In the next scene, we catch glimpses of Sonic’s and Robotnik’s crews, yet something feels off about one of them. As Sonic, Knuckles, and a jetpack-equipped Tails dash through the lush greenery of Green Hill, everything seems in order. However, when the camera pans to the group comprising Robotnik, Shadow, and Agent Stone, there’s an awkward gap between Stone and Robotnik. This empty space sticks out like a sore thumb, especially from a shot composition angle. Now, if Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is indeed drawing inspiration from Sonic Adventure 2, there’s a notable character absence: Rouge the Bat.
Rouge, the crafty treasure-hunting double agent, serves as Knuckles’ main rival in the Dreamcast title. It’s disappointing that she seems to be missing from this movie, which introduces her alongside Shadow. Unless, of course, this is reminiscent of the surprise reveal strategy seen in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Maybe Rouge, or another Sonic character, is strategically omitted from the shot to deliver a surprise when the film releases. There’s also a theory floating around that suggests the mysterious gap could hint at Metal Sonic, with fans speculating since the initial trailer that this robotic adversary might make an appearance in this movie or the next.
If Robotnik is switching sides in this installment, it would be logical for him to create the “robohog.” My concern, though, is the film potentially becoming overcrowded if Paramount tries cramming another Sonic storyline within an Adventure 2 adaptation. We already have one antagonist hedgehog; Rouge’s arrival would be a refreshing twist. Let’s hope it’s her making that grand entrance.
