This year is set to be quite generous to Sonic fans. Not only are we getting a highly-anticipated third Sonic movie in December but today has blessed the fandom with a 6-episode Knuckles miniseries exclusively on Paramount+. That's not even counting the upcoming Sonic Generations remaster with Shadow co-starring in it.
However, given the nature of certain spin-offs like the MCU's Disney+ shows, one question has hung above this since its announcement: does "Knuckles" lead into Sonic The Hedgehog 3" in any meaningful way?
Let's cut to the chase: the answer, sadly, is no. Not, really.
No, there's no cameo from Jim Carrey's Robotnik at the end nor Agent Stone, though Robotnik's mentioned and the villanous Buyer (who's real name is never given) worked for him in some form. Anyone expecting an early tease of Carrey's fat-suit appearance will probably have to wait until the teaser trailer for Sonic 3. Same can be said for any tease of Rogue the Bat or Amy Rose, which makes sense as neither character has been confirmed to show up in the next movie, anyway, and its looking increasingly doubtful they might be aside from a mid/post-credits tease (though this writer's happy to be proven wrong and Jeff Fowler's keeping either of them a surprise).
While Sonic and Tails do get a cameo, it's in the first episode. Tom is mentioned but never seen. The show is pretty-much laser-focused on Kunckles and Wade's journey to Reno, with Wade getting special emphasis on his subplot on his family issues and having to overcome them. It is still an interesting plotline that leads to fun guest apperances such as Cary Elwes Wade's deadbeat bowling champion dad.
The only thing we see that may be seen again in Sonic 3 is Knuckles' flame fists as seen in the final episode, but it's such a small, albiet cool bit, that I don't consider it essential to see the show just to know that little tidbit.
Regardless, the miniseries is a ton of fun and worth checking out on its own. While Wade does get a bit more emphasis like some people have pointed out, it's not like Knuckles is shunted into a corner and Idris Elba's just as humorus in the role as we last saw him in the last movie. My only complaint is the villains aren't in this more. Regardless, this isn't like most of the recent MCU D+ shows that are meant to be far more relevant and can be enjoyed on its own regardless on what happens next in Sonic 3.
"Knuckles" is currently airing on Paramount+. "Sonic The Hedgehog 3" is out December 21, 2024.