With the movie bringing more beloved characters from the games to the screen, some bootlegSonic the Hedgehogmerchandise is falsely promising new characters for a fourth movie, and fans are weighing in. The movie adaptations of the SEGA video game franchise have proven to be some of the most successful in the genre, both critically and commercially. The upcomingSonic the Hedgehog 3is expanding the world with the introductions ofKeanu Reeves' Shadow the Hedgehog, Jim Carrey’s Gerald Robotnik and Alyla Browne’s Maria.
As anticipation grows for the movie’s December 20 release,3CFilms' Cris Parkertook to his Twitter to share a bit of bootlegSonic the Hedgehogmerchandise found while Black Friday shopping.The selection of dolls claims to be from aSonic the Hedgehog 4movie, with the box featuring designs of E-102 Gamma from theSonic Adventuregames, while the actual dolls are comprised of Knuckles, Shadow, Silver the Hedgehog and Metal Sonic, the latter two of whom have not been introduced in the movie/TV franchise yet.
In response to Parker’s post, fans of theSonic the Hedgehogfranchise had a wide array of reactions to the bootleg merchandise. While some initially lamented being spoiled on the upcoming third movie, believing the toys to be real,others reacted amusingly to the fake merch, while also sharing their hopes for a fourth movie to properly be announced with said characters involved. Check out Parker’s post and some of the reactions to the merch below:
Parker did make sure to follow up a response to his original post to confirm the “toy stand was filled with random bootleg”, and that he elected to share it as it was the one that “made me laugh”.
User@nerdygatorresponded to Parker’s post with an image of J.K. Simmons' Fletcher fromWhiplashlooking angry, paired with a message lamenting Parker “decided to spoil it for us”.
@2023Ytphumorously replied to Parker’s post, calling it a “Black Friday from the future”.
@SongbirdDiamondshared their own sighting of the bootlegSonic the Hedgehog 4merchandise, which insteadincludes a doll of Rouge the Bat, who also has not yet been introduced in the adaptations.
@SceledrusZERoshared their own unique theory on the toys, consideringthe possibility that the bootleg merchandise will “actually foreshadow the plot” for a potential fourth movie.
@GoodNightDrewpointed to the merch’s box stating that the toys are based on “a major motion picture”,subsequently lamenting the fact that “the film doesn’t even exist yet”.
@AndreiMallare2offered a brief-but-hopeful response to the bootleg merch, expressing their feelings that they “wish it was real”.
@QgtharoninSakireacted primarily by laughing at the unofficial toys,though did express their hopes forSonic the Hedgehog 3’s post-credits scene to introduce Silver.
What This Means For The Sonic The Hedgehog Franchise’s Future
Intense Fan Fervor Is A Good Sign
While the bootleg merchandise is all but guaranteed to hold no weight forSonic the Hedgehog 3’s story,there is some potential merit to Metal Sonic’s inclusion among the dolls. The threequel is largely pulling its plot points from the secondAdventuregame andShadow the Hedgehog, neither of which he had a part in. However, with Sonic voluntarily giving one of his quills to Robotnik, some theories have posed that the movie’s post-credits scene will show Carrey’s villain building the robotic hedgehog.
Beyond the actual story possibilities, the reactions to the bootleg merchandise actually proves promising for theSonic the Hedgehogfranchise’s future on screen. As of the time of writing,no further installments have been confirmed to be in the works, with producer Toby Ascher having assured in September 2024 that he “doesn’t see us slowing down” on developing future projects in the franchise. While nothing specific was referenced, some have expressed their hopes for a Shadow spinoff much like the games, and others for a fourth movie.
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If the passionate fans reacting to the bootleg merchandise are just as dedicated to seeing the next movie in theaters,Sonic the Hedgehog 3’s box office could assure the franchise has a future. It’s set to go up against fellownew releaseMufasa: The Lion Kingin its opening weekend, as well as the holdover releases ofKraven the HunterandThe Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrimand is followed byNosferatu. However, given family-friendly releases are often massive hits in the holiday season,SonicandMufasawill likely be the box office battle to watch.
Our Take On Sonic The Hedgehog’s Bootleg Merch & Future
The Franchise’s Creatives Should Listen To The Fan Reactions
As humorous of a thing as it is, I actually do hope the bootleg merch and fan reactions lead to some exciting things for theSonic the Hedgehogfranchise’s future. Silver is a character who’s never been given much of a chance to do something interesting in the games since being introduced in 2006’s infamous reboot attempt, while Rouge is one who would be a lot of fun to see in the context of the adaptation franchise, particularly how she’d play againstIdris Elba’s Knuckles.
Sources:Cris Parker& Various/Twitter (See links above)
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Cast
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 reunites Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as they face a formidable new adversary, Shadow. With Shadow’s unprecedented powers posing a significant threat, Team Sonic seeks an unexpected alliance to thwart his plans and safeguard the planet.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog is a multimedia franchise that began with Sonic the Hedgehog’s release for the Sega Genesis in 1991. The franchise follows the adventures of the titular Blue Blur, Sonic, as he fights the nefarious Dr. Eggman to protect his friends, family, and the world. The series has expanded into several video games, multiple comic book series, television shows, and a Hollywood feature film series.
