Summary
Sonicthe Hedgehogfilms may have broken records and set standards for future video game-to-film adaptations, but it also broke the tradition of one of its film stars, Jim Carrey.
As an adaptation of the famous SEGA game of the same name,theSonic the Hedgehogmini-franchisehas released three feature films and a TV show since its big screen debut in 2020. The first two films earned a combined $720 million at the box office, and the third,Sonic the Hedgehog 3,had a domestic opening of $60 million, beatingMufasa: The Lion Kingas the biggest movie of December at the box office. Jim Carrey’s eccentric mad scientist Dr. Robotnik, which features in all three movies, has become one of the later defining moments of the actor’s career.
Sonic the Hedgehog Changed Jim Carrey’s Stance on Sequels
BeforeSonic the Hedgehog 3’s release, Jim Carrey, in an exclusive interview withGamesRadar+revealed how the Sonic films changed his approach to sequels and franchises:
“For some reason, I’ve never wanted to do sequels. I’ve never really wanted to do franchise stuff. It didn’t occur to me. I just thought, ‘I want to move on and do something new’… Maybe six months before the first Sonic movie, I thought to myself I’d like to have a character that I could sit with for a bit for a few films. Especially if it could evolve, if it could change from film to film."
Dr. Robotnik’s character development across the films, as stated by Carrey, was key in his decision to return.
“Robotnik has been able to evolve in his look and his manner from film to film. Every time he gets defeated, he becomes more bitter and hostile. His megalomania gets ratched up and these inventions, the technological wonders that he keeps coming up with, keep topping themselves.”
Jim Carrey’s comments to GamesRadar+ come less than a fortnight after the 62-year-old shared thathis decision to return forSonic the Hedgehog 3—after announcing his retirement post-Sonic the Hedgehog 2in 2022—was because he needed the money. While his salary for theSonicfilms remains undisclosed, Carrey’s asking price is sure to be hefty, evident in the 1996 movieThe Cable Guy,for which he was paid $20 million —a Hollywood record at the time.
BarAce Ventura: When Nature CallsandDumb and Dumber To, Carrey has generally refrained from doing for sequels. However, he is not the only famous Hollywood actor to loathe dedication to franchises only to later make a U-turn. Despite starring in theTwilight Sagafilms,Robert Pattinson was averse to featuring in franchises, that is, until Matt Reeves’The Batman,which is set to be a trilogy. Patrick Stewart initially refused to reprise his role as Jean-Luc Picard inStar Trek: Picardseries but changed his mind after the writers and producers pitched an eye-watering story. Perhaps most famously, James Bond himself, Daniel Craig, confessed that he would rather “slash his wrists” than suit up as the most famous spy agent in the world, but later returned as 007forNo Time to Die—albeit for the last time.
There’s no telling whether Jim Carrey will show up for any plans Paramount has for Dr. Robotnik, or if he would make good on his retirement plans, but fans can already have a good guess from his past comments.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3was released on December 20 and is currently showing in cinemas worldwide.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)
Cast
Directed by Jeff Fowler, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 sets up a new threat for Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails by introducing Shadow the Hedgehog. Shadow presents such a big danger to planet Earth, that the heroes have to team up with Dr. Robotnik.
