This article contains spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog 3!Sonic the Hedgehog 3 features a leading cast including Ben Schwartz, Keanu Reeves, Idris Elda, Tika Sumpter, and James Marsden.

In an exclusive interview with ScreenRant, franchise writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller speak on Dr. Robotnik's potential future in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Miller notes that they planned to wrap up Sonic the Hedgehog 3's story in a way that "would be an ending that felt right" if it were to be an ending. At the same time, they wanted to leave it ambiguous enough so that it "could maybe not be an ending" after all. Casey echoes a similar statement, while coyly asserting "I will say this, he's definitely, definitely, definitely dead... unless he survives somehow." Check out the full quotes from Miller and Casey below:

Miller: Well, obviously, we can't talk about what is or isn't in the future, but I think it was the idea that, if it had to be an ending, what would be an ending that felt right, but obviously could maybe not be an ending?

Casey: We knew there was a very real possibility that this might be his last one, and it might be for real, but we wanted to make it a satisfying capper for him. So, if this is the last we saw of Ivo, he had a good, complete story with a real ending that that feels satisfying and felt earned.

Miller: But we all hope it's not. [Laughs]

Casey: I will say this, he's definitely, definitely, definitely dead... unless he survives somehow. [Laughs]

Miller: We always know. , Neal Moritz is producing these movies, and he also does Fast and the Furious, which has definitely demonstrated that life will find a way. If you make enough movies, that's a reason for fans to keep coming out.

What This Means For Sonic The Hedgehog's Future

Dr. Robotnik Has Come Back Before

While neither writer provided a concrete update as to what is happening after Sonic the Hedgehog 3's ending, their statements are relevant due to recent news. Sonic the Hedgehog 4 was given the green light after speculation that the third film might be the last. This will allow Shadow and the other key characters to continue the story into another film, with an anticipated release in spring 2027. As such, figuring out how to write future storylines for the key characters will be of the utmost importance.

As for Dr. Robotnik, Ivo seemingly died at the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. This would seemingly suggest that the character would not appear in Sonic the Hedgehog 4, but Miller and Casey's conflicting response hints that they could find another way to bring Ivo back. The Sonic the Hedgehog movies have already set this precedent, as Sonic the Hedgehog 2 seemed to kill him after the Giant Eggman Robot was destroyed, but he returned for the next movie.

Our Take On Dr. Robotnik's Future

The Writers Could Bring Him Back Fairly Easily

The Sonic the Hedgehog writers have written themselves a solution if they are to follow precedent. Though his death is hinted at in the second movie, Dr. Robotnik returns to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 with no real explanation. His death is a bit more overt in the third film, but the second film's resolution nonetheless means that Sonic the Hedgehog 4 could likely bring Robotnik back with minimal challenge. Carrey's version of the character is popular enough that the team might be inclined to do so.