Sonic 4: Super Knuckles Might Be the Next Big Evolution After Super Sonic & Super Shadow
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Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Could Introduce A New Super Character Sonic the Hedgehog 3 thrilled fans with the incredible transformations of Super Sonic and Super Shadow, setting the stage for another power upgrade in Sonic the Hedgehog 4. The live-action franchise first showcased Super Sonic in Sonic 2, where he used the Chaos Emeralds to unlock an ultra-powerful golden form. The sequel built on this by introducing Super Shadow, expanding the lore of the Super States.
Now that Sonic and Shadow have harnessed the full potential of their Super States, speculation is growing about what comes next. The Sonic 3 post-credits scene teased the arrival of Metal Sonic and Amy Rose, but the next movie could take it further. With Sonic 4, the franchise has the perfect opportunity to introduce another character transformation—Super Knuckles.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Needs to Introduce Super Knuckles
Knuckles Has a Super Form in the Games
The Sonic franchise has a history of characters achieving Super States by using the Chaos Emeralds. Knuckles the Echidna first unlocked his Super Knuckles transformation in Sonic & Knuckles, turning pink and gaining immense strength. The games have shown multiple ways for Knuckles to activate this state—either by absorbing the Chaos Emeralds’ energy himself or sharing Sonic’s power. This opens the door for Sonic the Hedgehog 4 to introduce Super Knuckles as the next major power-up.
Knuckles’ Super State Connects to His Core Storyline
Knuckles’ journey in the live-action Sonic movies has been deeply tied to the Master Emerald. In Sonic the Hedgehog 2, he was tasked with protecting it, a responsibility he carried into the Knuckles spinoff series and Sonic 3. Despite his initial reluctance, he ultimately allowed Sonic to use the Master Emerald’s power to stop Super Shadow. In Sonic 4, it would be fitting for Knuckles to take matters into his own hands and embrace the Super Knuckles transformation.
If Knuckles decides to unlock his Super State, it would signal that the new enemy in Sonic 4 is even more powerful than anything Team Sonic has faced before. His choice to use the Master Emerald’s power would add emotional depth to his character—shifting from guardian to protector of the world.
Super Knuckles Would Elevate Sonic 4 Beyond Sonic 3
Sonic 4 Needs to Go Bigger Than Sonic 3
Each sequel in the Sonic movie franchise has pushed the boundaries of action and storytelling. Sonic 3 delivered an epic finale featuring Super Sonic, Super Shadow, Robotnik’s massive battle, and a laser capable of cutting through the moon.
To raise the stakes in Sonic 4, the movie needs to introduce an even greater spectacle. Having Super Knuckles join the fight would provide fresh excitement and further develop his role as a major player in the franchise.
Expanding the Super State Roster
While Super Knuckles is the most logical choice for an upgrade, Sonic 4 could also introduce Super Amy Rose or Super Tails. Both characters have gone Super in the Sonic games, and the franchise has an opportunity to explore new power-ups.
By introducing more Super Characters, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 could continue to expand the world of Chaos Emerald-powered transformations, ensuring that each installment raises the bar for action, storytelling, and fan excitement.