Warning! Spoilers ahead for Sonic the Hedgehog 2!
After introducing Idris Elba's Knuckles, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 features some key moments that would be perfect launchpads for the echidna's spinoff series coming to Paramount+. Having become a strong ally and friend to Sonic and Tails by the sequel's end, Knuckles is more than ready for his own series, embarking on a new adventure following the trio saving the day from Jim Carrey's Doctor Robotnik. With new allies being introduced and dark threats on the horizon, the Knuckles series has some exciting potential.
Thanks to the return of Robotnik and the debut of the powerful Master Emerald in Sonic 2, Knuckles is initially presented as a rival to the Blue Blur, just as he was in the original SEGA games and comics. Tricked by Robotnik into believing that Sonic meant to do harm with the Master Emerald (which can turn thoughts into reality), Knuckles and his impressive strength prove to be a formidable match for Sonic and his incredible speed. However, Robotnik's deception and plan to use the Emerald himself is realized soon enough, which forces Knuckles and Sonic to reconcile their differences, working alongside Tails to save the day and defeat Robotnik once and for all.
Unsurprisingly, Paramount has already announced a Sonic 3 film in the works along with a Knuckles spinoff series which Elba has already signed on for. While the series could certainly delve into the warrior's background as a member of the Echidna clan, there are actually four big ways in which Sonic 2 potentially sets up future Knuckles adventures going forward. Now that Earth is his new home along with Sonic and Tails, Knuckles could introduce brand new characters with a new mission (while also setting up Sonic the Hedgehog 3).
Knuckles Can Fulfill His Destiny With Sonic 2's Master Emerald
Following Sonic 2's ending, the Master Emerald is now in the hands of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles. Initiating a pact, all three heroes agree to keep the Emerald safe going forward. Having finally found the Master Emerald his tribe lost, Knuckles can finally fulfill his life's purpose to keep it protected. As such, the Master Emerald falling into danger could certainly kick off Knuckles' spinoff series where he's either protecting it or attempting to recover it once more. While Sonic and Tails agree to help him keep it safe, protecting the Emerald is Knuckles' whole role in the games and comics. It makes sense that he'd feel responsible if it were to fall into the wrong hands, perhaps even choosing to go off on his own to set things right.
Sonic 2's G.U.N Can Introduce The Perfect Knuckles Rival
Secondly, the organization known as G.U.N. (Guardian Units of Nations) is introduced in Sonic 2 . While they work to keep the world safe against threats like Robotnik and the alien Black Arms, they also clash with Sonic and company over misunderstandings as well (as seen in the film when they initially capture Sonic and Tails). Seeing as how the Master Emerald is an object of ultimate power, it's not out of the realm of possibility to suggest that they might not be too keen on it being in the hands of a blue hedgehog and his allies rather than in their own.
This could lead to the introduction of the classic Sonic character Rouge the Bat, a spy and thief who's often been in G.U.N's employ in the games and comics. Furthermore, her obsession with jewels and specifically the Master Emerald, makes her the perfect foil for Knuckles. She'd certainly be an ideal new character for the spinoff series who could be voiced by some equally dynamic talent on par with Elba's version of Knuckles (perhaps an actress like Scarlett Johansson or Charlize Theron). Rouge is essentially the Catwoman to Knuckles's Batman as the two have had an almost flirtatious, back-and-forth relationship/rivalry.
Knuckles Spinoff Can Continue Sonic 2's After-Credits Tease
The introduction of G.U.N. in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 also results in an exciting post-credits scene. Searching the aftermath of the battle for any sign that Robotnik might have survived, it is revealed that G.U.N. discovered the existence of Project Shadow, a dark hedgehog in hibernation who has been merged with the DNA of an evil alien by Robotnik's grandfather to create the Ultimate Life Form. While it's no doubt a tease that Shadow the Hedgehog will be the main antagonist for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Knuckles' spinoff series could certainly act as a bridge between the two films, revealing what happens in the interim with the project now that the major Sonic rival will apparently fall into the hands of G.U.N. following the events of Sonic 2.
Sonic 2's Knuckles Has "Complexity" Worth Exploring
As Knuckles says in Sonic 2 before the final battle with Doctor Robotnik, "I have a steely focus, and I'm complex, which is a lot for some people." Clearly, there's more to explore with the super-strong echidna warrior beyond his introduction to the Sonic film franchise. While talking about the series, Idris Elba did comment about Knuckles likely being a "fish out of water." Likewise, Sonic 2's ending features Knuckles having some confusion about concepts such as baseball, ice cream, and fun in general. In essence, he's a lot like Thor or Wonder Woman in their earliest days getting used to Earth and the greater world beyond their homes. That being said, Knuckles' series can continue his acclimation not only as a hero of Earth but also working to connect with his new friends and allies. After all, he's typically been a pretty isolated warrior on his home of Angel Island.
At any rate, the spinoff series featuring Knuckles the Echidna has some strong avenues to work with provided by Sonic the Hedgehog 2. There are plenty of options like new characters and dangers potentially being introduced, the Master Emerald being threatened, and/or new insights into Project Shadow ahead of Sonic 3. Whatever the show ends up being, a Knuckles series is bound to be fun, even if it's just a series exploring who he is now compared to the warrior he used to be with his tribe. While Paramount has yet to offer a release date for the spinoff series, a 2023 release seems likely with Sonic the Hedgehog 3 potentially releasing in 2024.
