In the next frame, we get a glimpse of both Sonic and Robotnik’s squads, but something doesn’t quite add up with one of them. Sonic, Knuckles, and the jetpack-equipped Tails look perfectly in sync as they race through the vibrant forests of Green Hill. However, when you glance over to Robotnik’s line-up—featuring Shadow and Agent Stone—there’s an odd gap between Stone and Robotnik. It just doesn’t sit right from a shot composition perspective. If “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is indeed aiming to bring “Sonic Adventure 2” to life, then there’s a crucial character noticeably absent: Rouge the Bat.
Rouge, the well-known treasure-hunting double agent, is famously Knuckles’ rival in the original Dreamcast game. It’s disappointing to see she doesn’t seem to be included in this film adaptation, especially when Shadow is making an appearance. Unless, of course, there’s a twist in store akin to “Spider-Man: No Way Home”—perhaps she, or another beloved Sonic character, occupies that conspicuous empty space and is being hidden for a big reveal when the movie hits the big screen. Some fans have speculated that this might also indicate the arrival of Metal Sonic, the mechanical nemesis we’ve been eagerly hoping to see emerge since the initial teasers suggested his debut in this film or its successor.
If Robotnik does defect in this installment, building Metal Sonic wouldn’t be entirely out of character for the mad doctor. My concern, though, is that the movie could become too crowded if Paramount tries to cram another Sonic narrative into an adaptation of “Adventure 2.” Given that we already have one evil hedgehog in the mix, I’m crossing my fingers it turns out to be Rouge stepping into the spotlight.
