Jim Carrey’s eccentric portrayal of Dr. Robotnik has consistently been the best part of the Sonic the Hedgehog movies, and there may be evidence to suggest that he’ll be returning in Sonic the Hedgehog 4. The previous installment was arguably the strongest yet, and this franchise is steadily moving in a direction that’s only proven more and more successful with each pᴀssing sequel. However, Robotnik’s fate at the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 seems to suggest that the character is gone for good.

Luckily, there’s precedent to prove that deaths in the Sonic franchise don’t always last long. There was a similar fake-out death in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 that the writers managed to easily explain, so there’s no reason it can’t be done again. Additionally, the studio has published some behind-the-scenes material that seemingly offers a glimpse at how Robotnik’s return could play out in the future.

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Concept Art Shows Robotnik As A Future King With Metal Sonic

The Villain May Be Coming Back Stronger Than Ever

Some original concept art for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has recently been posted on social media, and it includes some images that weren’t present in the finished movie. One of these concepts is particularly interesting, depicting Carrey’s antagonist draped in royal clothes with Metal Sonic by his side. While this scene never appeared in the sequel, Metal Sonic was introduced in Sonic the Hedgehog 3’s post-credits scene – indicating that he’s going to play a large role in the fourth movie.

If this is true, it seems as though his backstory is somehow linked to Dr. Robotnik. The concept art indicates that Metal Sonic was originally going to be involved in Sonic 3, where he would somehow cross paths with Robotnik – but he was ultimately relegated to the post-credits scene instead. If the writers want to continue with their original plan of having Metal Sonic and Robotnik together, it would require the latter to return in Sonic 4.

Sonic 3’s Unused Robotnik Idea Shows How Jim Carrey Can Return In Sonic 4

The Possibilities Are Endless

While it’s possible that the writers have scrapped this unused idea and it will ultimately prove irrelevant, it’s much more likely that it’s simply been moved to Sonic 4 instead. With Metal Sonic posed to become the franchise’s next main villain, perhaps the tables will turn in the upcoming sequel and Robotnik will merely be his sidekick. There’s also a metallic sheen to his costume in the concept art, suggesting that he may have somehow been brought back from the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ using similar technology that was used to create Metal Sonic.