We haven’t seen the last of Dr. Robotnik.
Jim Carrey will reprise his role as the mad scientist with the formidable facial hair in “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.” The news comes despite the fact that (and here there be spoilers) the second film in the series ended with Dr. Robotnik falling from a giant robot to the ground below, a potentially fatal tumble. In the film’s post-credits scene, however, it is revealed Dr. Robotnik’s body has not been found, setting the stage for Sonic’s main antagonist to make a dramatic return.
The combined global box office for “Sonic the Hedgehog” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” stands at $870.8 million, hence the enthusiasm of Paramount, the studio behind the video game adaptations, for another installment in the franchise. The studio is also making a spin-off series, “Knuckles,’” that will premiere on Disney+. Carrey’s return was teased on social media with the “Sonic” filmmakers releasing a teaser that included Dr. Robotnik’s distinctive cackle.
Jeff Fowler, who oversaw the first two movies, is returning as the director on the latest sequel. It will also bring back Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, the blue speedster whose exploits were featured in a number of Sega games. Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, Toru Nakahara and Hitoshi Okuno will produce the film, which will open in theaters on Dec. 20, 2024.
Carrey is one of the most successful comic actors in movie history with box office hits that include “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “Dumb and Dumber,” “The Mask” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” He flexed his dramatic chops in “The Truman Show” and “Man on the Moon,” in which he played Andy Kaufman. He earned Golden Globe Awards for both movies. Carrey also appeared in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” a surrealist romance that earned him some of the best reviews of his career. His most recent film role was “Sonic the Hedgehog 2.”
Carrey is represented by WME.
