Warning: SPOILERS lie ahead for Sonic the Hedgehog 3! Following the introduction of several new characters in the latest installment, franchise writers Josh Miller and Pat Casey have unveiled their aspirations to incorporate an iconic character in future entries. While the star power of Keanu Reeves as Shadow the Hedgehog and Jim Carrey as Gerald Robotnik took center stage, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 also brought new game characters to life. Notably, Alyla Browne portrayed Maria Robotnik, alongside a silent Amy Rose and an army of Metal Sonics, with the latter two making a cameo during the credits to tease upcoming developments.
An Insight into the Future of Sonic Characters
In a recent interview with Collider, Miller and Casey discussed the next steps for the franchise and which beloved characters they hope to bring to the screen. They praised their ongoing partnership with SEGA, referring to the company as “great partners” while noting that SEGA provides them with creative “parameters” when it comes to character introduction:
Josh Miller: It’s such an obvious answer, but it’s crazy that we’re three movies in and we keep bringing in essentially two new characters in each sequel. And we still know that fans are saying, “When are we going to get to see so-and-so? What about this one?”So it’s not hard to imagine there can be easily several more sequels and keep expanding the universe. The franchise has not done a whole lot really into the idea of where Sonic came from. I mean, I know Sega has their specific parameters on what to do with that, but there’s still so much room for it to grow.
Pat Casey: I feel like these movies, as they continue to succeed, we’re also earning more and more leeway from Sega as they trust us more and more. Sega have been great partners.
In a light-hearted tone, Casey revealed that one character they aim to feature in the Sonic movies is Big the Cat, explaining that he could play a pivotal role as the franchise progresses:
Pat Casey: Someday we’re gonna get Big the Cat into these things. That’s where this is all going.
Josh Miller: Yes! In Sonic the Hedgehog Part Ten! Finally.
Pat Casey: Big the Cat is our Thanos, you know?
Interpreting Casey & Miller’s Vision for Big the Cat
Potential Seriousness Behind the Jokes
Despite their playful comments regarding Part 10 and referring to Big the Cat as their “Thanos,”the prospect of this character appearing in a future Sonic film is certainly feasible. Although Big has been sidelined in recent games by Sonic Team, he continues to be part of the broader franchise, having appeared in the Sonic X anime, comics, and various game titles. The narrative of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, largely inspired by the second Adventure game, may suggest how Big could be incorporated in subsequent films.
The post-credits scene featuring Amy Rose has sparked speculation that Sonic the Hedgehog 4 might borrow elements from either Sonic CD, which marked Amy’s debut, or Heroes. Although Big the Cat was not part of the former, he did play a significant role in Heroes, where he joined forces with Amy and Cream the Rabbit to search for Froggy and a Chao named Chocola.
With the third film introducing a Chao as a restaurant mascot, it seems unlikely that this storyline will be developed further. However, if Casey and Miller intend to give Big a more substantial role than depicted in the games, it is plausible that Sonic the Hedgehog 4 could set the stage for his introduction, potentially involving him looking for Amy in a post-credits scene. This would perfectly align with the franchise’s established practice of leaving intriguing cliffhangers for audiences.
Our Perspective on Big the Cat’s Entry into Sonic the Hedgehog Franchise
Challenges Ahead for a Potential Debut
Regardless of the timing and circumstances surrounding Big the Cat’s future appearance, his introduction into the Sonic the Hedgehog series will not be straightforward. While the franchise embraces a unique aesthetic, it has successfully steered clear of overly cartoonish elements—an area that Big often embodies. Thus, introducing this character requires a sophisticated approach to ensure thematic consistency with the films’ established tone.
Source: Collider