A theory about Sonic the Hedgehog 4 might mean Sonic has actually developed a new power by the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 3‘s post-credits scene. Following the mᴀssive success of the previous two films, it makes sense why Paramount hedged their bets and included a tease for Sonic’s future in his latest film. The Sonic the Hedgehog 3 post-credits scene introduced the cinematic versions of two fan-favorite Sonic characters, Amy Rose and Metal Sonic.
Given their history in the games and some fun details about their arrival, many Sonic fans have been theorizing that the pair have actually arrived from the future and that the film will largely be an adaptation of a 1993 entry in the series. However, while the film may be pulling from that classic game for characters, one detail might actually be hidden in plain sight that could seriously impact how the series tackles a time travel storyline. In fact, it might not be Amy and Metal Sonic traveling through time at all.
Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Could Deal With Time Travel After Sonic 3’s Credits
Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Seems To Be Pulling From Sonic CD
Aligning somewhat with many fan theories about Sonic the Hedgehog 4, the blue hedgehog’s next cinematic adventure could feature a time travel storyline — by sending Sonic into the future. The post-credits scene of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 depicts Sonic finally slowing down during a race with his friends, Tails and Knuckles. Alone in a forest at night, Sonic is attacked by a legion of Metal Sonics. He’s saved by fan favorite Amy Rose, setting up her long-awaited arrival in the film series. Some theories point to Metal Sonic’s distinctive arrival as a reference to a prospective time travel plot.
Metal Sonic’s sudden appearance and arrival are framed similarly to the arrival of the T-800 in The Terminator, which could be seen as a clue to Metal Sonic’s purpose in the plot. Metal Sonic and Amy Rose’s debut in the game series was Sonic the Hedgehog CD, which focused on Sonic traveling between two different periods on Little Planet in an attempt to save the world from Dr. Robotnik. After Sonic the Hedgehog 3 directly adapted elements of Sonic Adventure 2, it’s possible the films might continue to pull directly from specific game storylines.
Sonic 4’s Time Travel Theories Could Be Getting One Crucial Detail Wrong
Metal Sonic And Amy Might Not Be The Time Travelers In Sonic The Hedgehog 4
Introducing time travel to the cinematic Sonic the Hedgehog universe wouldn’t be far outside the limits of this world. Given the presence of Amy and Metal Sonic, many fans have predicted that the game will be an adaptation of Sonic CD. Although certain elements may be very different from the original game’s story, such as Amy’s apparent age and the involvement of Dr. Robotnik, it would make sense to turn to Sonic CD as a potential next step in the series.
In many theories about the film, fans have suggested that Metal Sonic and Amy have traveled back in time to respectively destroy or protect Sonic. This is definitely a possibility, and would actually have precedent. Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 featured a similar storyline, focusing on Silver the Hedgehog and Blaze the Cat being back in time by the villainous Mephiles under the ᴀssumption that killing Sonic could prevent their apocalyptic future. However, the time traveler might actually be Sonic going into the future, instead of anyone coming into the past.
Sonic 4 Theory: Sonic Traveled To The Future In Sonic 3’s Credits Scene
Sonic Might Be Just Be Too Fast
One possible plotline for Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is that during his race against his friends, Sonic decides to cut loose and run at full speed. In doing so, he moved beyond the typical flow of time and ran straight into the future. While he’s never exhibited that kind of power in the films, other incarnations of the character (such as the one from the video games and comic books) have been able to run fast enough to travel through time. The cinematic Sonic has also become increasingly powerful with each subsequent film in the series.
Sonic could begin accessing that level of power in Sonic the Hedgehog 4, which might have been set off by his use of the Chaos Emeralds in the last two films in the series. An amplified Sonic arriving in a future where other hedgehogs exist, but someone has replicated his image and abilities for seemingly nefarious ends would definitely raise the stakes of the sequel beyond the Earth-threatening dangers of the last film. It could also be a handy way to introduce plenty of futuristic elements and characters from the games into the films, especially if some followed Sonic home.
How Sonic Traveling To The Future Would Completely Change Sonic 4
Sonic Being Lost In The Future Could Be A Great Move For The Series
After cementing the emotional throughline of the Sonic the Hedgehog film series on the value of family bonds — whether or not tied by blood — it would be a compelling emotional challenge for Sonic to face a future without any of his typical support system. At least for a portion of the film, Sonic wouldn’t have Tom, Maddie, Tails, or Knuckles to ground him. This could push Sonic to desperation to return home, showcasing the character under pressure in a way that would build off the emotional arc he’s gone through in the earlier films.
This story direction would also be a naturally easy way to expand the [cinematic Sonic the Hedgehog] franchise.
It would also force Sonic to reckon with just how powerful he’s becoming. If Sonic is capable of traveling in time with his powers, he could theoretically go back in time and save other people like his adopted mother Longclaw — which could play into a thematic moral of the story, forcing Sonic to deal with the challenges he’s facing instead of running away and changing them. Sonic’s ability to travel through time was also part of the gameplay mechanics of Sonic CD, which saw players use Sonic’s speed and agility to rush through portals to different time periods.
This story direction would also be a naturally easy way to expand the franchise. A new futuristic setting would effectively give the sequel the vibes of a soft reboot, with Amy and Metal Sonic only being two of any number of potential new heroes or villains who could appear in the film. While it would be fun to see Sonic try to effectively survive a Terminator-style plot, it might be more emotionally compelling if Sonic the Hedgehog 4 sends Sonic into the future instead of sending other characters into the past.
