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The year 2024 has seen one of the weirdest arms races in the movie industry escalate in the form of the popcorn bucket wars. But as we’ve seen coffins, AR-enhanced arenas, and more become the go-to-trend of theater chains, let’s not forget the reason for the bucket season: all this started out because a Dune popcorn bucket looked a little too sexy for its own good. Imitators came and went, but by and large, the uncomfortable popcorn bucket sexual tension has strayed away from what made the viral moment in the first place. And honestly? Thank god we got to that point before Sonic 3 came out, because I’m sure none of us would’ve been prepared.
Yes, now as inevitable as the announcement of a tie-in Funko Pop line, this week, off of the back of a new trailer AMC and Regal revealed their latest addition to the popcorn bucket canon for the release of Sonic 3 this month, and we can all breathe a sigh of relief. The notably horny Sonic fandom will have to go out of their way to sexualize what is, thankfully, just Sonic’s giant head but with the top part opened up and his brains scooped out. He’s about as heady empty as movie Sonic often is, so it’s thematically appropriate!
Movie night just got even more hedge-tastic 🌀💥
Get ready to level up your collection with the #SonicMovie3 merch! From the Light-Up Cup and Sonic Popcorn Container to the Lenticular Cups with exclusive toppers and tin, soft plushes, Funko Pops, and a warm Fleece Blanket, the… pic.twitter.com/uzviuGjHot
— Regal (@RegalMovies) November 25, 2024
Sure, it’s a little boring—we could’ve had something fun like Eggman’s giant robot from the second movie, something Shadow related, or hell, even just slap a gold Sonic ring as the trim of the bucket like you’re opening a portal to buttery, kerneled glory. Wait, no, that last one would definitely have been too lewd. But again, perhaps it’s better to be safe and sorry with the Sonic fandom that this bucket treads the line between impractical absurdity and something that could get immediately rule-34’d. Again: I’m sure someone will still try, but they’re going to have to put the effort in this time.
Sonic 3 is pretty much the last film of the year that will partake in the popcorn bucket arms race before we presumably continually get to reach even more absurd, and occasionally potentially lewd, heights in 2025 as theater chains continue to chase value add-ons beyond a movie ticket itself. Where does head-empty Sonic rank on your own bucket list? Let us know in the comments.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
