Sonic the Hedgehog 3director Jeff Fowler explains how Jim Carrey stepped out of retirement to take on two antagonistic roles in the sequel. Carrey first portrayed the archenemy of Sega’s iconic blue speedster in 2020’sSonic the Hedgehog, as Dr. Ivo Robotnik went from a brilliant scientist working with the military to an eccentric, mad genius bent on world domination. Alongside Carrey as both Dr. Ivo Robotnik and his grandfather, Dr. Gerald Robotnik,Sonic the Hedgehog 3will introduce Shadow the Hedgehog, a fan-favorite anti-hero played by Keanu Reeves.
Though Robotnik will be sharing the villainous spot inSonic the Hedgehog 3, Fowler opened up toSFX Magazine(viaGamesRadar) about how they convinced the assumed retired actor back to the franchise. Alongside ensuring that they lived up to Carrey’s condition that he would only step back into acting with a script written in gold by literally printing his copy with 24-carat ink, Fowler praised Carrey in his dedication to not only reprising his role, but crafting a new performance for Gerald Robotnik:
I mean, not only did he come back, he came back and did twice as much work. We printed it out with 24-carat ink and delivered it to his doorstep. For him to create a whole new character within the world was certainly an exciting opportunity, and he just went all in.
The director went on to praise Carrey further by revealing his extensive contributions to not only filming, but the make-up and prosthetic development, stating he felt lucky to have been able to work with the actor on three occasions. Check out the rest of what Fowler shared about Carrey’s return below:
No detail was too small. He helped design the prosthetics and everything. Talking about things to wrap your head around, having made three films with Jim Carrey, that’s a real mindbender.
What Carrey’s Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Dedication Means For His Dual Performance
Gerald Robotnik Is Secretly A Tragic Figure
While previousSonic the Hedgehogmovieshave explored the gradual devolution of Robotnik from a scientist entrusted by the government to a crazed loner bent on vengeance and power, Gerald Robotnik allows Carrey to bring a new kind of performance to the feature. Trailers for the movie have shown Gerald to be just as eccentric as his grandson,though his motivations remain wrapped in mystery.
Who Is Dr. Robotnik’s Grandpa? Jim Carrey’s New Sonic The Hedgehog Character Explained
In addition to Keanu Reeves' Shadow, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 introduces another key character from the games — Dr. Gerald Robotnik (Jim Carrey).
Within the lore of theSonic the Hedgehogvideo game series, Gerald has long passed before Shadow reemerged in the modern-day world. A brilliant scientist who created Shadow, but was left forever scarred by the tragedy that set the hedgehog on his path of villainy. While Fowler has previously promised a faithful retelling inSonic the Hedgehog 3’s story, Gerald being alive in the present could lead to a tragic and emotional performance from Carrey.
Will Jim Carrey Stay Retired After Sonic The Hedgehog 3?
There’s Not Much On The Horizon For The Legendary Comedic Figure
Since about 2016, Carrey has not been a mainstay of Hollywood cinema. After making 2016’sDark Crimes, a serious crime drama, the actor appeared in TV showKiddingfrom 2018 to 2020. Since 2020, however, Carrey has appeared only inSonic the Hedgehogmovies and as President Joe Biden onSNL(in addition to some commercials and music videos). In many ways, Carrey is in a state of semi-retirement.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
2024
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
2022
2020
2016
Dumb and Dumber To
2014
There is reason to believe, however, that appearing in theSonic the Hedgehog 3castwon’t be his last-ever movie. In addition to stating that a strong script could pull him back to acting,there are many actors who have claimed to be retired only to then return. The most obvious example of this is Daniel Day Lewis, who seemingly retired in 2017 afterPhantom Threadbut was recently spotted filmingAnemone, a film directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis. Other actors who have retired and then returned include Joe Pesci, Cameron Diaz, and Anthony Hopkins.
Netflix’sBack in Action, which also stars Jamie Foxx, marks Diaz’s return to acting after a decade away.
What’s more,it has also been rumored that Carrey is attached to star inEvergreen Pines and the Fading Summerfrom director David Robert Mitchell (It Follows). Carrey starring in this film has not been confirmed and it could end up being untrue, but his involvement in such a project would be significant – it would mark his first non-Sonicmovie in eight years.
Our Take On Fowler’s Jim Carrey Praise
The Actor Has Embraced The Role Of Robotnik
While Carrey’s Dr. Robotnik started off as a far cry from his video game counterpart, the actor has since become one of the most celebrated elements of the series. Alongside the Golden Globe winner bringing his own trademark comedic stylings to the character,audiences have been left amazed by how his design evolved into the balding, mustached foe fans love to hate alongside his chaotic chemistry with Lee Majdoub’s Agent Stone.
Dr. Robotnik’s 10 Best Quotes In The Sonic The Hedgehog Movies
Dr. Robotnik’s chaotic and sarcastic nature has led to him being a memorable antagonist in the Sonic movies, which is reflected by his best quotes.
Though it is undeniable that Carrey’s Robotnik will build upon what came before, his portrayal of Gerald could provideSonic the Hedgehog 3with some of its biggest surprises. When compared to past movies, the sequel is drawing on darker source material, meaning the actor could take audiences by surprise with a heartbreakingly tragic turn. With Fowler’s praise for Carrey’s contributions, it’s clear that the actor has brought another standout performance to the franchise.
Cast
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 reunites Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as they face a formidable new adversary, Shadow. With Shadow’s unprecedented powers posing a significant threat, Team Sonic seeks an unexpected alliance to thwart his plans and safeguard the planet.
