With the Sonic the Hedgehog movie having released to resounding success, many have been wondering about the plot and details of the next movie. Some later scenes in the movie have suggested that the Blue Blur will soon be joined by his two-tailed fox friend and abrasive red echidna cohort. However, while Tails and Knuckles are staples in the video game series, and Tails may be a worthy addition given his endearing interactions with Sonic, Knuckles does not necessarily have to have a role in the films.
No Knuckle Sandwiches
As it stands, the Sonic movie was a decent movie adaptation of a classic video game franchise. It showed Sonic the Hedgehog in a CGI form most could get on board with, and gave audiences a very classic Jim Carrey that stole the spotlight as longtime Sonic villain Dr. Robotnik. Of course, there was naturally an obligatory boring human character, if only to foster a connection with the audience. But, ultimately, it was a fun experience and Sonic’s character was fairly up to par considering that he isn’t too in-depth between the games.
Tails could easily fit into a Sonic the Hedgehog movie sequel, however. Tails complements Sonic’s more eager and hyper persona. The über intelligence fox often helps Sonic get out of terrible jams, even if it’s through annoying guidance and dialogue. He is nonetheless a wizard when it comes to technology and has the power of hovering, which is something that can’t be claimed by Sonic or any of his fellow talking animals.
Knuckles is a hard case to argue for, though. Most Sonic characters are very one-note, but Knuckles is particularly one-note. He prefers to deal in punches over discussion and has the ability to glide in various Sonic games. He’s a useful ally in a game sense. However, he is unabashedly loud-mouthed and there aren’t really even minor changes in his character throughout his game and TV show appearances. It would be difficult to make such a stubborn character likeable without having him learn his lesson. But having Knuckles grow would change him too much from the character fans know and love. Needless to say, whoever is behind Sonic the Hedgehog 2’s script should skip the echidnas.
Will They Or Won’t They?
While Knuckles truly shouldn’t make an appearance in any Sonic movie sequels, he is a staple character in the series. Any cultured Hollywood execs or those affiliated with the movies probably know who Knuckles is if they are at least a bit familiar with the Sonic game series. Thus, he is bound to make an appearance. But, it’s truly inadvisable. They should really go with someone or something a bit more interesting.
Shadow the Hedgehog might be a bad replacement character to go with. In the games, he may a worse villain than Dr. Eggman because he can be boiled down to an “evil version of Sonic.” Perhaps, new blood is needed in place of Knuckles. Another human villain with a different motive might be interesting, and add an unexpected twist to the Sonic canon. Or, they could go a different route and create a reptilian villain. The series has been overrun with humans, mammals, and alien creatures as antagonists, so maybe a diabolical gecko or lizard would help freshen things up. One on a hellbent mission to find a computer room…
In any regard, Knuckles simply ought to be left out of the picture. Leave him to the games.
