sonic CD, a game whose story involves Sonic collecting the seven Time Stones to save a place called Little Planet. The game involves using the stones to travel to various points in time on the planet, trying to save it from a bad future perpetuated by both Dr. Robotnik and the metallic antagonist. The Time Stones would explain how Metal Sonic was sent through time in the movies, while referencing his in-game debut.

Time travel is also featured prominently in Sonic the Hedgehog 2006, where Silver the Hedgehog goes back in time to prevent a future catastrophe caused by the fire monster Iblis. While Iblis' appearance in Knuckles changed his backstory, Silver specifically went back to kill Sonic, believing he was the reason the future was destroyed. While Silver eventually became an ally of the Blue Blur and his friends, the idea of going back in time to kill the protagonist could be carried over to Metal Sonic in the movies. This time, however, the time traveler can't be reasoned with.

Time travel is also present in Sonic Generations and Sonic Forces, which feature the Classic versions of Sonic and Tails.

The Time Stones Might Have A Key Part To Play

Since both Metal Sonic and the Time Stones were introduced in Sonic CD, it would make sense for the Metel Sonic army to be from the future. He could have been sent back in time by a future villain, perhaps a secretly surviving Robotnik, or Neo Metal Sonic, a powerful rendition of the character introduced in Sonic Heroes. No matter who sent him back in time, though, it's clear his intentions are to take down his perceived copy, potentially to preserve some alternate timeline where he's currently ruling over the world.

Given how on-the-nose Sonic the Hedgehog 3's reference to The Terminator was, it seems like Metal Sonic really will have been sent back from the future to kill Sonic. This means the Time Stones could be a core element of Sonic the Hedgehog 4's story, possibly being connected to Amy's reason for showing up as well. It also reflects how much the movies are pulling from the games, now, with this reference being a strong indication time travel is going to play a crucial role in the next installment.

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.

Release Date December 20, 2024

Runtime 110 minutes

Main Genre Adventure

Cast Ben Schwartz , Jim Carrey , Keanu Reeves , Idris Elba , Colleen O'Shaughnessey , Krysten Ritter , James Marsden , Tika Sumpter , Alyla Browne , Lee Majdoub , Natasha Rothwell , Shemar Moore , Adam Pally , Tom Butler , James Wolk , Jorma Taccone , Cristo Fernández , Sofia Pernas , Brett Tutor , Richard Sutton , Will Austin , Barry Calvert , Brendan Murphy , Toru Nakahara

Character(s) Sonic (voice) , Dr. Robotnik / Gerald Robotnik , Shadow (voice) , Knuckles (voice) , Tails (voice) , Director Rockwell , Tom Wachowski , Maddie Wachowski , Maria Robotnik , Agent Stone , Rachel , Randall , Wade Whipple , Commander Walters , Young Walters , Kyle Lancebottom , Pablo / Juan , Gabriella , Prison Guard , G.U.N. HQ Security Guard , G.U.N. Heli Pilot , 1970s G.U.N. Soldier , Robotnik Proxy , Japanese News Reporter

Director Jeff Fowler

Producers Neal H. Moritz , Tim Miller , Toru Nakahara , Tommy Gormley , Toby Ascher , Haruki Satomi , Hitoshi Okuno , Yukio Sugino

Writers Josh Miller , Patrick Casey , John Whittington

Studio(s) Sega Sammy Group , Original Film , Marza Animation Planet , Blur Studio

Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures

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