Summary
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3 may introduce Amy Rose and Rouge, adding depth to Shadow's character.
- Amy's compassion plays a key role in Shadow's transformation from antagonist to hero.
- Rouge the Bat could provide a compelling ally for Shadow and add depth to the upcoming film.
With Sonic the Hedgehog 3 hitting theaters this December, there's already been plenty of speculation on what audiences can expect in this latest entry into the Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise. What is G.U.N.'s new role going to be since they have been presented as much more heroic than their game counterparts? How is Gerald Robotnik still alive, and how will that impact the story? Most importantly, will the film continue the running gag of mentioning Olive Garden, which has gotten a shout-out in the first two movies and the Knuckles series?
Naturally, the majority of the buzz has been around Shadow, including speculation over how dark the film will portray his storyline and questions over whether Paramount will embrace tradition and give Shadow a gun. Since trailers have hinted that the film will take the majority of its inspiration from Sonic Adventure 2, it also has the opportunity to introduce two more major Sonic characters.
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Has The Chance To Do A Truly Hilarious Post-Credits Scene
With what will most certainly be the darkest entry in the Sonic film franchise so far, the third movie has a chance for a comic relief post-credits.
Amy Rose is Integral to Shadow's Story
Pink and full of energy, Amy first made her debut in Sonic CD in 1993 where she was first seen getting kidnapped by Metal Sonic. Although Amy was originally presented as a regular hedgehog girl with an interest in tarot and a belief that she and Sonic were meant to be together, she came into her own over the course of the franchise. Amy started boxing and proved herself to be useful in combat, including brandishing her famous Piko Piko Hammer from thin air whenever a situation called for it. While she might have started out as a follower, she's eventually shown to be a capable leader, forming Team Rose. Amy's biggest asset, however, is her compassion. Amy is usually the character to reach out to others in trouble, such as helping Cream and Big find Chocola and Froggy respectively. In Sonic Adventure, she helps redeem E-102 Gamma after refusing to hand over Birdie to him. She even teaches him the concept of what it means to have and be friends with someone. Amy's role as the heart has allowed her to become one of the biggest and well-known characters of the franchise.
It's this compassion that leads Amy to have a heart-to-heart with Shadow aboard the Ark in Sonic Adventure 2. While acknowledging that some people can be selfish, Amy makes the case that humanity is basically good and asks Shadow to save them. This conversation makes Shadow remember that Maria's last wishes weren't for revenge like he originally thought, but that she too wished the best of humanity. This is what changes Shadow from an antagonist to an ally. Amy plays an integral role in helping Shadow become a hero, and deserves to make her big screen debut. (Possibly voiced by Anna Kendrick.)
Rouge the Bat is Sonic's Anti-Heroine
Rogue the Bat is a clever treasure hunter with a penchant for jewels. Whereas Amy is a heroic character, Rouge is more of an anti-heroine, embracing her own selfishness for precious gems at the expense of others and occassionally working for the government if it suits her goals. While Shadow is Sonic's darker counterpart, Rouge is Knuckles' and is naturally at odds with the protector of the Chaos Emeralds. The two of them also have super strength, including her powerful kicks. Though they have long been steadfast rivals, after Knuckles saves Rouge's life, she warms up to him and the two of them have even had a flirtation throughout the franchise, with Rouge acting as Knuckles' femme fatale.
Additionally, Rouge and Shadow pair up as a means of convenience as part of Team Dark in Sonic Adventure 2. Although Rouge's appetite for jewels inevitably gets the better of her, throughout the franchise the two have formed a real bond. Rouge may be focused on herself first, but she also cares for Shadow and Shadow, who rarely shows vulnerability, trusts her. Rogue even goes so far as to express loyalty to him in Sonic the Hedgehog 2006. Seeing the Sonic franchise's most iconic anti-heroes on screen would be compelling, and it would also give Shadow an ally he could bounce off of throughout the film.
With the most anticipated entry in the Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise coming out this winter, there is a lot to be excited about. Shadow is one of Sonic's most popular characters and the trailers have shown thus far that they are willing to delve into his character and backstory. To that end, the inclusion of Amy and Rouge, two characters that see a different side of him than his rival Sonic, would help round Shadow out for the audience. Additionally, Amy and Rouge have long been staples of the franchise, and it would be exciting for fans to see them on the big screen. There might be some hestiancy to introduce them. While Amy's character has evolved, she has been known mainly for her obsessive crush on Sonic and Rouge can be mischaracterized as an awkward attempt at sex appeal. However, with the right care, there's no doubt that these two will delight fans new and old just like their male counterparts.
Sonic the Hedgehog is a prolific game franchise that started life on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. Covering both 2D and 3D iterations through the generations, Sonic is known for speedy movements and interesting platforming mechanics.
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Paramount is a fairly recent (2019 founding) mass media company that used to operate under the name ViacomCBS. They have grow into their own production company and are also producing original content via a streaming service called Paramount Plus.
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