With the new movie introducing more video game characters, Sarah Paulson addresses the rumors of her being cast as Rouge the Bat inSonic the Hedgehog 3. The next installment in the adaptation of SEGA’s franchise will see the titular blue speedster and his friends, Tails and Knuckles, forced to reluctantly partner with Dr. Robotnik to put a stop to the revenge-seeking Shadow the Hedgehog. Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, Jim Carrey and Colleen O’Shaughnessey return to leadtheSonic the Hedgehog 3castalongside Keanu Reeves as Shadow and new and returning faces, including Lee Madjoub, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter and Krysten Ritter.
During a recent interview withComicBook.comfor her upcoming horror-thrillerHold Your Breath, Paulson was asked about the rumors that she had been cast to play Rouge the Bat inSonic the Hedgehog 3. The Emmy and Golden Globe-winning stardebunked the rumors that she would play the fan-favorite treasure hunter character, bluntly stating “nobody has called me” for the part, though did express an openness to portray the character if approached. See what Paulson said below:
Nobody has called me about playing Rouge the Bat, but I would like them to. No one has asked me to do this, so whatever that rumor is, I can debunk for you right now. But if someone wants to call – if you want to send it to the people who make it happen, I am down to.
What Paulson’s Response Means For Rouge’s Sonic Future
She May Not Be In 3, But Could Appear In Other Movies
Paulson’s confirmation that she won’t portray Rouge inthe upcomingSonic the Hedgehog 3doesn’t entirely rule out the possibility that the character will appear in the film. As of the time of writing, there are still multiple members of the movie’s cast whose roles are being kept undisclosed, who includeTed Lassovet Cristo Fernández,Tell Me A Story’s James Wolk andPopstar: Never Stop Never Stopping’s Jorma Taccone. One actor also still without a confirmed role is Sofia Pernas, whose prior turn as art thief Lexi Vaziri in CBS’Blood & Treasuredid serve as the perfect framework for her to play Rouge.
Taccone previously joined theSonic the Hedgehogfranchise in a different capacity by directing episode 4 of theKnucklesspinoff show on Paramount+.
If Pernas doesn’t prove to beSonic the Hedgehog 3’s Rouge star, thenit seems more likely that the creative team will save the character for potential future installments. The group of director Jeff Fowler and writers Pat Casey, Josh Miller and John Whittington have appropriately spaced out introducing more game characters to the fold, and as such may want to keepthe focus on Shadow and Mariaand their heartbreaking story before moving on to secondary characters like Rouge or Amy Rose.
Our Take On Rouge’s Potential Movie Chances
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Is Too Soon, But She Will Be Needed Going Forward
Regardless of how Paulson’s debunking factors into the character’s potential appearance in the next movie, I do thinkit’s probably for the best that Rouge the Bat doesn’t appear inSonic the Hedgehog 3. The first trailer for the film really hammered home the idea that it will be the darkest installment, and as such, Rouge may not be the right tonal fit for the movie. Though not exclusively a goofy character by any means, her sections in theSonicgames do frequently feel on the lighter side of things.
8 Sonic Movies & TV Shows We Want To See After Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 could set up several more spin-off movies and TV shows, depending on what characters are introduced and their stories.
If she doesn’t appear inSonic the Hedgehog 3, though, Rouge is a character who will be an important figure going into potential future films. She is often an associate of Shadow in both his villainous and antihero storylines, as well as being a femme fatale-like figure for Knuckles, and should the next movie end with Reeves' character being brought back from his darkness to become a more middle-of-the-road character, her introduction would be key for keeping the tension palpable between Sonic and Shadow.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Cast
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 reunites Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as they face a formidable new adversary, Shadow. With Shadow’s unprecedented powers posing a significant threat, Team Sonic seeks an unexpected alliance to thwart his plans and safeguard the planet.
