Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Sonic the Hedgehog 3!
Maria Robotnik is one of the biggest news in the history of Sonic the Hedgehog 3and here's how she relates to Doctor Ivo Robotnik. The Robotnik family tree gets a major expansion in the third live-action film Sonic the Hedgehog film, with Ivo Robotnik appearing alongside newcomers Gerald and Maria Robotnik. Ivo and Maria do not have scenes together, but they are related, something that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 does not explain explicitly.
Before Project Shadow closed 50 years ago, Gerald Robotnik's granddaughter, Maria Robotnik, lived in the GUN laboratory. While there, she befriended Shadow the Hedgehog, with the ultimate life form coming to care deeply about the child. While shutting down Project Shadow, however, GUN accidentally caused an explosion that killed Maria, beginning Gerald and Shadow's quest for revenge that culminates in the story of Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Maria is Ivo Robotnik's cousin in Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Ivo and Maria are not brothers
Gerald Robotnik is the grandfather of Maria Robotnik and Ivo Robotnik, which means many fans might make the mistake of believing the two characters are siblings. However, this is not the case. Instead, Maria and Ivo are cousins, and the two do not know each other due to Gerald and Maria living in a secure GUN facility, as well as Ivo's age.
This means that Gerald Robotnik must have had at least two children, one being Ivo's parents and the other being Maria's parents. However, these members of the Robotnik family have never been seen in live action Sonic the Hedgehog films or video games, with their identities remaining a complete mystery.
Why Gerald Robotnik prefers Maria over Ivo
It's been 50 years without Maria
Gerald Robotnik makes it clear that he prefers Maria to Ivo, with him saying this directly to Ivo at the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. This is because Gerald was always closer to Mariawith the two living together in the GUN facility for much of Maria's life. Gerald and Ivo do not meet until the story of Sonic the Hedgehog 3with them meeting shortly before Gerald's death.
Gerald Robotnik also spent 50 years planning his revenge due to Maria's death, with her loss being his main motivator over time. Sonic the Hedgehog 3. It would be strange for him to care for a grandson he just met as much as he cares for Maria after all these years, so it only makes sense that he would favor her. So while this revelation is a tragic moment for Ivo Robotnik in Sonic the Hedgehog 3it makes perfect sense for Gerald's character.