Sonic the Hedgehog 4's story will focus on.

Metal Sonic's appearance has already proven him a powerful threat, as he seemingly has an army of robots at his disposal. While it's unclear whether a possibly surviving Dr. Robotnik built him like he did in the games, it seems like he's in control of his minions more than a potential creator. Sonic the Hedgehog 3's ending sees him as an authority figure over the paler versions of himself, something that echoes the behavior of one Marvel villain he should take after in Sonic the Hedgehog 4.

Metal Sonic Could Be The Ultron Of The Sonic The Hedgehog Movies

Both Characters Are Powerful Robots With Similar Armies

Metal Sonic's army is reminiscent of Ultron in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a villain who could act as inspiration for the new antagonist. Introduced in Avengers: Age of Ultron, the AI program was created by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner using the Mind Stone, originally envisioned as a force for good. However, he soon became sentient, scanning accessible data to determine humanity as the biggest threat on Earth. This made Ultron a powerful MCU villain, as he began plotting the Ultron Offensive, a plan to wipe out humanity.

During the movie, he also created Ultron Sentries, an army of robots that look similar to him who he uses to enact his schemes. This is already similar to Metal Sonic's presentation in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, with the blue version seemingly acting as their commander. These minions could appear throughout Sonic the Hedgehog 4, with Sonic and his friends having to fight them instead of the typical badniks produced by Dr. Robotnik. This also means they could be enacting some nefarious plans Metal Sonic has, similar to Ultron's agenda.

Sonic’s Games Are Proof Metal Sonic Can Be Like This Marvel Villain

Sonic Heroes Shows What An All-Powerful Metal Sonic Is Like

Metal Sonic's game appearances have already proven how he can be like Ultron in the movies. The robotic counterpart is the main villain of 2003's Sonic Heroes, luring Sonic and his friends to him by pretending to be Dr. Eggman. The final story of the game reveals he went rogue, locking away the real Eggman and drawing out Sonic's friends so he could copy all their abilities. He appears in a new form, Neo Metal Sonic, sporting longer spikes on his head and a black robe. He uses his newly acquired data to become the monstrous Metal Madness.

Both robots use data to grow stronger, their similarities reflecting how Sonic's new foe can present himself in Sonic the Hedgehog 4.

In his new, kaiju-like form, Metal Sonic proves a difficult opponent to defeat, made even more difficult when he upgrades again into Metal Overlord. This flying monster is even difficult for Super Sonic to defeat on his own, requiring Knuckles and Tails to assist. Metal Sonic's history proves he's a powerful adversary, his upgrades reminiscent of how Ultron got more powerful because of the Mind Stone. Both robots use data to grow stronger, their similarities reflecting how Sonic's new foe can present himself in Sonic the Hedgehog 4.

In IDW's Sonic the Hedgehog comic series, Neo Metal Sonic appears in the first arc, managing to become Super Neo Metal Sonic with the Chaos Emeralds and later transforming into a new form, Master Overlord.

Why This Approach To Metal Sonic Would Work So Well For Sonic The Hedgehog 4

An Ultron-Like Story Can Compliment His Character

If Metal Sonic does pull inspiration from Ultron, he can embody some of the MCU villain's similar attributes, such as becoming stronger over time. In the games, he also has a superiority complex, believing himself to be the real Sonic, while his counterpart is just a "loathsome copy." This can be explored through his use of minions in his image as well, potentially evolving as his overarching plans become more clear. It can also explore just how much like Ultron he is when it comes to the world as a whole.

By pulling inspiration from Ultron, Metal Sonic could become one of the Sonic the Hedgehog movies' most intimidating villains so far. Couple his army with the ability to copy the abilities of powerful characters like Shadow, and it would make him an unstoppable force. While Sonic and Amy's first encounter with him in Sonic the Hedgehog 4 was brief, his possible upgrades and continued use of a metallic army means he can easily become just as dangerous as the MCU villain.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 arrives in theaters on March 19, 2027.