"The moment I lost her, my family was gone forever. The only way to give Maria's life meaning is to destroy the world that took her from me, so I'm burning it all down!"
Decades later, Robotnik hacked Prison Island's systems to awaken Shadow, launching an attack on Commander Walters. Reuniting with Shadow in his destroyed laboratory, he joined forces with his grandson, Doctor Eggman, and his assistant Stone to enact his revenge plot, planning to use the Eclipse Cannon on the Space Colony ARK to destroy Earth. However, after revealing his true motives, Robotnik clashed with Eggman, who partnered with Team Sonic to save the planet. During the battle, Robotnik was thrown into a Chaos Energy field and disintegrated.
Gerald Robotnik was born in the 1910s. In his adulthood, Robotnik became a renowned scientist and maintained a strong bond with his granddaughter, Maria Robotnik, whom he considered his only family. After a meteor struck Oklahoma, the Guardian Units of Nations recovered it and discovered an alien they named Shadow the Hedgehog. Fascinated by Shadow's Chaos Energy powers, Robotnik was appointed to lead Project Shadow, a secret initiative to study Shadow as the “ultimate lifeform.” While observing Shadow during a speed test, Robotnik secretly kept one of Shadow's quills.
Eventually, Robotnik invited Maria to stay with him in the laboratory while he worked, allowing her to meet Shadow and form a close bond with him. Over time, Robotnik also grew fond of Shadow, treating him not only as a test subject but as a surrogate son. This growing affection led Robotnik to create a more nurturing environment for Shadow in the laboratory, ensuring he felt a sense of belonging, even in the midst of scientific experiments.[1]
One day, the Guardian Units of Nations, deeming Shadow the Hedeghog a threat, issued a raid to capture him. Learning of this, Robotnik barged into Maria Robotnik’s room to warn Maria and Shadow to escape the facility. The three attempted to escape, but as they neared the exit, Captain Walters intervened to stop a soldier from firing, leading to a struggle that accidentally triggered a massive explosion. Robotnik survived, but found Maria dead in the aftermath. Overwhelmed with grief, he collapsed in tears alongside Shadow, mourning their shared loss. After the incident, Robotnik was arrested and framed by G.U.N. agents who sent him to a secret top prison, not knowing that he secretly kept Shadow's quill.[1]
During his imprisonment, Robotnik was driven mad by Maria Robotnik's death, developing a deep resentment not only against the Guardian Units of Nations but the rest of humanity. Over the following years, he plotted his revenge, starting with gaining his freedom by making a deal with the leaders of G.U.N. to create a powerful weapon for the organization. While in his cell, Robotnik drew sketches of the Eclipse Cannon connected to the Space Colony ARK, planning to use the cannon to annihilate Earth once the organization completed it, before ultimately securing his freedom.[1] With the help of Shadow the Hedgehog's quill, Robotnik was able to extended his life span thanks to the quill's Chaos Energy.[2][3]
Reunion with Shadow[]
"It's good to see you, Shadow. I knew you'd come home." "I can't get her out of my head. The pain. It's too much" "And that is why we have to punish them."
In 2024, Robotnik would finally carry out his revenge plot, locating Shadow, who was in a state of cryostasis on Prison Island. Robotnik hacked the prison’s security systems, allowing Shadow to awaken and escape, subsequently heading to Tokyo. Shortly thereafter, Robotnik discovered the existence of his grandson, Ivo Robotnik, nicknamed Doctor Eggman. Planning to entice him into aiding his plot, Robotnik hijacked Eggman’s Flying Eggs to orchestrate an attack on Chao Garden, targeting Walters who is now the Commander of G.U.N., and ultimately managing to kill him.
Upon returning to his abandoned laboratory, Robotnik surprised Shadow seeing his old capsule, remarking that he had assumed Shadow would revisit his former home. Taken aback to see him, Shadow shared the pain he still feels over Maria's death, expressing his desire to seek justice for her. He agreed and assured Shadow that they would soon punish humanity for the incident. As they talked, a sudden sound interrupted their conversation. Shadow immediately prepared to defend them, but Robotnik calmed him, explaining that it was the guests he had lured to the facility, asking Shadow to give them a "warm welcome."[1]
"Oh, grampy-poo! Where have you been my entire life? Wait. Where have you been my entire life?!" "Locked in a top-secret prison for the last 50 years. Made it kind of hard to send Christmas cards. Now, you're probably wondering why I brought you here."
When Doctor Eggman found his Flying Eggs, Robotnik began to sing while introducing himself as Eggman’s grandfather. However, Eggman was reluctant to believe him and interrogated him using the Flying Eggs, creating a tense yet unusual dynamic between them. To prove his claim, Robotnik answered several questions of superior intelligence posed by Eggman, ultimately convincing him of the truth. The revelation led to an emotional hug between the two. Despite being moved to discover a family member, Eggman questioned Robotnik for not being present throughout his life. Robotnik explained his long imprisonment, prompting a discussion that soon escalated into a playful yet competitive comparison of their intellects.
After Shadow managed to trap and tie up Team Sonic, Robotnik and Eggman appeared before them, revealing that they had formed a team and had freed Eggman’s assistant, Agent Stone. Upon obtaining the Eclipse Cannonkeycard from Tails' backpack, Robotnik explained to Eggman how they would exact revenge on G.U.N. by using the cannon, provided they could secure the last keycard located at the organization's headquarters. When Robotnik saw Eggman's Mecha Crab, he expressed amazement at its design. With their newfound alliance, the team left to carry out their revenge. Meanwhile, Shadow activated a mini black hole to engulf the laboratory, ensuring that Team Sonic, still tied up, would be pulled into the void.
Robotnik and Eggman spending time together in a virtual simulation
Away from the island, Robotnik surprised Eggman by allegedly killing Sonic the Hedgehog on a day that seemed uncharacteristic of him. As they left for the G.U.N. headquarters in London, a journey that would take them four hours, Robotnik offered his grandson the opportunity to spend time together and get to know each other better. Motivated by this, Eggman and Robotnik began imagining a series of heartwarming events. They envisioned themselves strolling through an amusement park, Robotnik teaching Eggman how to ride a bike,[1] participate in his appointment with a group of boy scouts, scare him with a monstrous mask[4] and celebrating milestones like Eggman's "birthday," Halloween, and Christmas. Wearing virtual reality headsets, the two sat on a bench, watching fireworks in the distance and eating cotton candy as Stone came to the realization that he's being replaced.[1]
"G.U.N. Headquarters is right there. Let me go in, get the key and destroy anyone in my way. I want revenge!" "Patience, Shadow. Just let us handle this, and I promise you'll have revenge on a scale you couldn't possibly imagine."
Under the London sewers, the Mecha Crab came to a stop, allowing Robotnik and his team to exit near the outskirts of the G.U.N. Headquarters.[1] Eggman proceeded to make a livestream for his followers, which was much to Robotnik's displeasure.[4] As they prepared for the next phase of their plan, Shadow, growing desperate to obtain the final keycard and exact his revenge, was reassured by Robotnik. The older scientist promised that the keycard would be in their hands soon. With that, Robotnik and Eggman left to carry out their infiltration, while Shadow and Stone stayed behind inside the Mecha Crab, awaiting further instructions. Using Eggman's Spandex Suits, Robotnik and Eggman stealthily infiltrated the headquarters. They quickly found a secure spot to install a USB device, which would grant them access to the building's systems and allow them to bypass security measures.
Upon emerging from camouflage, Robotnik saw Eggman calling him names until he revealed himself to him and berated Eggman, commenting that he would gut him for his childish behavior if they weren't family before apologizing to continue manipulating him.[1] The duo quickly had to hide from soldiers passing by the hallway with the help of flags and Robotnik joked about it.[4] In the laser hallway, Robotnik was thrown by Eggman, causing him to become scared when he thought he would be disintegrated, but he discovered that the suits prevented the lasers from affecting them. Noticing the ease, Robotnik and Eggman decided to have a dance duel to reach the vault.[1] After finishing, Robotnik and Eggman fist-bumped before noticing the comment of a follower on Eggman's livestream, whom Robotnik quickly insulted.[4] Before getting the last keycard when they were surprised by Sonic, the duo and the hedgehog were victims of the variable gravity of the vault set by the Director Rockwell.
When the vault's gravity was deactivated by Knuckles the Echidna, Robotnik and Eggman were searched by G.U.N. agents, but were saved by Shadow, who stole the keycard from Tom Wachowski. Teleported by Shadow, Robotnik and Eggman entered the Space Colony ARK, surprising Robotnik because the organization followed his instructions and showed his grandson their Nanosuits. Before leaving, he maliciously watched as Eggman distrusted and fired Stone for distrusting his grandfather's true motives. Robotnik gave Eggman the honor of using the keycards, powering up the ARK that was deployed from the River Thames. As the ARK deployed into space, Robotnik and Shadow looked serious as they were close to completing their plot, ignoring Eggman's attempted celebration.[1]
Deploying the Eclipse Cannon[]
Robotnik prompts Shadow to use his anger and avenge Maria
"The Eclipse Cannon is about to turn this planet into a flaming pile of rubble. Wiping out everything in a 25,000 mile radius, including us." "WHAT?! We can't annihilate the Earth. By combining our genius, we can rule humanity together." "Humanity is a failed experiment. If anyone should know that it's you. All your life you've been rejected by this world. You have nothing down there. No one who cares about you." "I have you now. We're family. We have each other." "...Oh, Ivo, you're no Maria."
As they watched Earth, Robotnik spoke to Shadow about whether destroying Earth was truly the only way to honor Maria's memory. Shadow, still filled with doubts, questioned the righteousness of their plan. In response, Robotnik reminded him of the pain humanity had caused them, recounting how G.U.N. had killed Maria. He urged Shadow to remember the injustice and betrayal they had endured at the hands of humanity, emphasizing the need to carry out their revenge. Robotnik encouraged Shadow to channel his pain, using it to fuel the Space Colony ARK with his Chaos Energy. As Shadow's energy intensified, the Eclipse Cannon was finally deployed, its power now fully activated.
When Eggman saw Shadow, he asked Robotnik what he was doing. Robotnik explained that Shadow was preparing the cannon to destroy the entire planet, including them inside the ARK. Eggman was disturbed by the plan and refused to believe it could annihilate the planet, suggesting they use their genius to rule humanity instead. Robotnik scolded Eggman, expressing his contempt for humanity, reminding him that no one cared about him, and calling him a social reject. Eggman, in turn, suggested they could have a family life together. However, he rejected this, comparing himself to Maria, the only family he had left, and triggering Eggman's emotional conflict. After Shadow charged the weapon into an energy field, Robotnik activated the laser, setting a ten-minute timer for the planet's destruction.[1]
Suddenly, Robotnik and Shadow watched as Sonic, powered by his super transformation, headed toward the Space Colony ARK, where he ambushed Shadow for hurting Tom Wachowski and began a duel around Earth. While wondering about the location of their duel, Robotnik was betrayed by Eggman, who punched him in the neck and decided to ruin his plan. Frustrated, he targeted Eggman with a jetpack from his nanosuit. The two scientists struggled, painfully holding their mustaches before letting go. After falling out with his grandson, Robotnik activated a giant nanofist, intending to use it to go to Comic-Con before punching Eggman. Robotnik knocked Eggman down, caught him, and began spanking him, scolding him for fighting, but Eggman retaliated, hurting Robotnik's foot with a screwdriver.
Weakened, Robotnik decided to fight seriously, activating a scorpion exoskeleton to prevent Eggman from destabilizing the Eclipse Cannon, destroying the keycards and approached him to attack him. However, Eggman was able to activate a mantis exoskeleton to continue his duel. Robotnik tried to hit him, but Eggman defended himself and cut off part of his mustache. Angry at the loss of his mustache, Robotnik knocked Eggman down and left him hanging from a bar in the ARK. Shortly after, Robotnik noticed that Sonic and Shadow, both empowered by the Chaos Emeralds, were heading toward the ARK. Disappointed by Shadow's betrayal, Robotnik remembered how useful he had been to him in the past. To prevent them from stopping the cannon, Robotnik deployed the Gun Hunters, but they were quickly destroyed by the two hedgehogs.
Robotnik is disintegrated by the Chaos Energy field
During the showdown in space, Robotnik confronted Eggman, using his glove to open the ARK's hatch and throw his grandson into space, taunting him before doing so. Believing he had killed Eggman, Robotnik let out a sadistic laugh, joking that grandchildren were fun but not a responsibility. However, to his surprise, Eggman was saved by Tails and Knuckles through a portal ring. Robotnik watched silently as Eggman mocked him, reminding him that he had once said human life had no meaning. Eggman then used Sonic’s quill to electrocute Robotnik’s rear, causing him to be launched into the Chaos Energy field, where he was disintegrated.[1]
Personality[]
"Professor, is this really what Maria would have wanted?" "The question isn't what Maria would've wanted. It's 'what do they deserve?' Remember what she meant to us. Remember what they took from us."
Gerald Robotnik was initially a kind and gentle man who cared deeply for his young granddaughter, Maria Robotnik, whom he considered his only family, bringing her to his laboratory to spend time with him. While experimenting with Shadow the Hedgehog and observing his powers of Chaos Energy, Robotnik grew fond of him and treated him as a surrogate son instead of just an experiment.
However, after an explosion that occurred in his laboratory due to a raid by the Guardian Units of Nations that caused the death of Maria, Robotnik developed a deep void for the loss of his granddaughter, being completely devastated after being blamed by the accident and locked up in Prison Island. During his imprisonment, Robotnik went mad and his hatred towards the organization increased to the point of despising the rest of humanity for taking Maria from him, having little appreciation for life from that moment on.
He was cold and manipulative, plotting a revenge plot against humanity that relied on deceiving G.U.N. so they created the Eclipse Cannon, which he would use to annihilate the Earth along with him in a suicidal plan. Since then, he only saw Shadow as an instrument, using his feelings for Maria to help him in his plans and used the Flying Eggs to bring his grandson, Doctor Eggman, whom he subtly manipulated into helping him collect his revenge, pretending to show affection for him. When he saw that Shadow allied with Sonic the Hedgehog to stop him, Robotnik showed disappointment in Shadow for his betrayal and previously remembered his usefulness in the experiments. Robotnik was also someone with misogynistic views, expressing his surprise that Director Rockwell a female is in G.U.N.
Robotnik had an extravagant style and constantly highlighted his superior intelligence to his grandson, but unlike him, he was constantly outraged by his childish attitudes. He showed a sadistic side when he tried to kill Eggman in the Space Colony ARK and started laughing maniacally when he believed that he supposedly killed him, but his ego was the cause of his death when Eggman used Super Sonic's quill to disintegrate him in a Chaos Energy field.
"You didn't bring me here. I used my unparalleled intellect to track you down." "For the plan I've concocted with my unparalleled intellect. You'll see. I have the answer to everything."
Genius-Level Intellect: Robotnik had a superior intellect easily surpassing Doctor Eggman and quickly answering difficult questions. His intellect allowed him to take steps forward in his revenge plot, carrying out the hijacking of the Flying Eggs to meet Eggman and manipulate him into helping him obtain the Eclipse Cannon.
Master Scientist: Robotnik was an expert in the scientific area with an interest in discovering Shadow the Hedgehog's Chaos Energy. He used his scientific expertise to design instructions for creating the cannon connected to the Space Colony ARK, which was completed by scientists from the Guardian Units of Nations. Robotnik managed to figure out that Shadow the Hedgehog's Chaos Energy is capable of stopping the aging process and restoring health so he kept a quill to stall his own aging, allowing him to live to be 110 years old and retain his youthful energy.
Master Engineer: Robotnik had a natural talent for designing and creating sophisticated machinery, from advanced weaponry to various robotic constructs. His skills in engineering and robotics were central to the success of Project Shadow and his efforts to exact revenge on humanity. His most impressive engineering feat is the creation of the Space Colony ARK, a massive space station orbiting Earth. This colossal structure required not only advanced materials and architectural engineering but also the development of spacefaring technology, including life support systems, weapons, and power sources. The ARK is equipped with the Eclipse Cannon, a superweapon capable of destroying entire planets, showcasing his engineering prowess in weapons technology. Robotnik also designed Nanosuits to activate and utilize the nanobots implemented in the suits to create what the users imagine with the support of their gloves.
Master Hacker: Robotnik was a skilled computer hacker and hijacker. He managed to locate Shadow, who was in a state of cryostasis in a pod and hijack the Prison Island security systems, allowing the Hedgehog to awaken and break free from G.U.N.'s custody. He hijacked his grandson Doctor Eggman's Flying Eggs to carry out attacks on his enemies, particularly to kill Commander Walters and lure Eggman to him.
Master Tactician: Robotnik was a extremely cunning tactician, able to outthink and manipulate others, as seen when he orchestrated the complex plan to escape from prison, reunite with his grandson, and activate the Eclipse Cannon to destroy Earth. He is also a master manipulator, using his intellect and emotional appeal to control and deceive others, such as manipulating Shadow into seeking vengeance for Maria's death and manipulating Doctor Eggman into helping him with his destructive plans. He could also play on people's emotions, such as Shadow’s grief or Eggman's desire for recognition, to further his own goals.
Master Dancer: Robotnik was an expert dancer and demonstrated his skills when he and Eggman danced their way to the final Eclipse Cannon keycard.
"You hail from an ancestry of excellence. Tied directly à moi. Yes, I know French."
Shadow's Quill: When he discovered Shadow the Hedgehog, Robotnik kept a quill that he took with him when he was imprisoned. Somehow, the quill stopped Robotnik's aging, allowing him to live to be 110 years old. Constantly, Robotnik licks the quill which gives him a shock of electricity.
Other Equipment[]
"The lasers... don't seem to be penetrating my suit. They're conforming to the shape of my bodacious body."
Spandex Suit: Robotnik used a spandex suit created by Doctor Eggman to camouflage himself in the G.U.N. HQ and avoid the lasers in the hallway to the vault.
Robotnik wearing his nanosuit
"Oh, a nano-fist. I haven't seen that since I hate-watched Green Lantern in 2011." "I was saving it for Comic-Con. But now, there won't be a Comic-Con!"
Nanosuit: Robotnik had a nanosuit in the Space Colony ARK that allowed him the ability to use the nanobots implemented in it to design any type of thing he could imagine. He uses the nanobots to create a jetpack, a giant hand, and a scorpion exoskeleton to confront Eggman.
Mecha Crab: When he teamed up with Eggman, Robotnik traveled with him and Team Robotnik on the Mecha Crab to travel to London, but during the trip, Robotnik and his grandson spent time together through a virtual simulation.
In the video game series, Professor Gerald Robotnik was a famed scientist that created Shadow the Hedgehog with help from Black Doom to cure his ill granddaughter Maria aboard the Space Colony ARK. His work was however deemed too dangerous and he was taken into custody by the Guardian Units of Nations, learning that his granddaughter was killed by said organization while imprisoned. He went insane, spending his final days plotting his revenge against humanity, before being executed after estimating the time until the ARK crashed into the Earth.
Unlike in the video game series, where he died years before Shadow woke up, Gerald is shown to still be alive.
This is corroborated by a statement from Jeff Fowler, who stated that this was explored in multiple deleted scenes where the quill "was having a revitalizing effect and that energy was keeping him alive and sort of rolling back the effects of time a little bit."[2]
Gerald specifically wears Astig Pince-nez glasses, produced between 1890 and 1930.
The idea of Carrey portraying Gerald in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was kept secret from Paramount Pictures until they settled on where to take it. There were scripts in which Gerald would be stuck in limbo outside of time, manifesting in the present as a "chaos energy ghost" via Chaos Control. The idea was scrapped when it presented to Paramount, as it was requested for Gerald to be more prominent in the film.[6]
