Sonic the Hedgehog 3 director Jeff Fowler has explained the film’s post-credit cameos and what their roles are going to be during Sonic the Hedgehog 4. The Sonic the Hedgehog 3 post-credits scene featured Sonic (Ben Schwartz) getting attacked by an army of Metal Sonics, sporting the characters’ classic design from the games. As he’s cornered, Amy Rose arrives donned in a brown hood, destroying the robotic army with her Piko Piko Hammer. This sets the stage for what the next movie’s story will be, pulling elements from the games as a new story unfolds.

Speaking with ScreenRant for the movie’s digital release, Fowler revealed conversations are ongoing about what Amy and Metal Sonic’s roles are going to be after their debuts in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The director explained that, while he’s listening to fan discussion about who should voice the characters and where the story will go, much of it is still in the developmental stage. However, he said they do have an idea about where they’ll be taking the characters, even if more work still needs to be done. Check out what Fowler had to say below:

I love to just watch the fan conversation, and just see where things go. Obviously, casting is such a huge part of any of these characters, but it does kind of come from the needs of the story and of the script. So, I think want to make sure that, whatever direction it goes, that it is servicing the character needs for whatever story is being told.

I mean, usually the way these post-credit teasers work is we’re so jamming on finishing the film, but at the same time, you don’t want to just throw characters in there and not know what you’re going to do with them. So, there’s certainly, as we were winding down on Sonic 3, and as we were prepping that post-credit teaser, we absolutely have had a lot of really great creative discussions and got excited by some ideas. Because you don’t want to paint yourself into a corner and put a character in there and then not know what you’re going to do with it. But it’s all very preliminary, and much more work needing to come in order to really get that process going.

What Fowler’s Comments Mean For Amy & Metal Sonic In Sonic The Hedgehog 4

The Duo Can Pull Inspiration From Their Debut Game

Amy and Metal Sonic first appeared in 1993’s Sonic CD, where Sonic saved Little Planet from being destroyed by Dr. Robotnik. Unlike the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 4, Sonic saved the pink hedgehog in the process, something that’s seemingly being flipped on its head for the upcoming installment. Based on Fowler’s statement and when the pair first appeared, though, it seems there’s already a general idea of how their story is going to be told. This likely involves pulling from their game while remixing it for the movie’s universe.

As for voice actors, it’s possible more high-profile names will get involved in the franchise, much like how Sonic the Hedgehog 3‘s cast introduced Keanu Reeves as Shadow. While Amy’s actor remains a mystery, Metal Sonic could be voiced by Schwartz himself, referencing how Sonic and his counterpart were voiced by Ryan Drummond in Sonic Heroes. The story, however, remains unknown, with some possibilities including the use of the Time Stones from Sonic CD, or elements of other games making surprise appearances.

Our Take On Amy & Metal Sonic’s Roles In Sonic The Hedgehog 4

Another Mᴀssive Adventure Is Going To Unfold

Amy and Metal Sonic are the perfect way to continue the franchise with some of its most recognizable faces at the forefront. By circling back around to Sonic CD, it’s possible other elements like Little Planet and the Time Stones – and, by extension, time travel – will be involved in Sonic the Hedgehog 4. Since Sonic the Hedgehog 3 already proved how faithfully new movies can adapt the games, plenty of other elements from their debut, and other games they’re important in, will likely appear in the sequel.