Director Jeff Fowler recently unpacked the emotional final scene between Dr. Robotnik and Agent Stone in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Throughout the video game adaptation series, Jim Carrey has cleverly embodied the role of the eccentric and evil scientist Dr. Ivo Robotnik, whose primary goal is to overcome Sonic and his friends in order to dominate the world. In Sonic 3, Carrey doubled down on his over-the-top comedy style by also playing Gerald Robotnik, Ivo’s grandfather. Throughout the Sonic the Hedgehog series, Carrey’s Robotnik was never without his loyal ᴀssistant Stone, played by Lee Majdoub.
In an interview with Screen Rant‘s Grant Hermanns, Fowler discusses Robotnik and Stone’s heartfelt reconciliation in the final act of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The franchise director highlighted how the scene not only polishes off Robotnik’s incredible story arc but also celebrates the earnest bond between the two characters which has grown since the release of Sonic the Hedgehog in 2020. Here’s what he had to say:
Yeah, I mean, honestly, what a wonderful way to celebrate Robotnik and Stone’s relationship. It just clicked, because, initially it was all about bringing Jim back to play two characters, and that was the pitch. It was like, the first two films, we’ve always explored family, but from Sonic’s perspective, and what a great opportunity it would be to now do that from Robotnik’s side of things. And what does that do to him? How does he change once he has family in his life?
That was such an interesting question to ask, and it was something that I know Jim latched on to and just gave him some new territory. It’s the last thing he would ever want to do is come back and just rehash the same performance from other films. So to get to now have Ivo as this sort of doting grandson to Gerald was just such a fun sort of concept. But then, to turn out that he’s had family all along right in front of him.
It might not be blood family, but Stone is family nonetheless, and the love is there. So it’s just great, it just lent itself to such great story material. And it’s wonderful to hear that landed for you because, for all the action and bombastic nature of our third act, that it becomes kind of so simple and so emotional at the end, I think, is something we’re all really proud of.
What Stone & Robotnik’s Emotional Finale Means
Sonic 3 Gave Robotnik A Heartening Farewell
At the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Robotnik seems to sacrifice himself to stop his grandfather’s revenge against the world. With a poignant and heartwarming speech, Robotnik finally acknowledges Stone as a friend and admits he’s one of the few people he cares about on Earth. Much like how the тιтular blue speedster found a family in Tom (James Marsden), Knuckles, and Tails, Eggman formed a bond with someone who has always been by his side to shave his head, zip him up into his suit, or chase an alien across the universe.
The franchise’s latest hit gave Carrey new horizons to explore, resulting in one of his most memorable performances in the series. From a spiteful genius to an unlikely hero, Robotnik’s arc delivered a touch of emotional depth to the otherwise over-the-top antagonist. While the renowned actor has yet to be confirmed for the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 4, the final scene of Sonic 3 provided the goofy villain with a genuinely touching and heroic sendoff.
Our Take On Robotnik & Stone’s Final Scene
A Surprising Sweetness In Sonic 3
Robotnik and Stone’s emotional farewell was an unexpected but welcome highlight of the franchise. Dr. Robotnik proved to be the ideal role for Carrey to emerge from retirement, never failing to bring his signature comedic touch and charm. Majdoub’s Stone balanced Carrey’s chaotic energy perfectly, making their bond feel authentic and earned. It is the duo’s mix of humor, heart, and high-octane spectacle that made Sonic the Hedgehog 3 a standout addition to the video game franchise.
