“Sonic 2” Sets New Box Office Record While Robotnik & Stone Are Still (Kind Of) Queer?

Staying true to what’s expected from the blue video game icon, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 raced ahead of the competition to achieve the number one position at the domestic box office with a $71 million holiday weekend opening. Also, Robotnik and Agent Stone are still (kind of) queer, right?

This post contains spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog 2. You have been warned!

The $71 million opening for Sonic 2 is definitely impressive. Not only is it the biggest opening for a video game adaptation (the first Sonic got a $57 million three-day opening), but it also served as the biggest domestic opener for THE Jim Carrey. The star’s comedic hit Bruce Almighty earned a $68 million opening back in 2003. And while Carrey has said he has plans to retire, I think he just might return as Dr. Robotnik for Sonic 3 due to the box office numbers.

Directed by Jeff Fowler, I enjoyed watching Sonic the Hedgehog 2. We got to learn more about the lore of the long-running video game franchise. I liked the dynamic between Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles. Idris Elba did an awesome job voicing Knuckles. There’s even a Knuckles spinoff TV series in the works over at Paramount Plus. Well-deserved!

However, that’s not to say I didn’t find a couple of faults as far as the narrative’s concerned. I don’t know about you, but I didn’t like the ‘Fake Wedding’ arc with Rachel’s fiancé being revealed to be an undercover agent who catfished Rachel (Natasha Rothwell) into agreeing to marry him. The fact that Rachel forgave him at the end didn’t sit right with me. Sorry not sorry, but depicting that level of catfishing as actual love was not it, especially due to Sonic 2 being a kid-centric movie.

The film also needs to figure out what to do with Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter). I get they are supposed to be Sonic’s adoptive human parents, but they didn’t really have much to do in the overall story.

And while I enjoyed Agent Stone’s interactions with Dr. Robotnik, I hope the third installment allows Agent Stone (Lee Majdoub) to experience some kind of character growth. I really thought Agent Stone was going to walk away from his obsession with Robotnik as the story came to a close. But alas, from what I could tell, Sonic 2 concluded with Stone still seeking approval from Robotnik.

Stone and Robotnik’s relationship reminded me of Smithers and Mr. Burns from The Simpsons franchise. In my opinion, Stone’s clearly queer and in love with Robotnik. Even the creative team behind Sonic and the PR people seem to know that, too.

Robotnik, have a latte. You’re not yourself when you’re uncaffeinated. #HappyValentinesDay and happy Sonic Movie-versary! 💙 pic.twitter.com/IFlPHShzwt

— Sonic the Hedgehog (@SonicMovie) February 14, 2022

However, similar to Mr. Burns, Robotnik will never reciprocate Stone’s feelings, except for displaying small, yet significant, gestures Stone might never be aware of. For example, while stranded on another planet, Robotnik missed Stone so much that he decided to make a literal stone his buddy. Robotnik, powered by the Master Emerald, also showed concern for an unconscious Stone.

While their relationship made for a couple of laughs, I prefer actual character development in the movies I watch. So, here’s hoping the writers decide to help Stone grow a bit. He can still be into wanting Robotnik’s approval, but I would like some kind of progress, even if just an inch, with Stone finding actual love and affection from someone else and being a bit confused about those new feelings. I mean, what are your thoughts on Stone and Wade Whipple (Adam Pally) being a thing?

Anyway, despite certain faults, I would recommend that you watch Sonic the Hedgehog 2. It’s primarily made for kids, but longtime Sonic fans will enjoy it, too. I know I did.

As for the rest of the US box office numbers according to Deadline, Jared Leto’s Morbius fell approximately 74% during its second weekend to collect $10.2 million. Against a reported budget of $75-83 million, the global haul for Morbius currently stands at $126 million.

In third place was Sandra Bullock’s The Lost City with $9.1 million. Michael Bay’s latest film Ambulance, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, seemed to be in need of an ambulance itself after opening at fourth place with $8.7 million against a reported $40 million budget.

Michelle Yeoh’s trippy indie comedy/drama Everything Everywhere All at Once went wide to secure 6th place with a respectful $6 million opening. The film has garnered rave reviews, and I hope it pops up during award season. Let’s get Yeoh her Oscar!

As of writing this, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has collected more than $140 million at the global box office against a reported budget of $90-110 million. I definitely want a third film!

Did you watch Sonic 2? What are your thoughts on Agent Stone and Dr. Robotnik?

Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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