Sonic the Hedgehog 2 introduced in additional of the franchise’s lore that Sega has been constructing on over time; not simply within the type of the Blue Blur’s buddies Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessy) and Knuckles (Idris Elba), however the Master Emerald that serves because the driving pressure behind a number of Sonic video games. With a third movie and Knuckles spinoff already greenlit, the query amongst followers has naturally develop into what different parts from the video games shall be integrated into future live-action materials. And in the event you noticed the movie’s post-credits scenes, you already know that the third movie goes to herald one of many franchise’s greatest gamers.

Following Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails’ defeat of Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey), the navy is cleansing up the aftermath of the battle when G.U.N. commander Walters (Tom Butler) is knowledgeable of a analysis facility housing a a long time outdated venture. The digicam cuts to that facility, the place the take a look at topic—Shadow the Hedgehog—is contained. The movie ends on Shadow waking up and opening his pink, energized eyes. Introduced in 2001’s Sonic Adventure 2, Shadow is taken into account considered one of Sonic’s biggest rivals and shares many comparable traits. But he was designed to be “the Ultimate Lifeform” to guard humanity, and his strategies regularly put him at odds with Sonic and firm. He’s develop into a fan favourite, and at one level even headlined his personal sport that’s a little bit of a cult basic and has a killer opening song.

In an latest interview on the Green Hill Zone podcast, the movie’s co-writer Pat Casey talked about what to anticipate from Shadow when he reveals as much as make bother for Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles within the subsequent movie. When requested, Casey admitted that the first cause he was the movie’s post-credits stinger was primarily due to his reputation, and likewise due to what he may deliver to the movies going ahead. Casey described him as “driven by anger and revenge,” just like Knuckles, however the important thing distinction is that Shadow isn’t misunderstood just like the pink echidna was within the sequel. Shadow was created with the prime purpose of shield the world from hazard, but it surely’s the way in which he goes about that that may put him at odds with Sonic and buddies.

Casey additionally teased that Sonic’s efforts to attach with Shadow wouldn’t be fairly as straightforward because it was with Tails and Knuckles. “Sonic’s never had to deal with someone as emotionally damaged like Shadow…when he sees Shadow, he’s like, ‘Well, I’ll just teach him about the power of friendship, like with Knuckles!’ But that’s not going to work on Shadow.” For followers of the franchise, it’s an fascinating factor to say, on condition that Shadow’s want to guard humanity stems from witnessing the demise of his buddy Maria by the hands of G.U.N. With how Sonic 2 makes clear that G.U.N. shall be an issue going ahead, it seems like a bit extra darker sequel is within the playing cards for the Blue Blur and firm.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is in theaters.

Want extra io9 information? Check out when to count on the newest Marvel and Star Wars releases, what’s subsequent for the DC Universe on movie and TV, and every thing you could learn about House of the Dragon and Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.