Sonic the Hedgehog 2 sets up several movies, TV shows and spinoffs for Paramount’s Sonic Cinematic Universe, from Sonic 3 to a Shadow spinoff.
Paramount makes a Sonic Cinematic Universe, and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 sets up five movies and shows based on Sega’s beloved characters. Video game movies do not have a good track record in Hollywood, but Paramount played a major role in counteracting this trend in 2020. The release of the hedgehog Sonic brought Blue Blur to the big screen, and after delivering a character design that was more true to the games, the film was a big hit. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was announced shortly thereafter as the studio began planning to transform the long-running video game franchise into Hollywood’s latest cinematic universe.
Franchising has always been an important part of Hollywood’s success, with shared film universes dating back to the Universal Monsters franchise that began in the 1930s. However, the rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe during the 2000s marked a turning point as Disney and Marvel Studios’ success produced many copycats. The result was the creation of DC Extended Universe, MonsterVerse and Dark Universe, while Star wars, Magic, Transform, and other movie franchises expanded with spinoffs and TV shows. Paramount clearly located Sonic the Hedgehog 2 as a massive player in the establishment of the unofficially named SCU.
After the first the hedgehog Sonic kept his focus on Sonic and Dr. Robotnik’s rivalry for the powerful golden rings, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 introduces key characters like Knuckles and Tails and new pieces of mythology, like Master Emerald. The sequel’s positive reviews and record-breaking opening of the box office for a video game film are good signs for Paramount, as the studio already has a few projects under development. However, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 also sets up several other spinoff movies and TV shows that have not yet been officially announced and that can really expand the Sonic Cinematic Universe.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Paramount has already confirmed the plans for Sonic the Hedgehog 3and the sequel is directly set up through Sonic the Hedgehog 2ends. The study confirmed plans for a third film ahead of the sequel’s release, leading to speculation as to what it might include. Sonic the Hedgehog 2‘s post-credits scene makes it quite clear that threequel will set Sonic up against Shadow the Hedgehog, his rival black hedgehog from the video games. Shadow is shown waking up inside a cryo chamber from the mysterious location of Project Shadow. As the scene also lets Dr. Robotnik’s future lies in the air, it seems like Shadow is the villain of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Sonic will certainly not be alone in this fight as the Tails and Knuckles remain in the Green Hills with their new friend and agree to protect Master Emerald from any threat that comes after it.
Knuckle’s TV show
There are also plans for one Knoer spinoff show after Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The introduction of Knuckles the Echidna, voiced by Idris Elba, first came as an antagonist for Sonic. However, he switched to working with Sonic at the end of the day, just like in the games. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 potentially sets up the Knuckles spinoff show for Paramount + in several different ways. He reformed Master Emerald in the finale and can now take his rightful place as protector of the powerful gemstone. Since this was his mission all along, it makes sense that Knuckles’ show would include a connection to Master Emerald in some way. There’s also the chance for the series to explore the origins of the Knuckles, which is repeatedly hinted at in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, while focusing on the newcomer finding out about his life on Earth. Paramount +’s Knoer However, the spinoff show is still in early development, so official story details and release date are unknown.
Sonics Avengers Movie: Team Heroes
One future Sonic film it Sonic the Hedgehog 2 help with setup is Paramount and Sega’s equivalent to The Avengers for Sonic Cinematic Universe. The end of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 see Sonic, Tails and Knuckles make their temporary partnership a bit more permanent as they agree to continue fighting villains together. Although they do not name themselves at the moment, the trio is better known as Team Heroes (or Team Sonic) in the video game series. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will probably be another opportunity for them to fight with each other, but that film will probably also still focus primarily on Blue Blur. Paramount could go for a real team-up movie in the future with one Team Heroes or Team Sonic films that reunite Sonic, Tails and Knuckles again, but which also bring other heroes to the franchise, such as Amy Rose. Meanwhile, this could be the place for someone like Black Doom to become the universe’s overarching antagonist.
Shadow the Hedgehog Prequel
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 could also be seen as set up for a spinoff after Shadow the Hedgehog. His appearance in Sonic the Hedgehog 2s post-credits scene is likely intended to establish his role in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, who will definitely explore lots of his story. While the audience may have to wait until then to meet the black hedgehog properly, it would not be surprising if Paramount also considers its spinoff potential. Knuckles is a popular character in the video game franchise and gets a spinoff after his debut. However, Shadow the Hedgehog is without a doubt the second greatest character only behind Sonic, and he has an even larger built-in fanbase. Since Sonic the Hedgehog 2 established the origin of Project Shadow started 50 years ago, there is a chance for a Shadow prequel set before the events of the first film. Of course, a spinoff after Sonic’s rival, after colliding in threequel, could also work.
Rogue the Bat & GUN Spinoff
Paramount could also take the Sonic Cinematic Universe in a different direction after Sonic the Hedgehog 2 introduced the Guardian Units of Nations (GUN). The organization began to find itself seeing Sonic as a partner in protecting Earth at the end of the sequel. It could now begin recruiting its own powerful creatures to help its military units, such as Rogue the Bat. She is commonly associated with GUN, as the master jewel thief is also an expert-level spy. This could be another place where Shadow the Hedgehog also appeared. Meanwhile, it would also give the Sonic Cinematic Universe its first prominent female character. A Rogue / GUN spinoff movie or show is instantly different from the rest of the ideas presented from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 also, so it might be smart on Paramount’s part to give each of these projects a unique tone.
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