Jim Carrey returns for ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’

We haven’t seen the last of Dr. Robotnik.

Jim Carrey will reprise his role as the mad scientist with formidable facial hair in “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.” The news comes despite the fact that (and here there will be spoilers) the second film in the series ended with Dr. Robotnik falling from a giant robot to the ground, a potentially fatal fall. However, in the film’s post-credits scene, it is revealed that Dr. Robotnik’s body has not been found, setting the stage for Sonic’s main antagonist to make a dramatic return.

The combined global box office of “Sonic the Hedgehog” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” amounts to $870.8 million, hence the enthusiasm of Paramount, the studio behind the video game adaptations, for another installment in the franchise. The studio is also making a spin-off series, “Knuckles’,” which will premiere on Paramount+. Carrey’s return was mocked on social media The makers of “Sonic” released a teaser that included Dr. Robotnik’s signature laugh.

Jeff Fowler, who oversaw the first two films, returns as director of the latest sequel. Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, Toru Nakahara and Hitoshi Okuno will produce the film, which will be released in theaters on December 20, 2024.

Carrey is one of the most successful comedic actors in film history with box office hits including “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “Dumb and Dumber,” “The Mask” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” He showed off his dramatic chops in “The Truman Show” and “Man on the Moon,” in which he played Andy Kaufman. He earned Golden Globe awards for both films. Carrey also appeared in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” a surreal romance that earned him some of the best reviews of his career. His most recent film role was “Sonic the Hedgehog 2.”

Carrey is repped by WME.