Jim Carrey might just be the most important star in the Sonic the Hedgehog film series. A comedy legend of the 1990s and 2000s, Carrey stole the show again and again as Dr. Robotnik in both Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Originally appearing as a sleek scientist with a superiority complex and sadism streak, Carrey’s Robotnik slowly morphs into the mad scientist beloved by Sonic fans worldwide. Equal parts villainous and quirky, Sonic 3 simply wouldn’t be the same without him.
For a while, there seemed to be a solid chance we might not be seeing Carrey in Sonic 3. Carrey has expressed some reservations about acting in recent years, resulting in concerns that the comedian might not revise his role as Robotnik for a third Sonic film. Here’s what you need to know about Carrey’s current plans for the Sonic trilogy, and whether we can expect Carrey to return once more for the next installment.
Will Jim Carrey return for Sonic 3?
After casting doubt on the possibility and making us worry, it’s finally been announced that Carrey will reappear as Robotnik in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
In a chat with Access Hollywood right around Sonic 2’s release, Carrey had claimed he was set to retire from acting and move on from performing, at least for the time being.
“If the angels bring some sort of script that’s written in gold ink, that says to me that it’s going to be really important for people to see, I might continue down the road. But I’m taking a break,” Carrey said, later adding, “I’ve done enough. I am enough.”
But on February 2, 2024, Variety broke the news that Carrey will be returning for a third installment in the franchise.
If Carrey hadn’t decided to return, Robotnik would have essentially been killed off. Sonic 2’s producers previously told IGN that they had no plans to recast the character if Carrey departed. Though, despite what Carrey had said, the producers seemed to hold out hope that Carrey would end up returning for Sonic 3 after all thanks to the comedian’s love for Robotnik’s character.
“We love Jim and he’s so special, and what he does with Robotnik is so incredible. We would love him as long as he’d like to be there with us,” producer Toby Ascher said, with co-producer Neal H. Moritz adding: “And I have a feeling that he loves Robotnik so much that I don’t think he’ll be able to walk away from it.”
So was the Sonic 3 script written by angels in gold ink? Is it really that good? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
(Feature image: Paramount Pictures)
