Jim Carrey promised to come out of retirement only if the angels brought him a script written in gold ink. It appears that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is that golden script for Carrey, as reports confirm that the Ace Ventura actor is returning to the video game-to-film adaptation. Carrey reprises his role as the main antagonist, Dr. Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik, from the first two films. Interestingly, the character’s return also solves the big cliffhanger at the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
The films based on Sega’s video game series became an immediate hit with the audiences. Both films became the highest-grossing video game film adaptation at the time of their respective releases. A spin-off series, Knuckles, will premiere on Paramount+ in early 2024.
Jim Carrey Comes Out Of Retirement For Sonic the Hedgehog 3
In Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Jim Carrey‘s Dr. Robotnik tumbles and falls from the Egg Smasher. While GUN agents search for a body in the area in the post-credits scene, they are unable to find one. Many fans, who expected the usual pop culture rule of ‘no body equals no death’, were disappointed when Carrey hinted at his retirement from acting in 2022.
A preview teaser of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was released on social media, featuring Robotnik’s unique laughter. Following this, Variety confirmed that Carrey’s villain is set to make a dramatic return in the third film. The Bruce Almighty actor’s return makes a lot more sense to the third film, which will likely explore one new character introduced in the post-credit scenes of Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
You all thought I was gone, but I’ve just been underground. What you’ve seen from me is only a #shadow of things to come… pic.twitter.com/3W9Rh728Tt
— Sonic the Hedgehog (@SonicMovie) February 2, 2024
GUN agents uncover a file in Robotnik’s archives dating back 50 years, mentioning a Project Shadow. This discovery is followed by a scene showing a black-and-red hedgehog in a research facility. Fans of the games identified this character as Shadow the Hedgehog. Carrey’s return adds a lot more anticipation to the project, which looks to repeat the $870 million box office success of its predecessors.
In a bid to broaden the cinematic universe, the filmmakers are launching a spinoff miniseries titled Knuckles, featuring the character introduced in the second film. Idris Elba reprises his role in the miniseries, created by John Whittington and Toby Ascher, both of whom worked on the previous films. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will be released in theaters on December 20, 2024.
Why Did Jim Carrey Announce His Retirement?
Jim Carrey is widely known for his eccentric comedic roles, yet he remains an underrated dramatic actor. Carrey earned a Golden Globe for his role in The Truman Show but was overlooked for any awards for his career-best performance in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. After four decades of illustrious career, Carrey revealed in an interview with Access Hollywood that he was stepping into retirement.
The disbelieving interviewer asked if he was serious about retirement, and he stated, “I’m being fairly serious, yeah.” Carrey further clarified that he might continue down the road, but was taking a break for the time being. As for why he reached this decision, Carrey revealed to a confused interviewer that he “really like putting paint on canvas and really love [his] spiritual life.” While art may suit Carrey, audiences would love to see him more on screen.
Sonic the Hedgehog and its sequel are now available for streaming on Paramount+.
