Why Knuckles Is A Villain In Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Olivia Owen Sonic the Hedgehog 2's first trailer confirms Knuckles is a villain in the movie sequel. Here's why the popular video game character isn't a hero.
The first Sonic the Hedgehog 2 trailer confirms Knuckles is a villain, and here's why the video game franchise's popular character isn't working with Sonic. Throughout the Sonic franchise and across multiple media properties, Knuckles has regularly appeared as a protagonist alongside the series' titular star. However, despite this legacy, there are good reasons why Knuckles might oppose Sonic.
Following the success of 2020's Sonic the Hedgehog, Paramount quickly moved forward with plans for a sequel. The first film heavily teased how Sonic's story could continue, with Sonic the Hedgehog's ending giving Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) a more game-accurate look and its post-credits scene showing Tails' arrival on Earth. On top of continuing Sonic and Dr. Robotnik's feud and properly introducing Tails, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is also bringing Knuckles into the picture. The red echidna is a fan-favorite character in the Sonic video game franchise, and casting Idris Elba to voice Knuckles only increased excitement that he'll appear in the sequel. The first Sonic the Hedgehog 2 trailer delivered the first look at Knuckles and his powers, but some might have been surprised with his role.
Despite the character's popularity and association as an ally for Sonic, Knuckles is a villain in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Knuckles' villainous role in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a departure from how he has primarily been depictured throughout his nearly 20 years of video game appearances. However, Knuckles wasn't always a hero, as his first appearance made him a villain. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 introduced Knuckles to the franchise's canon by making him an opponent for Sonic. This was the result of Dr. Robotnik manipulating Knuckles and his mission to protect the Master Emerald. Robotnik tricked Knuckles into believing Sonic and Tails were planning to steal the Master Emerald, which sent Knuckles to attack them while the evil scientist took the powerful gem for his own evil schemes. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 appears to be sticking close to the source material for Knuckles' introduction by positioning him as a villain at the start.
Even though Knuckles isn't heavily featured in Sonic the Hedgehog 2's trailer, it is easy to see how the movie is staying true to his video game debut. Knuckles is clearly aligned with Dr. Robotnik, as Sonic remarks that they want to steal his power. It isn't clear if Knuckles' villainous turn is for the same reason, though. Robotnik is shown finding the Master Emerald, but there weren't any signs of Sonic also being in pursuit of it. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 could give Knuckles a different reason to believe Sonic is a threat, but their rivalry will start in the sequel either way.
Knuckles being a villain in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 should also set up Idris Elba's echidna to be a big part of the franchise moving forward. It is likely that Knuckles will come to realize that Robotnik is the threat he needs to worry about, which will result in him working with Sonic and Tails to defeat him. Knuckles can then go on to fulfill his video game destiny of being a guardian of the Master Emerald and help Sonic in any future adventures.
