Knuckles fans divided by character return in TV series: “How is he alive?”

Sonic fans have spotted a character in the Knuckles TV series trailer that’s sparked widespread speculation; how did he get there, and why is he in it?

As we wait for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Knuckles is punching his way into the spotlight in his own show on Paramount+ very soon.

Knuckles hit us all hard in the second Sonic the Hedgehog movie with his superb introduction, and after finally completing the Team Sonic lineup, he’s rightfully been given his own six-episode episode series. However, fans are questioning the involvement of a particular character that appears in the trailer of the Echidna series.

The trailer for the mini-series has been met with massive praise from fans as they analyze it for every bit of information possible – and one character has caught their attention.

Sonic fans confused at character’s return in Knuckles series

Fans have caught the brief appearance of a character from Sonic Adventure 1, Pachacamac, a previous volatile leader of the Echidna tribe. They are baffled at not just how he’s on Earth, but the fact he’s even alive.

You’re joking.
That’s actually Pachacamac.

Why is he here? Why is he alive?
Why is he happy while working at a bowling alley? https://t.co/HGY2o3gygt

— Mr. 🅿️asquale (@TheMrPasquale) February 8, 2024

Fans recognized Pachacamac from Sonic Adventure 1 as the father of Tikal and a warmonger Echidna chief who sought nothing but power for his tribe. He met his end when he tried to attack Chaos, a godlike creature, resulting in his and many other Echidna deaths.

So how he went from a power-hungry chieftain to working at a bowling alley with a smile on his face has fans bewildered, speculating wildly, comparing him to the Echidna that appears at the beginning of the first Sonic movie and attacks his mentor Longclaw.

Assuming this guy from Sonic 1 is still supposed to be Pachacamac, I guess he grew out of his edgy phase. #Knuckles pic.twitter.com/nEBusridnv

— Shane Champagne (@SeaSaltArt) February 8, 2024

A common theory circling social media is that Pachacamac used to be that Echidna chief and made his way to Earth after a battle, only for his character to be played for jokes like the Olive Garden G.U.N Commander character. As popular Sonic fan and Robotnik cosplayer Jackbotnik states:

My theory on Pachacamac in the Knuckles series:

Knuckles will tell tales to Wade of Pacha being a great leader and warrior, only to find that he used a ring to flee from the battle, and came to earth, causing Knuckles to rethink what it is to be a warrior. What do you think? pic.twitter.com/vLRa9T3gUZ

— Jackbotnik (@Jackbotnik) February 8, 2024

Considering that a prominent plotline in the series is Knuckles struggling to live in peacetime, Pachacamac could help him as he’s potentially gone through what Knuckles is experiencing and helps him with not needing to fight.

Pachacamac will be voiced by Back to the Future’s own Doc Brown, Christopher Lloyd, and is set to appear in Paramount’s Knuckles series airing April 26, 2024.