The recently released Sonic the Hedgehog 3 trailer revealed Jim Carrey’s Gerald Robotnik and longtime fans are wondering how he is alive. This is because Gerald had been imprisoned and executed long before the events of the Sonic video game universe, particularly Sonic Adventures 2. Meanwhile, newcomer fans are curious about who Gerald Robotnik is.
So who is Jim Carrey’s Gerald Robotnik in Sonic the Hedgehog 3? How is the character alive in the movie? Here are both questions answered.
Who Is Jim Carrey’s Gerald Robotnik in Sonic the Hedgehog 3?
Jim Carrey’s Gerald Robotnik in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is Dr. Ivo Robotnik/Eggman’s grandfather. He is also the grandfather of Maria Robotnik.
In the Sonic the Hedgehog universe, Gerald Robotnik serves an important role as the creator of Sonic’s arch-rival and occassional ally, Shadow. He created Shadow via Project Shadow. It is a medical and military research program he headed on the directive of the President of the United Federation. Robotnik hoped to find a cure for his granddaughter Maria’s seemingly uncurable Neuro Immune-Deficiency Syndrome via the project.
Unfortunately, Gerald Robotnik was taken into custody and executed. This was after Project Shadow was deemed dangerous. However, before he died, he learned that Maria was killed by G.U.N. soldiers in a raid that was part of Project Shadow’s shutdown. Filled with rage and grief over her death, Robotnik’s swore vengeance on humanity till his last breath.
Despite his death, Gerald Robotnik’s legacy endured via his grandson Dr. Eggman. The latter greatly admired him and became a scientist himself. Eggman would later use his intellectual prowess to become the villain he is. This would lead to multiple clashes with Sonic and his allies.
How is Gerald Robotnik alive in Sonic the Hedgehog 3?
It is currently unknown how Gerald Robotnik is alive in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. This is despite the character having died in the game universe many years prior to the game series events, particularly Sonic Adventures 2.
It is plausible that the creatives of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 took some creative liberty and chose to keep Robotnik alive. This is likely because they wanted to see how his chemistry with grandson Eggman would be. Interestingly, both are played by Jim Carrey in the movie.
Moreover, according to IGN, the creatives likely kept Gerald Robotnik alive in order to develop Eggman’s character. They also wanted to have more emotional stakes in Eggman him joining forces with Sonic. The outlet further suggested that the creatives wanted to follow a story of Eggman confronting his hero and a grandson confronting the sins of his father.
Fans will likely only learn more about Robotnik’s status in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 once it releases in December 2024.
